Arthur Girio started the Girio Agency, 521 N.
Market St., in 1957 and 54 years and two generations
later the family-owned business remains the
county's source for real estate and insurance services.
Currently the business is owned by Arthur Girio's
two sons, George and Joe Girio, who took over daily
operations of the company in the 1990s.
"My brother and I took ownership of the business
in the 90s," George Girio said, noting the business is
now on its third generation. "Now our sons are
involved."
Real estate brokerage, investment, consultation
and appraisal as well as all forms of insurance
including auto, life, home and business are among
the services offered by the agency.
According to George Girio, who oversees most of
the real estate operations, the Girio Agency's 54-year
history makes it the oldest brokerage firm in
Lycoming County. He also said the company is one
of the largest appraisal businesses in the central part
of the state.
Joe Girio oversees the insurance side of the business
and said the agency's decades of experience
help the company meet the needs of any client. He
emphasizes the personal touch offered by the agency.
"People still like to come in and talk to someone
when they have a problem. Personal service means
something to people, especially to our older clients,"
Joe Girio said. "Clients will find honest answers
with us."
Offering both real estate and insurance services
helps make the Girio Agency a one-stop shop for
clients, George Girio said.
"We're more than just listing and selling homes.
By coming to us we can provide (clients) with services
for their insurance and real estate needs,"
George Girio said. "The fact that we're diversified
sets up apart from other companies."
In addition to the real estate and insurance services,
the agency recently has branched out into education
through its Professional Career Learning
Academy, which provides training and education for
real estate agents and commercial developers.
George Girio, who is one of only 16 appraisal
qualifications board certified uniform standards of
professional appraisal practices instructors in the
state of Pennsylvania, said the academy helps realtors
and appraisers
maintain their certifications
and licenses.
The agency also
develops commercial
and residential properties
through its
Georgetown Manor and
Girio Properties divisions,
which have developed
67 units.
What the brothers
enjoy most about the
business is its peopleoriented
nature and that
enjoyment helps build
lasting relationships
with clients.
"One of the things
we cherish the most is
we've had people as
customers for years.
People who were with
our father at the beginning
and are still with
us today," George Girio
said. "I enjoy helping
people make money for
themselves and helping
them find a home for
their families. There's a
personal satisfaction in
that."
Looking toward the future, the brothers believe
their sons, Andrew and Brian, are the future of the
company and it will be up to them to determine the
fate the Girio Agency.
"Our sons are the future of this business," George
Girio said. "As we continue on, it will be up to them
in what direction they take the company."
For more information about the services offered at
the Girio Agency, contact them at 326-1793. The
office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30
a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m.
