What do you have that you want to protect?

This is the question Sean Roach, owner of Orcas Island’s newest insurance company, Madrona Point Insurance, asks all his clients.

Although the question seems straightforward, the individual answers are complicated and come with a myriad of personal details related to living here.

Sean and Steffanee, his wife and business partner, both grew up on Orcas which they consider as an asset to their business. When it comes to an islander’s home, transportation, boat, business, or second home, the Roaches know why these things are more than possessions — they are the Orcas lifestyle.

Sean says because they both grew up here they know most of the people here, and with that comes an understanding of the pace and way of life on Orcas. He calls it an intangible knowledge about the way people choose to live on Orcas.

Madrona Point is a full-service, independent insurance company. Independent is an important distinction to Sean. By functioning like a broker, Madrona Point Insurance is able to sell a variety of companies’ insurance products, from Safeco to The Hartford. Sean is not a captive agent, meaning limited to selling one company’s product, but can sell insurance from a dozen different companies.

Sean has been a realtor for nine years and will continue to list and sell properties through Island Properties.

“He’s very smart,” Steffanee said. “He finds ways that most people wouldn’t think about.”

Sean explains that Steffanee’s role will be complimentary to his own.

“She’s someone people will feel comfortable talking to about things that are really personal,” Sean said, adding that confidentiality is especially valuable when living on a small island.

After graduating from Orcas schools in the mid 90s, Sean and Steffanee moved off island to go to Seattle colleges. Seven years ago they moved back permanently to raise their family here.

“It’s just always been home,” Steffanee said.

Madrona Point Insurance can be reached at 376-5707 or visit www.madronapoint.net.