Merritt Tongen

Merritt grew up in Waynesville, NC. She attended NC State University where she studied Social Work, Spanish, and Nonprofit Studies. Upon graduation, she moved to Charlotte, NC where she began her insurance career with Auto-Owners Insurance.

During her time in Charlotte as a Commercial Lines Underwriter, Merritt was actively involved with the iLead Committee as a Company Representative. In 2015, she moved to Lansing, MI where she was named Home Office TPP/BOP Underwriter for 13 of Auto-Owners largest states. She provided training in the education of underwriters, helping establish rate changes, facilitating coverage enhancement projects, and participating in annual CSR Conventions. In 2017, Merritt moved to Boise, ID with Auto-Owners as a Marketing Rep.

In 2019, Merritt and her husband Mark welcomed their first son, Calder. Shortly after, they moved back to Waynesville to pursue the family insurance agency as fourth-generation. Merritt and Mark have since welcomed Hayes and Hattie Katherine to the family.

When they’re not working, you can find Merritt and her family exploring the great outdoors by way of camping/hiking and hanging out with friends and family. Merritt is proud to represent her family legacy and is always eager to meet fellow insurance agents!