About Us

We have been operating at the same location in Pine Bluff, AR for over 50 years, where Jim Hood founded
the business in 1956. To this day, the company resides in its original location in the Hood Building pictured
to the right. Built in 1892, this registered historical landmark once housed the Merchants & Planters Bank. It
was the first state chartered bank in Arkansas. The bank's vault was the most advanced in its day with a
time lock and dual combinations; there had to be two bank officers present in order to unlock the vault's
door. The bank failed during the great depression and the building was later purchased at public auction
from Jefferson County by E. W. Hood. It is now the office of Southern Development Corporation. and Hood
& Company Real Estate and Insurance. Expansion followed in 2001 with the addition of a new office in Hot
Springs. Our services include both commercial and personal insurance programs and real estate
management. As an independent insurance agency, real estate broker, and neighbor, we advocate a policy
designed to assure quality service that enables us to offer you very competitive pricing and a broad choice
of products. Today the company still remains in the family, with Ruthie Hood-Carey and sister Susan A.
Kates operating the two business locations. We have expanded our business operations again by adding a
tax franchise, Tax Centers of America, to help our clients during the tax filing season.

1. We'll recommend appropriate coverages
and explain what they mean so that you
can make an informed decision.
2. We'll never try to sell you coverages for
personal reasons.
3. We'll shop for you. At the end of every
policy term, we'll requote the policy with
each of our companies in an effort to find a
better price elsewhere.
4.We'll make the process as simple, easy,
and convenient for you as possible.