In 1936, Leo and Lillian Goodwin started GEICO, an auto insurance company that initially offered policies to government employees and certain enlisted military officers. Despite the economic turmoil of the 1930s, the Goodwins found success by selectively targeting their customer base. Lillian performed virtually all the major tasks at GEICO’s first office, and in its first year, GEICO wrote nearly 4,000 policies and hired 12 staff members. By 1959, GEICO opened its new headquarters in Chevy Chase, Md., where it’s still located today. GEICO is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, and is well known for its humorous commercials and its mascot, the GEICO Gecko.

GEICO offers an array of insurance products such as auto and vehicle insurance, homeowners’ and property insurance, life insurance, identity protection, pet insurance, and more. Its emp...