Our story began in 1970, when Mr. Larry Powell and his wife Wilma relocated to Wilmington, where he took a position as a tax administrator. After 13 years, he transferred to Buncombe County and took an early retirement. During that time, he was also running his real estate development and rental business, Will’s Enterprise. Primarily run by Mrs. Wilma Powell, the business was extremely successful, and showed others what the Powell family was capable of. In 1989, Larry was approached to open a bail bonding business. After giving the idea a great deal of consideration, the Powells decided to give this venture their all. Larry decided not to just become a North Carolina Bail Bondsman but to begin the best bail bonding company in southeastern NC.
After taking the North Carolina state exam he became a professional bondsman and soon thereafter he obtained his surety license. (A requirement for all bondsmen.) Not long after he obtained his surety license, the North Carolina State Legislature changed the laws on surety license requirements, making it easier to obtain licensure. So now there are numerous surety bondmen in the bonding industry, but Mr. Larry Powell was one of the first.
Mr. Powell was the first in New Hanover County to obtain his surety license. Once in business, Mr. Powell thought there should be a better way to oversee and monitor the bonding industry in southeastern NC, so he assisted in forming the Lower Cape Fear Bonding Association. He actually served as president of the Association for many years.
After the development of the local association, Mr. Powell felt there was more to be done, so he worked with several other bondsmen throughout the state of North Carolina, to form a state bonding association. So not only is he a founding member, but he served many years on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Bail Agents Association.
Mr. Powell saw a new and better way to manage the bail bonding industry, and has been a groundbreaker at every step. His company currently has 8 locations in 8 counties, covering all of southeastern North Carolina. His daughter, Cindy Lee, oversees the day-to-day operations, along with veteran bondman and agent manager, John E. Leonard Jr.
They have continued the family legacy set forth by the Powells, and they show their extensive knowledge and care for their community in everything they do. We invite you to become a part of our story, today.
