Jill Gingrich, Clay Gingrich and Jaime (Gingrich) Vescovi of Warren A. Gingrich Insurance Agency, Altoona. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

The Warren A. Gingrich Agency has been providing insurance for 70 years and plans to continue into the future.

Founded on November 18, 1954 by the late Warren A. Gingrich, the company is today led by agency chairman Clay Gingrich, Warren’s grandson, who took over the role in January 2023.

“I am honored to work here for the Gingrich Agency and continue the legacy that my grandfather built. I am determined to see our company last another 70 years,” said Clay Gingrich, who joined the firm in March 2018. “My grandfather was a big influence in my life, it was something I could do and succeed, he was my role model. When I became president, it was a big undertaking but I was up for the challenge.

Clay’s father, Gary, retired late last year after more than 51 years at the firm, and his uncle, Mark Gingrich, also recently resigned. Both had been president of the company.

The Gingrich Agency added three new licensed customer service agents this year, including Clay’s sister, Jaime (Gingrich) Vescovi. His mother, Jill Gingrich, is also employed at the agency.

Ward Trucking (now Ward Transport & Logistics) played a key role in the birth of the Gingrich Agency.

“Ward Trucking wanted to have a local insurance agency. Warren worked for Aetna in Pittsburgh as a field representative and moved from Pittsburgh to Altoona to become the local agent for Ward Trucking. He moved here with one account and built his business from there locally,” Clay Gingrich said. “If Ward Trucking hadn’t wanted to hire Warren, we wouldn’t be here. »

In 1956, Warren Gingrich acquired his first agency. Over the next 15 years, it acquired 10 additional agencies and its staff grew from two to 10 people. In 1970, the agency purchased its own building at 9 Logan Boulevard, where it is currently located. In 1988, an expansion was made to the agency which included the installation of a drive-up window to serve its customers more comfortably. This expansion brought Warren’s headcount to 15 people and subsequently enabled the acquisition of five additional agencies.

“It’s a way to grow and add more customers. If you do a good job for a client, they refer you to someone else. An agency grows as businesses grow, so we grow and grow with them,” said Clay Gingrich.

Clay Gingrich referenced a local company that started with one location and grew to 14 locations.

“We held the insurance for them. As they grew, we grew. Acquisition is a good way to grow,” said Clay Gingrich.

The Gingrich Agency has a second location in Saxton, formerly White Jenkins Johnson Insurance Agency, but it merged with the Altoona branch earlier this year to unify into one entity.

Today, the agency offers auto and home insurance, business insurance as well as group life and health insurance.

The Gingrich Agency is an independent insurance agency, which has its advantages.

“If you are independent, you select the best product for your clients from a range of insurance companies. We have one of the widest selections in Blair County. We don’t promote one company’s products, we find the best product to sell to the customer,” Clay Gingrich said. “We will do our best to find you the coverage you need at the most affordable price. We care about you. When you register with us, you become part of the Gingrich family.

The agency has 25 employees across the two offices, including seven insurance agents, customer service representatives, a receptionist and a claims department.

“Many agencies don’t have claims departments,” Clay Gingrich said.

In 2021, the agency finalized a partnership with Michigan-based High Street Insurance Partners, a Top 50 U.S. insurance broker. This partnership has been beneficial.

“It’s a conglomeration of like-minded insurance companies that help each other out. When you get a Gingrich policy, it’s a Gingrich policy,” Clay Gingrich said. “This gives us more leverage with insurance companies, more markets and broader expertise.”

The agency has more than 10,000 clients.

“We cover all of Pennsylvania and are licensed in a few other states for some commercial customers. We’ve grown, about 75 percent of our business is targeted here in Blair County,” Clay Gingrich said.

Being a family business over the years has had its advantages.

“Family businesses have values ​​and a vision, they have a clear commitment to ensuring that everyone can assume their responsibilities as well as a commitment to professionalism. The principles and roles of leadership are clearly defined,” said Gary Gingrich.

The Gingrich Agency was recently named the Altoona Mirror’s Favorite Insurance Agency for the third year in a row.

“We are honored to hold this title and this position in the community, it’s a great honor,” said Clay Gingrich.

The future of the agency looks promising.

“I believe our agency is in a good position to continue to grow. We have a lot of younger agents. We are in a good position with younger agents and staff who have transitioned into the sector. We have a good young team here,” Clay Gingrich said.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.