Our Story

1965 – Humble Beginnings

In 1965, Tom Heist III returned to his hometown of Ocean City after attending Lafayette College, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, and gaining valuable experience working in the insurance industry in New York City. He joined the D. Allen Stretch Agency, marking the start of a new chapter.

1985 – A New Era

In 1985, Tom Heist III purchased the business and renamed it the Thomas H. Heist Insurance Agency, Inc. His vision for the agency was clear: to provide exceptional insurance solutions while remaining deeply connected to the Ocean City community.

1989 – A Family Legacy Continues

In 1989, Tom Heist IV returned to Ocean City after graduating from Albright College and The College of Insurance, followed by experience with a large insurance firm in New York City. Tom IV joined his father at the agency and quickly developed a specialized condominium insurance program that would become a cornerstone of their business. The program grew as the region saw rapid development in condominiums and larger complexes.

1995 – Leadership Transition

In 1995, Tom Heist IV became President of the company, while Tom Heist III continued as CEO. This shift allowed the agency to expand its reach while maintaining its strong core values and commitment to clients.

2001 – New Headquarters

In 2001, the agency moved to its current location at 700 West Avenue in Ocean City, which provides a modern and accessible space to serve its growing client base.

Growth and Expansion

Over the next twenty years, Tom, along with his brother John and sister Krissy, expanded the Heist Insurance footprint with additional offices in Margate, Marmora, and Moorestown. Our team grew from a small group of under 10 employees to 50 professionals, enabling us to better serve our clients' diverse needs.

We are licensed to operate in 16 states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Virginia, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Massachusetts, Maine, Washington State and California.

Our Partnership with Alera Group

2021 – In 2021, Heist Insurance Agency formed a strategic partnership with Alera Group, expanding our capabilities and reach. This partnership has allowed us to enhance our offerings, broaden our resources, and tap into a network of over 4,200 professionals nationwide. Alera Group’s annual revenue exceeds $1.5 billion, and with more than 200 servicing offices, they rank as the 16th largest broker in the U.S. and the 11th largest property & casualty agency.

Our Mission

At Heist Insurance Agency, we pride ourselves on providing personalized insurance solutions to meet our clients' unique needs. We aim to continue serving our customers with integrity and professionalism, delivering the best possible outcomes in an ever-evolving insurance marketplace.

We also prioritize investing in our people, offering continuous education and training to stay ahead of industry trends. Our commitment to our local communities remains strong, as we continue to support the neighborhoods we serve not just as a business but as neighbors and friends.