Keller-Brown Insurance Services is celebrating a monumental milestone—125 years of remarkable growth and dedicated service. From our humble beginnings in the small, industrious town of Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, we have significantly expanded, providing essential financial protection to our community and beyond. Reflecting on our rich history, we are proud to advance our legacy of trust, commitment, and community support, staying true to the values that have guided us for over a century.
The Founding of a York County Mainstay
Pictured: Eli Benjamin Keller
The story of our agency begins in 1899, a time when Glen Rock was experiencing a surge of growth and development. Industry and the railroad were transforming the town, leading to the construction of new Victorian-style homes and a booming business environment. Recognizing the town's potential, entrepreneur Eli Benjamin Keller joined forces with J.L. Trout to succeed Allen M. Seitz, Esquire in the fire insurance business, trading as Keller & Trout. The firm also served as a real estate agency, supporting Glen Rock's expansion and prosperity.
Since 1899, our agency has evolved into a trusted name in insurance. Today, Keller-Brown Insurance Services continues to provide essential financial protection. "My great grandfather, Eli Benjamin Keller, saw an opportunity in Glen Rock. It's incredible to think about all the history that has happened between then and now" reflects Joy Keller-Brown, a fourth-generation former owner. Back then, the world was vastly different—the automobile was just invented, and women couldn't vote, making our agency's journey through history even more remarkable. By 1903, Paul J. Beck replaced Trout and the business name changed to Keller, Beck & Co. in 1904.
How Keller-Brown Became a Family Business
Pictured are Barry Keller (3rd Generation), Harold Diehl Keller (2nd Generation), Jeff Brown, and Joy Keller-Brown (4th generation)
In 1927, Joy's grandfather, Harold Diehl Keller, joined the business to assist his father Eli, who was in ill health. Harold, who also served as York County Commissioner, took over the business in 1932, and the agency became known as Keller and Company.
By 1955, Harold's son, Barry Keller, continued the family tradition and became a partner in the business in 1957. The father and son partnership traded as Keller Agency. During this period, our agency moved its office to Barry's home, reflecting the close-knit nature of the family business. Harold Keller retired in the late 1970s after 50 years of service.
In 1978, Joy Keller-Brown, Barry's daughter, reluctantly joined the team. Reflecting on her decision, Joy recalls, "I had dreams of running a nursery and selling plants, but my dad persuaded me to give the family business a try. Looking back, it was the best decision I ever made. It changed the course of my life and allowed me to be part of something truly meaningful." Her husband, Jeff Brown, came aboard as a producer, and together they helped drive our agency forward. The agency incorporated and became Keller Agency, Inc.
Although based in Glen Rock since 1899, the agency decided to move to the fast-growing town of Shrewsbury in 1984, beginning to trade as Keller-Brown Insurance Services in rented quarters on West Forrest Avenue. This move symbolized a new chapter in our history, emphasizing growth and adaptation while staying true to our family roots.
From Self-Education to Industry Leadership
Pictured: Jeff Brown and Joy Keller-Brown
Despite having no insurance experience prior to joining in 1979, Jeff Brown's people skills and dedication were pivotal in driving the agency forward. Together, Barry, Joy, and Jeff made an excellent team, with Barry's wisdom and experience, Joy's operational acumen, and Jeff's knack for building relationships. Their complementary skills became the foundation for navigating and thriving through major industry shifts.
Education was crucial for Jeff as he adapted to the industry "We relied heavily on self-education to grow the agency. We attended various schools and engaged in extensive self-learning," remembers Jeff.
Relationships within the insurance community also proved vital to our agency's growth. "Working with the Insurance Company of North America (INA) provided us with a lot of support and a strong start. However, when INA decided to withdraw from the property and casualty business in 1990, we had to adapt quickly and secure contracts with other companies to continue our growth," Jeff continued.
Their relentless focus on education, improvement, and relationship-building not only helped our agency navigate transitions but also put us in a strong position to acquire five other agencies, including the H. N. Fishel and Associates, Inc. from Red Lion, PA. Jeff and Joy's teamwork and focus on building strong relationships within the insurance community have been instrumental in navigating these changes and supporting the agency's continued growth.
A New Era in Shrewsbury: Balancing Tradition and Innovation
Pictured: Odd Fellows Hall in Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania before the renovation
With a staff increasing in numbers, the agency outgrew its office space. Across the street, they saw 9 South Main Street, a dilapidated three-story building that was screaming for some TLC. Barry, Jeff, and Joy partnered in its acquisition and renovations began in 1989. In 1990, Keller-Brown Insurance Services moved into the newly restored historic Odd Fellows Hall, originally constructed in 1853 and recognized by the National Historic Register as "the finest example of Greek Revival Architecture in South Central Pennsylvania." This move symbolized the agency's commitment to growth and community presence, blending our rich history with forward-thinking innovation. Barry retired in 1994.
In 2008, the fifth generation joined the firm with Eli Keller's great-great-granddaughter, Sarah Brown, came on board. She came to the agency with several years of underwriting and loss control experience, and spent time in all areas of the business before becoming the President and CEO in 2019, thus leading the agency into a new era. Under her leadership, the agency has embraced our family-focused atmosphere, ensuring team members have the flexibility to balance work and family life.
Sarah Brown, the daughter of Jeff and Joy, practically grew up in the office. "When Sarah was a little baby, I didn't take any time off. We just took her right to the office with us because it was just my dad, Jeff, and me. She was in the agency all the time with her little crib beside my desk," Joy recalls.
Sarah even remembers those early days, "I have memories of my early years at the agency, like standing and walking among the paper files, which I would sometimes pull out. I learned the importance of family and hard work from a very young age."
Driven initially by the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency transitioned to a hybrid work environment. This hybrid environment has continued, fostering a supportive atmosphere where team members can spend more time with their families, and offering customers various ways to connect with their agents—in our office, over the phone, or via video chat.
Sarah's commitment to maintaining a family-oriented culture has been a cornerstone of her leadership. She continues to build on the strong foundation laid by previous generations, creating an environment that values both professional excellence and personal well-being.
125 Years Strong: A Testament to Family, Community, and Resilience
This 125th anniversary is a source of immense pride for us. It symbolizes the perseverance and dedication passed down through five generations of the same family, each contributing to the legacy and growth of the agency. We are grateful for our long-standing customer relationships and the loyalty of our employees, many of whom have been with us for decades.
As we reflect on our rich history, we're also focused on the future. Sarah Brown describes the agency's vision to continue evolving while maintaining valued relationships with carrier partners, customers, and the community: "The insurance industry is complex, and our goal is to simplify the process for our customers, making insurance transactions as seamless and easy as possible."
Despite technological changes that have challenged independent agents, such as online insurance sales and the rise of AI, Keller-Brown Insurance Services has continually adapted and thrived. What also remains unchanged is that the agency that Eli Keller helped build into a trusted institution, still relies on good, old-fashioned customer service to give its clients the personal treatment they expect and the individual attention they deserve.
Sarah affirms, "I believe in our industry's resilience and am confident that Keller-Brown will continue to innovate and serve our community for many years to come."
The Commitment Continues: Donation Drive for Fire Departments
Our enduring commitment to the community goes far beyond providing insurance. For 125 years, we have been dedicated to developing protection plans that prevent financial disasters and support community resilience. Now, we need your help to give back to the local fire departments that keep us safe.
Join Our Donation Drive!
We aim to raise $12,500 to be evenly distributed among five fire departments in York County.
-
Shrewsbury Volunteer Fire Company
-
Glen Rock Hose & Ladder Company
-
New Freedom Rose Fire Company
-
Eureka Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Company
-
Craley Community Fire Company
Your donations will make a significant impact on the safety and well-being of our community.
How to Donate:
-
Drop off your donation at our office.
-
Mail your donation to:
Keller-Brown Insurance Services
9 S Main St, PO Box 215
Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania 17361
Thank you for being part of our journey. Let's continue our legacy of service, growth, and community support for another 125 years!