The Zentz family of Thurmont has been providing insurance and financial services for northern Frederick County for over 77 years and through four generations. Recently, the family business changed generations yet again when Chester T. Zentz, Jr. retired, leaving the agency’s management to and his daughter Lori J. Zentz and son Chester T. Zentz, III. Chester, Jr. will continue to be involved in the business as an associate agent. "We are here when you need us and always available to help you." he said.

The family’s entrance to the insurance business began in 1928 when George Zentz represented Farm Bureau insurance. In 1948, George’s son Chester Zentz, Sr. continued the family business by also representing Farm Bureau insurance until it changed its name to Nationwide Insurance in 1956.

The family business tradition entered into the third generation when Chester Zentz, Jr. became an agent for Nationwide in 1961. He spent many years working from his converted garage office until he built the company’s present office on Main Street in Thurmont. Chester, Jr. grew the agency into one of the most successful agencies in the country for Nationwide, built on a foundation for providing excellent customer service. Chester, Jr.’s wife Jean was also involved in the business throughout the years as a customer service representative and office manager.

The fourth generation of the family joined the insurance business shortly after finishing college. Each spent a few years in other careers before joining the family business.

In the 1984 Chester, Jr.’s daughter Lori joined the agency and in 1987 Chester, III joined the agency, both creating their own successful agencies at the same location.

In 1990, Chester, Jr.’s youngest daughter Michelle Waldron joined the agency as a customer service/sales representative. Other customer service representatives at the agency include Thurmont residents Kathy Morgan and Kelly Hurtt.

Today, over 77 years from when it began, it’s business as usual at the Zentz Agency. "We will continue to carry on the family tradition of providing superior customer service — what has separated us from the competition over the years," said Chester Zentz, III.

"We’ve been serving the community for over 77 years and will continue to do so for many, many years to come," said Lori J. Zentz.

The Zentz agency is licensed in Maryland, Pennsylvania , Virginia and West Virginia and offers one-stop shopping for the insurance and financial needs of their clients. Nationwide Insurance and Financial is a full service insurance company offering auto, home, business and farm insurance as well as financial services. For more information, call Zentz Insurance and Financial at 301 271-2438 or 301-662-9549 or stop by their office conveniently located at 130 East Main Street in Thurmont.