Insurance & Risk Management Firm
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Vast Experience
Insurance & Risk Management Firm
Community Driven
VAST is proud to support the communities in which it works, partnering with many local non-profit organizations to make an impact. Our team members collaborate with these organizations to further our mission of supporting communities.
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The business has evolved over the past 130 years into a successful organization that you can trust. VAST Michigan, located in Marquette, is an insurance and risk management firm that was originally founded by Sidney B. Adams as Loans and Insurance Estate Real.
VAST is an industry pioneer in the realm of business, personal, and benefits insurance requirements. VAST collaborates with its clients to offer safeguard and assurance by means of calculated contemplation and hazard management resolutions. Our group draws in the most exceptional aptitude in the industry because of its “Blue Culture” methodology.
VAST History.
VAST Timeline
1885
Sidney Adams Real Estate, Insurance and Loans, located at 200 East Ridge Street.
1894
301 South Front Street (303-305 structure on South Front Street).
1900
Robert Peters, a Fire Insurance Agent, acquired the business from Sidney Adams.
1919
Robert T. Peters Insurance Agency (obtained his father’s insurance business).
1933
Howard J. Larson became a part of the company.
1945
Following the establishment of a partnership, the name was altered to Peters & Larson, and the place was moved to 113 N. Front Street.
1961
Howard H. Larson joined as a partner.
1963
Wright & York agency purchased.Output: The agency of Wright & York was bought.
1964
Pearce & Raikko agencies purchased.Output: Pearce & Raikko companies acquired.
1964
Harold Raikko joined as a partner, and the name was changed to Peters, Larson & Raikko.
1969
Christine VanAbel becomes a part of the agency.
1970
Acquired Marquette Companies: – Stickney Firm, Dolf Agency, Robertson Agency, and North Michigan Agency.
1970
There are 9 employees working full time and 2 employees working part time.
1972
William H. Weaver becomes a part of the agency.
1973
Weaver joins as a partner, and the company’s name is changed to Larson, Raikko & Weaver, Inc.
1974
The Munising branch, managed by William M. Mazzali, is called Mazzali Insurance.
1975
William K. Hetrick and William A. Todd Jr. Become members of the company.
1977
James T. Healy Agency of Houghton purchased.Output: The Houghton-based James T. Healy Agency made a purchase.
1977
William K. Hetrick and William A. Todd Jr. Appointed as partners.
1978
Larson, Raikko & Weaver Employee Benefits, Inc. Is founded.
1978
People State Agency bought and combined with Mazzali Agency.
1979
Relocated to 300 South Front Street (we are still located there today!).
1979
Acquired Buckingham Insurance Agency in Newberry and Malloy Insurance Agency in Manistique.
1979
Garceau Insurance, St. Onge Insurance, and Jennings Insurance were founded.
1982
The company name was modified to Northern Underwriters, Inc.
1982
The Danielson Insurance Agency was founded.
1982
Teft Agency was founded in Traverse City.
1987
The name has been altered to Larson, Hetrick, and Weaver.
1988
Employs 73 individuals (including all satellite offices).
1988
Scott White becomes a part of the agency.
1988
Vincent Rose has been named the president of Larson, Raikko & Weaver Employee Benefits, Inc.
1989
Beaudin and Beaudin bought in Menominee.
1990
The name of Larson, Raikko and Weaver Employee Benefits, Inc. Has been changed to Northern Underwriters Employee Benefits, Inc.
1993
Northern Underwriters Insurance established its presence in Sault Ste Marie.
1993
Scott White joins as a partner in the company.
1993
Betsy Robar becomes part of the agency.
1997
Danielson Insurance, Garceau Insurance, Mazzali Insurance, and Employee Benefits are all sold.
1997
Christine VanAbel and Scott White have been appointed as partners of Northern Underwriters, Inc. Together with Bill Hetrick.
1998
The name has been changed to Hetrick & Associates Insurance Agency.
1998
Betsy Robar joins as a partner in the recently formed Robar Life & Health LLC.
2010
The name was modified to VAST.
2011
Pam Hillier, Tom Cousineau, and Jay Hillier join forces as partners in the company.
2011
Bill Hetrick steps down from the company.
2011
Received the Business Community Catalyst Award from the Marquette Community Foundation.
2012
Was presented with the Distinguished Service Award by the Lake Superior Community Partnership.
2015
Organization commemorates 130th year milestone.
2016
Acrisure Agency Partner is now affiliated with VAST.
2017
City Insurance Agency combines with VAST and relocates to 300 S. Front St.
2017
I was honored with the 2017 Business Leader Award by the Rotary Club of Marquette.
2017
Designation as the Best Practices Agency (2007 – 2017).
2018
Acknowledged as a premier Insurance Workplace by Insurance Business America.
2019
Designation as the Best Practices Agency (2007 – 2019).
2019
Acknowledged as a leading Insurance Workplace by Insurance Business America.
2019
Our office building at 300 S. Front St. Has been renamed ‘The Christine A. VanAbel Building” as a tribute to Chris VanAbel.
2019
Chris VanAbel was honored with induction into the Michigan Insurance Hall of Fame.
2019
Chris VanAbel was showcased as an Elite Woman in the Insurance Sector by Insurance Business America.
2020
Acknowledged as a leading Insurance Workplace by Insurance Business America.
2020
Designation as the Best Practices Agency (2007 – 2020).
2020
Acknowledged as the top locations to work in the insurance industry by Business Insurance and the Best Companies Group.
2021
Designation of Best Practices Agency (2007-2021).
2021
Acknowledged as the top locations to work in the insurance industry by Business Insurance and the Best Companies Group. (2020-2021)
2021
Acknowledged as a leading Insurance Workplace by Insurance Business America. (2018-2021)
2022
Acknowledged as a leading Insurance Workplace by Insurance Business America. (2018-2022)