At Westfield Allstate Agency, Andy Heinz Takes the Torch From Ron Bansky

WESTFIELD, NJ — Andy Heinz's first day at Westfield's Allstate insurance agency was the day after Superstorm Sandy hit. It was a frantic time, with power out, trees down and water damage everywhere. Thirteen Westfield homes were condemned, and 53 more were seriously damaged, according to officials.

Heinz got to work answering the phones and putting people's minds at ease about their claims.

"Somehow we got through it and just moved on from there," Heinz said. "We got ready for the next major situation where, hopefully, we were able to protect the people between those time periods, so that the next time that something happened they were properly protected, too."

Heinz has worked at the Westfield office ever since, and last month he bought the agency from long-time owner Ron Bansky, who is retiring.

"Andy is the perfect person to lead the agency going forward," Bansky said. "He's experienced and caring, as many of our customers can attest from working with him during his 10 years as the agency's personal financial representative. Personally, I've known Andy since we pledged our fraternity together in college and I consider him family. The agency is truly 'in good hands.'"

The two attended Rowan University together.

"Hopefully, we'll continue the legacy of Ron Bansky and continue to grow and become more visible," Heinz said. "And you're still getting the friendly agency who is here to help."

Heinz is very big on relationships, he said.

"I'm very personal person," Heinz said. "I know it's a little more old-school, but I find I find satisfaction in people saying 'thank you' to you. It means a lot to me, and it goes both ways. I want to thank customers for their business and people for their time."

As the new owner, Heinz is continuing the agency's tradition of sponsoring TAPinto Westfield's Athlete of the Week series, which recognizes outstanding Westfield High School student athletes.

"Some of these young adults are not the star performers, but they're the 'glue' of the teams," said Heinz, who played football in college. "You may have one star player that gets their name in the paper a lot, but with the Athlete of the Week we're also recognizing the members of the team who make everyone's success possible."

Heinz is also continuing the agency's tradition of giving back to the local community, including donating $50 to the Westfield Boosters Association whenever someone calls them at 908-301-0711 for a new auto, home or life insurance quote and mentions that week's Athlete of the Week. And Heinz doesn't stop there.

"I look forward to meeting a lot of people," Heinz said. "If you want to stop in and say 'hi' and tell me that you read the article, it's another situation where we'll give 50 more dollars to the Boosters."

The agency is located at 502 East Broad St. in Westfield. To learn more, click here.