First State Insurance becomes part of Hummel Group

MIDDLEBURY — Hummel Group, an independent insurance and risk management firm out of Berlin, Ohio, has acquired the First State Insurance Agency, based in Middlebury, as of Jan. 1.

Hummel Group started as an independent insurance agency in 1957 and has grown to eight locations across Ohio and Indiana. Hummel provides a broad spectrum of insurance and financial services to both personal and commercial clients.

"The First State Insurance Agency is a great match to partner with Hummel Group," said Vaughn Troyer, president of the Hummel Group. "Hummel already works with many of the insurance carriers represented by First State. In addition, our existing offices are in towns very similar to Middlebury and the surrounding area. We understand and work with thousands of clients just like those at First State Insurance, so we look forward to meeting the clients and serving their needs."

The roots of Hummel Group run deep in the Michiana area, as both Vaughn Troyer and another owner of Hummel, Dave Coil, are from the area.

"The acquisition of First State Insurance feels like a homecoming to me," Coil said. "Having grown up only 10 miles from Middlebury, in Millersburg, I have enjoyed being back in the community. We have been serving family, friends, and clients for the past 14 years through our office in Shipshewana, formerly Yoder Insurance, and I am excited to build on that with First State Insurance."

Hummel will operate out of the current Middlebury location of First State Insurance, while the Elkhart and Goshen branches closed on Monday. Service will continue uninterrupted for all First State Insurance clients, the company said, with the same staff who have all transitioned to the Hummel Group team.

Hummel Group intends to open a new branch on Wayne Street in Middlebury, which will combine the Shipshewana and Middlebury offices. The existing Middlebury office will operate as normal until renovations at the new location are complete, which Hummel anticipates will be in early May.