Looking back on the past 25 years, we feel humbled and grateful for all the people we have met, friendships we have made, the team we work with, the community that has embraced us, and the clients who have trusted us to provide their insurance needs.
Steve Yeity opened CrossKeys Insurance, an independent agency, in September of 1997 in a one room, 150 sq ft office. He was appointed a contract with Erie Insurance to sell auto, home, business, and life insurance. As the client base grew, additional carrier appointments were added to accommodate our clients’ unique needs. We initially had part-time administrative help and then in 1998, our first full-time insurance agent was hired to expand our service capabilities. Our business grew through business associates, referrals, and people spreading the word. In 1999 Steve had an opportunity to acquire The Fair Agency in Mt Penn. Coincidentally years before, The Fair Agency was The Ebling Agency which was located in Ontelaunee Township under the founding owner, Aaron Ebling. It was an excellent fit to expand the CrossKeys client base and consolidate both offices in to the newly built CrossKeys Corporate Center and expand our staff.
In 2003, Steve was approached by John Hvizda to assist in the perpetuation of his business, A&J Insurance Agency in Hamburg. The proximity to our office and the potential to expand our market north made this another solid acquisition. Our agency continued to grow organically with our focus on customer service and client retention. In 2004 Vanessa Pagán joined CrossKeys, now our longest-tenured team member. She began as a personal lines agent, in 2014 was awarded Erie’s Quality CSA Award, and is the Manager of our Reading office. With our continued growth, we again outgrew our office space. A property was for sale on the corner of Pottsville Pike and Huller Lane, visible from our existing office. The office was built, opening in 2005, and still serves as our main location today.
Shortly after consolidating the Hamburg office into our new building in Ontelaunee Township, we realized the growing Hamburg client base warranted an office in Hamburg. After renting for a few years, we purchased the property at 303 State Street, renovated, and opened our doors in 2010. Tim Flynn, who joined CKI in 2008, is the manager of our Hamburg location providing continuity of caring, knowledgeable, professional service.
Over the years we have added quality people to our team. In 2015, Courteny Patton joined us as our commercial lines agent and Mike Grim, as our trusted property inspector. Vicki Hull joined our team in 2016 as a personal lines agent in our Hamburg office, moving to our Reading location in 2020. Steve’s elder daughter, Alexandra Yeity, made a career change in 2017 joining the agency and developing into a personal lines agent. Ben Bastian, commercial lines agent, and Tina Kauffman, personal lines agent joined us in 2020. Our most recent hire, Jen Gage, started her role as front desk administrator in 2022. Michele Yeity continues her support role as controller and community outreach coordinator. Our Team of licensed insurance agents hold a combined 11 advanced insurance designations and are licensed in 13 states to provide clients knowledgeable and accessible responses to their insurance needs. Steve and our team are proud to be celebrating 25 years in business and appreciate the opportunity to be the “key to your security”.
