Fifth generation begins start at McBane Insurance

STEUBENVILLE -- When James McBane founded McBane Insurance and Financial Services, Inc. nearly 124 years ago, he certainly did not foresee what his company would look like today.

Nor could he have imagined that 2024 would be the year in which the family's fifth generation would be continuing in the company he created.

James McBane began his insurance business in Bergholz in 1900.

Throughout the years, James worked building that business, where he was later joined by his son, Ralph.

Ralph came to be in charge of agency operations from 1935 until his retirement in 1990. His son, Jim, had joined the agency in 1965 as the third generation of McBanes to enter the insurance world.

Jim worked for the company through 2021. His two sons, Dave and Dan, would make up the fourth generation of the agency, joining in 1994 and 2014, respectively.

During the 1990s, McBane Insurance and Financial Services Inc. expanded from one location to three, opening offices in Carrollton and Wintersville. Its main branch continues to reside in Bergholz.

Today, an "exciting change is taking place," according to family members.

Alec McBane, the oldest of Dave's three sons, is the fifth generation of the family to begin a career at the longstanding agency.

"This is special milestone for us because in a day and age where large corporations are buying businesses like ours, our business is fortunate enough to continue to thrive," family members said. "Our hope for the future is to continue to grow, remain family owned and serve the Ohio Valley well."

A graduate of Ohio State University, Alec began his position Jan. 8.

Having studied business and being able to have taken insurance-specific classes during his time at OSU, he is now studying for his property and casualty license.

Alec will be working as a producer of both personal and commercial lines insurance, the family explained.

He is looking forward to learning the family business that was started by his great-great-grandfather 124 years ago.

He will be spending time in all three of the business's locations.

The agency has five producers, a service staff of 11 and is an independent agent working with more than 20 companies and brokers.

"McBane Insurance has a proven track record in the Ohio Valley and is driven by values of service and integrity -- aiming for satisfied clients," family members said.

The communities throughout the Ohio Valley are important to the McBane family, as they continue to give back and support area school districts, charitable organizations and churches.

The agency participates in staff events, where money is raised and donated to various nonprofits and causes.

Office locations are 262 Second St. in Bergholz, 1115 Canton Road in Carrollton and 215 Main St. in Wintersville.

For information about the business, stop in to any location, call (740) 768-2121, or visit the website mcbane.com to submit a request.