In 1906, a dentist in Hastings, Nebraska, needed malpractice insurance. With no available options, Dr. William Henry Steele decided to solve his own problem by creating an insurance agency – a decision that would create a legacy well beyond his days as a dentist.   

Dr. Steele’s nephew, Joseph H. Steele, took over the firm in 1915 before bringing on Orville L. Ellerbrock as a partner 1933. The duo became the Steele-Ellerbrock Agency with a focus on helping central Nebraska business and families protect themselves against risk. 

Fast forward 20 years, and a young man named Jack B. Norris came on board. As Joe Steele moved into retirement, Norris became a partner in the firm, and we took on the name that would become synonymous with client service in the risk advisory space: Ellerbrock-Norris. 

In 1989, Brian Bassett joined Ellerbrock-Norris and soon became a partner. Two years later, following the untimely death of his business partner, Jay Jacupke, Bassett became the sole owner of the firm. He stepped into the role knowing there was a better way to serve our clients. To be relationship focused. To look out for the next generation of business owners. To be a true advisor.

From that point forward, we’ve redefined what it means to be a risk advisor, focusing on providing value and diving into our clients’ needs – at their business, at home with their families and for their future goals – rather than just focusing on premium quoting and annual renewals.