Barnes-Bollinger Insurance: Three Generations of Service

Barnes-Bollinger Insurance Services, Inc. has served the Westminster area for more than 60 years and it all began in the heart, mind and home of Edward O. Bollinger. 

Bollinger started his insurance business out of his home on Green Street in the 1940’s. He continued to grow Bollinger Insurance even when the family relocated to a house on Malcolm Drive; a house that Lewis Family Chiropractic & Wellness Center operates out of today.

In the 1970’s, Bollinger’s sons Mark and David joined in the family business.  The business gained momentum until 1984 when the family merged with John Barnes Insurance agency. The business was given its present name: Barnes-Bollinger and the joint venture relocated to its present address, 95-97 Main Street in Westminster.

Barnes-Bollinger has continued to serve the Westminster community under the ownership of his sons, now co-owners of the company. 

In 2007, Ed's daughter Ann joined in the family business, and then in 2009, Barnes-Bollinger earned the title of a three-generation business when they welcomed Ed Bollinger's granddaughter Emily into the agency. 

Ann Bollinger feels that it is a combination of the integrity, honesty and the importance of community involvement, instilled in them by their father, that has kept the business thriving for over 60 years.

“We’ve kept most of our insurers in Carroll County.  Living here, working here and being very involved in the local community allows us to really know our clients and their needs,” she said.

Over the years, Barnes-Bollinger has supported countless local businesses and endeavors through personal participation and/or donations. Their most recent donation benefiting Westminster's Carroll Hospital Center.

"Our dad was very involved in the community as a member of and former president of Lions, Elks, Moose, VFW. He was a very active member of and past-president of the First Armored Association of WWII Veterans as well as Boumi Temple Shrine," Ann said.

Ann and her brothers have followed in their father's footsteps, in this way too, each volunteering in multiple charities and organizations.

Mark Bollinger, President of Barnes-Bollinger Insurance Services, Inc. serves on the RAC Committee for Carroll Hospital Center.

Dave Bollinger, Vice President of Barnes-Bollinger, has at times served as President of the Westminster Riding Club and as Chairman of the Board of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce.  Currently, Dave serves as Hoop Shoot Chairman of Elks Lodge #2277, and Board member of Flying Colors of Success.  Dave also has been a long-time supporter and volunteer for girls basketball through the Westminster Rec Council and for the Special Olympics.

Ann, Commercial Producer of Barnes-Bollinger has served through the years as Club Secretary and Chair of the Rock Ball, Kiwanis Club of Greater Westminster and has volunteered for the Therapeutic Riding Program.  She is a current board member of The Shepard's Staff and is a member and former Vice President of the Westminster chapter of Business Networking International.

Ann said that the city has changed tremendously around the business over the past 60 years.

“The small primarily farming community that was Carroll County in the 1940’s has morphed into not only a superior agricultural hub, but a vast commercial and residential dynamo," Ann said.

"The handshake deals that were the norm for our father along with the carbon copied two-page applications have become relics of the distant past.

The days when he would walk into any establishment or home and know everyone are long gone as the influx of new residents and businesses has boomed.”

Despite this ‘booming’ of new residents and clients Barnes-Bollinger intends to continue working with Carroll County clients, perhaps continuing into future generations.