The 161st Great Frederick Fair has come and gone, but the excellence of Frederick County’s agricultural community, showcased at the Ag Awards Ceremony, continues to captivate our attention. While we previously unveiled the award recipients, which you can explore here, we’re eager to dive deeper into each recipient’s story. Join us as we uncover the unique stories and exceptional contributions of our remarkable awardees. On behalf of the Agriculture Business Council in conjunction with The Great Frederick Fair and Ag Education PR Committee, we are honored to recognize the 17th Ag Business of the Year, The Piedmont Group.
The Piedmont Group was founded in 1999 with the sole purpose of providing insurance programs with tailored coverages, for less premium than competitors, while providing best-in-class customer service.
Owner Andy Bennett did not directly come from a background in agriculture. However, from a young age, he was around the industry and developed an appreciation for the dedication and work ethic among members of the agricultural community. Upon graduating from West Virginia University with a degree in Business Management, Andy felt a gravitation toward agriculture and wanted to pursue a career supporting farmers and related professions. Andy founded the Piedmont Group, driving his pickup truck down farm lanes, talking with any farmer who would give him the opportunity. Starting the business was challenging as he was always on the road working long hours 6-7 days a week, but he was determined to speak to as many potential clients as possible each day. He quickly established strong relationships and loyalty among local farmers, word spread and the business grew. In 2003, Andy hired his first employee. Currently, the business employs more than 8 individuals full-time.
In Frederick County alone, the Piedmont Group has more than 120 clients. The business has grown to be licensed across the country with approximately 1,400 total clients in 30 states. When asked what makes the business successful, Andy says it is not just about insurance, it is about the personal connection they have with clients and their commitment to providing top-notch customer service. Andy’s advice for young entrepreneurs is, “Leverage your resources. Know what you’re great at, focus on that, and get help from others in areas where you may be weaker.”
Over the last 25 years, Andy has witnessed the changes within Frederick County’s agricultural landscape and emphasizes the importance for his team to be educated on what farmers go through. The Piedmont Group team has proven themselves as true allies to farmers and agribusinesses in Frederick County, consistently going above and beyond to provide innovative insurance solutions tailored to industry needs. To learn more about The Piedmont Group, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
Learn all about Frederick County agriculture by visiting www.HomegrownFrederick.com and following our Facebook and Instagram. Stay tuned for our final Ag Award spotlight with Frederick County Young Farmer of the Year, Justin Tucker.