About Us

Our Beginning

In 1993, Thomas Ward and Michael Rice started working in the insurance business as direct writers for American Family Insurance, an established insurance carrier. After years of working together at a large insurance carrier, they found themselves unable to help many good clients simply because those individuals didn’t fit the company’s strict criteria. Instead of accepting limits that prevented them from offering the level of service they believed clients deserved, they launched their own independent agency. When Thomas Ward and Michael Rice realized they could better serve clients by creating an agency built around flexibility and personalization, they created Ward & Co. Insurance (previously Thomas Ward Insurance Group) in 1999. For more than 30 years, their singular goal remained providing coverage that genuinely fits each person’s needs, without the restrictions that often accompany traditional insurance models.

The Value of Independence

As an independent agency, Ward & Co. is not tied to a single insurance company’s products or policies. This independence allows the team to explore multiple carriers and assemble coverage that works for each client’s goals and risks. With access to a wider range of options, the agency can address needs that a single insurer may not be able to fulfill. This ability to customize coverage is a core part of what makes Ward & Co. different and ensures that clients receive solutions designed with their best interests in mind.

A Different Way to Deliver Insurance

The decision to become independent was rooted in a commitment to putting clients first. Thomas and Michael saw how large carriers often relied on fixed packages and rigid underwriting rules that left clients with limited choices. At Ward & Co., the focus shifted entirely. Rather than forcing people into predetermined policies, the agency was designed to offer solutions tailored to the individual. This approach gives clients greater flexibility, more options, and the reassurance that their coverage reflects their real circumstances — not a preset template.

Continued Growth Through Shared Values

In 2021, Ward & Co. Insurance acquired the Ned Gulbransen Insurance Agency. This strategic step expanded the firm’s reach while preserving a shared commitment to personal service, trusted advice, and long-standing client relationships. By bringing together the experience of both agencies, Ward & Co. strengthened its ability to serve clients with continuity, care, and local expertise.

Our Commitment to Clients

From the beginning, Ward & Co. has focused on understanding what clients need and guiding them toward the best possible protection. Whether someone is new to partnering with the firm or has relied on the agency for years, the priority remains the same: listen carefully, respond thoughtfully, and deliver coverage that truly meets expectations. Supported by strong relationships with a carefully curated list of 15 insurance carriers, Thomas, Michael, and their licensed professional team continue to offer a wide range of personal and business insurance solutions grounded in value, responsiveness, and genuine care.