Full services insurance agency for individuals and companies in Louisville, Kentucky | Van Zandt, Emrich & Cary Insurance Agency

Our Future

Building to better serve our clients - Groundbreaking Completion 2011. Track our progress by checking in frequently on our Recent News page and watch us grow.

Our History

Van Zandt, Emrich & Cary traces its roots back to 1914 when Richard Williams started his insurance agency in Louisville, Kentucky.

In 1949, after returning from WWII, Jo Van Zandt joined Williams & Henning. His first desk was in the hall outside of the office in the Starks Building. Because his father was a doctor he started out selling a relatively new policy called Professional Liability. With an average premium of just $25.00, Van Zandt grew this into one of the largest books of Professional insurance written by an Independent Agent.

In that same year, Claud Emrich started his insurance career as an agent working with a group of five other agents who shared office space and secretarial support provided by the Aetna Casualty & Surety. Two years later, in 1951, he opened his own office. Although he initially sold mostly personal lines policies, Claud quickly found a niche working with contractors.

In 1960, while still maintaining their autonomy, the Henning & Van Zandt agency and Emrich began sharing office space and expenses in the Starks Building in downtown Louisville. In 1969 Starks Building neighbor Art Cary, who focused his business on heavy equipment and manufacturing concerns, joined forces with Jo Van Zandt and Claud Emrich to incorporate as Van Zandt, Emrich & Cary, Inc. and create the agency that exists today. At the time of their incorporation they were one of the largest independent agencies in Kentucky, providing personal, commercial and life insurance. These three successful businessmen, who each enjoyed success in their chosen areas, were also great friends, making Van Zandt, Emrich & Cary’s success all the better.

In 1982 Dick Burks, owner of Hummel, Meyer & Burks since 1975, merged with Van Zandt, Emrich & Cary. Hummel, Meyer & Burks traced its roots back to the agency created by Mr. Hummel in 1875. Mr. Burks remains an active sales professional in the agency today.

In 1987 the Schlich Agency merged with Van Zandt, Emrich & Cary, bringing producers Paul Schlich, Sr. and Rudy Schlich to the organization. Presently, Rudy Schlich is an active sales professional with the agency.

In 2000, The Arnold Group merged with our organization bringing Mike Arnold into the Van Zandt, Emrich & Cary fold. Mike has become a top sales professional and one of the keys to our growth since joining the agency.

In 2007 Van Zandt, Emrich & Cary broadened its offerings by creating an Employee Benefits division headed by Bobby Neutz. This division has continued to grow, now including four members who provide excellent service to over 120 groups. With the addition of Jeff Gates in 2011 to lead the Financial Services division, Van Zandt stands ready to serve the broadest variety of insurance and financial needs.

Today, Van Zandt, Emrich & Cary is proud to serve over 6000 businesses and individuals in the Louisville, Kentucky area. Our team of 15 producers and 32 staff members stands ready to bring the Van Zandt experience to all we serve.

What We Can Do For You!

We can help you with the concerns that keep you up at night, and even some that you may not have thought about! We have a team of accredited insurance advisors that have the knowledge and resources to bring to your specific situation. Along with some of the best company partners in the business, our associates have invested countless hours in classes, seminars, and self-study to prepare themselves to bring solutions to your issues!