understanding your unique circumstances
About Us
As an independent agency, our loyalty lies with you, not the insurance companies. We carefully select financially sound providers who share our dedication to competitive pricing and exceptional service.
1885
Burnett G. Gibson and Frank P. Dunwell founded the Gibson & Dunwell Agency.
1888
Eugene C. Rohn purchased an interest, beginning the Rohn family’s long association.
1965
Stedman C. Rohn passed away, ending the Rohn family’s tenure.
1965
Frank J. Lenz purchased the agency and renamed it Rohn-Lenz Agency.
1982
The agency became Lenz & Associates as Lenz assumed sole ownership.
1994
Marc Lenz purchased the company from his father, Frank Lenz.
2002
Brad Balder joined the agency and helped expand the commercial market.
2006
George Karl purchased an interest in the company and remains active today.
2011
Brad Balder became a partner in the firm.
2019
Zeeland office relocated to Holland due to growth.
2025
Marc Lenz sold his share to Brad Balder, ushering in new leadership.
Our History
About Lenz-Balder Insurance
When Burnett G. Gibson and Frank P. Dunwell established the Gibson & Dunwell Agency in 1885, they could not have known that it would be the beginning of over 130+ years of continuous operation of the insurance agency. Such prominent Mason County names as Rohn, Stray, Hammond, and Stram have been associated with the business, with the Rohn family having the longest tenure from the time Eugene C. Rohn purchased an interest in 1888 to the time his son, Stedman C. Rohn passed away in 1965.
After Stedman Rohn’s death, the agency was purchased by Frank J. Lenz and the agency became the Rohn-Lenz Agency. Over the next several years Lenz merged with other local agencies taking on partners J. R. Scott, Clyde F. Genter and Emile Meny. In 1982 the name of the firm became Lenz & Associates with Lenz retaining ownership as Scott, Genter and Meny retired or moved from the area. In 1994 Frank Lenz’s son Marc Lenz purchased the interest of the company from his father after working in the business for 12 years. In 2006, George Karl purchased an interest in the company and remains with the company today.
At the beginning of 2025, Marc Lenz decided to slow down and spend more time with his family. He made an agreement and sold his share of the agency to Brad. This change will ensure that the next chapter of the agency has strong leadership and vision to maintain the agency legacy that has been established for many more years to come.
Joining of MI
Why Lenz-Balder Insurance?
In 2002 Brad Balder of Zeeland, MI joined the agency from the Campbell Group in Grand Rapids, with an eye on expanding the market and growing the commercial presence. An office was opened in Zeeland to better serve that market and Balder became a partner in 2011. The agency now goes by the name of Lenz-Balder Insurance Agency, Inc.
In October 2019, the Zeeland office moved to the new Holland location due to space constraints due to continued growth and client partnerships.
our commitment goes beyond
Values and Traditions
Many distinguished names have been associated with this agency during the past 130+ years, and although its name has changed no less than ten times, each successive owner has upheld the values and traditions of its founders.
At Lenz-Balder Insurance, our commitment goes beyond offering policies—we strive to build lasting relationships with our clients. By prioritizing your needs and delivering personalized solutions, we ensure you have the right protection at every turn. Whether it’s safeguarding your family, business, or assets, you can trust us to be your partner in security and peace of mind.