Leavitt Group has announced that Auburn-based HBT Insurance will affiliate with the group and merge with Leavitt Group Northwest effective April 1.

Leavitt Group is a network of insurance brokers whose collective strength allows members to provide national insurance products and risk management resources to their clients.

HBT’s Bill Cowart and Bob Klontz will join Leavitt Group Northwest’s shareholder team of Jeff Olsen, Dan Olson, and Don Whitfield. With this merger, the combined agency will serve the insurance needs of Washington and surrounding states from their Auburn, Everett, Oak Harbor, and University Place locations.

“Leavitt Group shares the same guiding principles of building strong relationships, respect and trust that have been integral to our organization’s success,” Cowart said. “We are thrilled to be part of the organization.”

“Our decision to move forward with the merger is based on the long-term integrity of both agencies,” Klontz said. “Our intention is to create the best possible environment for our employees while adding value for our customers.”

HBT Insurance has been serving their local community for more than 75 years. Cowart oversees daily operations and marketing while working to create a community centered insurance business dedicated to its customers. Klontz focuses his expertise in coverage analysis, risk management, and placement of all lines of commercial and personal insurance.

Leavitt Group Northwest is part of Leavitt Group and provides clients with greater insurance market access and a wide range of value-added services and resources. Clients receive employee benefits solutions, property and casualty insurance, risk management, and other services. Clients also benefit from the consultative approach to employee benefits and risk management found within the culture of each office and the unique flexibility that comes with local, on-the-ground agency owners.

For more information about Leavitt Group, please visit www.leavitt.com.