Cornerstone Insurance Group: Serving You Since 1925

Cornerstone Insurance Group has been proudly serving the people of Nebraska for decades, offering personalized and comprehensive insurance solutions across 17 communities. As an affiliate of Cornerstone Bank, we provide trusted services through our 18 insurance offices located in Albion, Aurora, Bartlett, Beaver Lake, Central City, Clay Center, Columbus, Harvard, Malmo, Murray, North Loup, Polk, St. Edward,  Stromsburg, Sutton, Wilcox, and York.

Our history dates back to 1925, with the formation of First Trust Insurance Company, a cornerstone in the local insurance industry. The 1982 merger with Hylton-Finn Insurance Agency marked the creation of what would eventually become Cornerstone Insurance Group. Since then, we’ve built a solid foundation of service, with the guidance of local business leaders like Scott Nelson and Kelly Holthus, who helped grow the agency through dedication to their clients and community.

In 2006, Cornerstone Bank recognized the strength of that foundation and acquired the agency, rebranding it as York Insurance Group. Today, under the leadership of Ben Royal, our VP & Manager, Cornerstone Insurance Group has grown to cover a wide range of insurance products, including Home, Auto, Farm, Commercial, Crop, Health, and Life insurance, as well as specialty coverages tailored to meet the needs of Nebraska residents.

Our mission is simple: to provide unmatched customer service and support to our clients, ensuring that their families, businesses, and assets are protected. From farms and businesses to homes and vehicles, we are committed to offering the best insurance options with a personal touch.
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At Cornerstone Insurance Group, we’re not just in the insurance business—we’re part of your community, protecting what matters most.

Timeline of Cornerstone Insurance Group

• 1925:
  First Trust Insurance Company is established, marking the beginning of what would later become Cornerstone Insurance Group.
• 1940s:
  Dean Sack starts the York State Bank Insurance Agency, laying another key piece of the foundation for the future Cornerstone Insurance Group.
• 1950s:
  Don Hylton takes over the York State Bank Insurance Agency from Dean Sack.
• 1970s:
  Joe Finn joins Don Hylton in managing the Hylton-Finn Insurance Agency.
• 1980:
  Scott Nelson joins First Trust Insurance Company as manager.
• 1982:
  First Trust Insurance Company merges with Hylton-Finn Insurance Agency to form York Insurance Agency, under the leadership of Scott Nelson, Bob Jones, Kelly Holthus, Dean Sack, Don Hylton, and Joe Finn.
• 1993:
  After a gradual transition, Scott Nelson and Kelly Holthus become the sole proprietors of York Insurance Agency, Inc.
• 2006 (January):
  Cornerstone Bank purchases York Insurance Agency, Inc. from Nelson and Holthus, rebranding it as York Insurance Group. Nelson remains at the helm until his retirement at the end of the year.
• 2006 (December 31):
  Scott Nelson retires, and Art Moore is named general manager of insurance operations, overseeing the expansion and operations of nine insurance locations.
• 2024 (Present):
  Ben Royal serves as the VP & Manager of Cornerstone Insurance Group, overseeing operations across 19 insurance offices in 18 Nebraska communities, including Albion, Aurora, Bartlett, Beaver Lake, Central City, Clay Center, Columbus, Harvard, Malmo, Murray, North Loup, Polk, St. Edward, Shelton, Stromsburg, Sutton, Wilcox, and York.