BEL AIR, Md. — October 1, 2020 — Strategic Sequoia Group Inc. acquired the employee-benefits book of business and operating assets of Pace Thomas Benefit Services from David Pace, bringing a longstanding Harford County benefits practice into the Decker family-owned organization.
Pace Thomas Benefit Services served hundreds of businesses and thousands of individuals in Bel Air and throughout Harford County over more than 30 years. The acquisition included the agency's employee-benefits book of business, office furniture, computers, and phone system. Strategic Sequoia Group also hired the Pace Thomas employees, helping preserve service continuity and institutional knowledge during the transition.
As part of the transaction, Strategic Sequoia Group continued operating from the existing office space under a two-year lease to support a smooth transition for employees and clients.
Offit Kurman served as Strategic Sequoia Group's legal counsel for the transaction. Andrew Decker worked tirelessly behind the scenes with counsel and the transaction team to bring the deal to closing, while Laura Decker worked in the trenches with David Pace on the practical transition of the business, employees, systems, and client service.
Andrew Decker, founder of Strategic Sequoia Group Inc., said:
“When I founded Strategic Sequoia Group in January 2020, my vision was to grow through carefully chosen acquisitions and build a family-owned company for the long term. Pace Thomas was the opportunity I chose to pursue, and I led the acquisition from the initial evaluation through closing. At every stage, I understood that we were taking responsibility for something David had spent decades building—the people, the client relationships and the reputation behind the business. Respecting that legacy was central to the future I envisioned for SSGI.”
Continuing a Harford County employee-benefits legacy
The acquired book of business and team became part of SSGI Benefits, the employee-benefits division of Strategic Sequoia Group Inc. SSGI has continued building on the experience developed through Pace Thomas Benefit Services while remaining independent, family-owned, and rooted in Maryland.
Today, SSGI Benefits works with employers on employee-benefits strategy, benefits administration, Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA), and Maryland FAMLI readiness, with licensed people accountable for recommendations and service.
If you are an agency owner considering succession, explore a confidential conversation with SSGI about full agencies, full or partial books, and producer wind-downs.
About Pace Thomas Benefit Services
Pace Thomas Benefit Services was a Bel Air, Maryland employee-benefits agency led by David Pace. Through the October 1, 2020 transaction, its employee-benefits book of business, operating assets, and employees transitioned to Strategic Sequoia Group Inc. and became part of SSGI Benefits.
About Strategic Sequoia Group Inc.
Strategic Sequoia Group Inc. is a Decker family-owned company. SSGI Benefits is its employee-benefits division, providing independent benefits guidance and administration support to employers across the states in which it is licensed.