Skip to main content

Maryland FAMLI private-plan DOI filing opens September 1, 2026 — 18 days to prepare.

Get FAMLI-Ready
SSGI Benefits — home

Company News · From the Archive

Strategic Sequoia Group Acquires Pace Thomas Benefit Services Book of Business from David Pace

The October 1, 2020 transaction brought the longtime Harford County employee-benefits agency's book of business, operating assets, and experienced employees into the Decker family-owned company.

Published

Updated

Article

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 and the furniture, computers, telephones, and telephone systems used in its operation. Strategic Sequoia Group also hired the Pace Thomas employees, helping preserve service continuity and institutional knowledge during the transition.

As part of the transition, Strategic Sequoia Group leased the existing office from David Pace for two years and held a separate option to purchase the property. After the lease term, the company elected not to exercise that option. The office arrangement was separate from the acquisition of the book of business and operating assets.

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.

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.

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.

Need help with your employee-benefits plan?

SSGI Benefits works with employers on benefits strategy, administration, ICHRA, and Maryland FAMLI readiness — with licensed people accountable for recommendations and service.