Mission & History

New England Excess Exchange (NEEE) is an independent wholesale broker and Managing General Agency serving retail insurance agents throughout VT, NH, ME, MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ, PA, MD, OH, DE, D.C., VA and NC.

Our Mission

To foster mutually beneficial relationships with our teammates, carriers, and independent agents.

How We Support Our Mission

  • We offer a service-first approach to doing business
  • We provide responsive communication
  • We act with integrity
  • We take part in volunteerism and philanthropy
  • We support employee education and professional development
  • We seek innovative technology and systems
  • We respect diverse traditions, backgrounds and experiences
  • We value creative ideas

Quick Facts

We love data. Here are a few facts about our excellence and our team members.

icon_serviceturnaround

<24 hrs

Service Turnaround

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72+

Markets

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15 States

Reach

icon_coffee

1257+ Cups

of Coffee Consumed

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49

Pet Owners

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22

Non-profits Supported

NEEE Through the Years

The Beginning

In 1981, Ralf H. Schaarschmidt Sr., a graduate of the University of Connecticut, and Mari Schaarschmidt, a graduate of American International Underwriters, founded NEEE in Montpelier, Vermont. The couple brought their insurance knowledge to the Green Mountain State knowing they could make an impact with independent agents seeking to keep their business local. In the following 30 years, the MGA grew from one available carrier to 12 in-house binding markets and more than 50 available brokerage markets. NEEE secured long-standing contracts with A+ rated carriers and welcomed retail agency growth throughout VT, NH, ME, MA and NY.

Expansion

In 2010, Ralf H. (Goober) Schaarschmidt II assumed the role of President of NEEE, and Mari and Ralf Sr. took on advisory positions. By 2010, NEEE had grown into a $35M organization with a team of 50 teammates. In 2013, NEEE broke ground on a new headquarters in Barre, VT. The new headquarters would support all customer service, processing and underwriting operations, enabling the agency to further expand into five new states, allowing NEEE to provide E&S solutions to all of New England, NY, NJ, PA, MD and OH.

Forward Momentum

By 2018 it was apparent that technology would play a key role in the growth of the agency. NEEE began transitioning to a hybrid workforce. Some team members remain in Central Vermont while others live out-of-state and within the regions they support. In 2019, NEEE welcomed a new President, Todd Wood, CPCU, CIC, CRM, ASLI and Goober transitioned to the role of CEO. By 2022, NEEE had won the distinct honor of being named the #1 Best Place to Work in Vermont. In 2022, NEEE also grew its geographic territory once again, adding VA, NC, DE and Washington, D.C. to its coverage area.

NEEE Through the Years

1981-2010

The Beginning

In 1981, Ralf H. Schaarschmidt Sr., a graduate of the University of Connecticut, and Mari Schaarschmidt, a graduate of American International Underwriters, founded NEEE in Montpelier, Vermont. The couple brought their insurance knowledge to the Green Mountain State knowing they could make an impact with independent agents seeking to keep their business local. In the following 30 years, the MGA grew from one available carrier to 12 in-house binding markets and more than 50 available brokerage markets. NEEE secured long-standing contracts with A+ rated carriers and welcomed retail agency growth throughout VT, NH, ME, MA and NY.

2010-2018

Expansion

In 2010, Ralf H. (Goober) Schaarschmidt II assumed the role of President of NEEE, and Mari and Ralf Sr. took on advisory positions. By 2010, NEEE had grown into a $35M organization with a team of 50 teammates. In 2013, NEEE broke ground on a new headquarters in Barre, VT. The new headquarters would support all customer service, processing and underwriting operations, enabling the agency to further expand into five new states, allowing NEEE to provide E&S solutions to all of New England, NY, NJ, PA, MD and OH.

2018 - Present

Forward Momentum

By 2018 it was apparent that technology would play a key role in the growth of the agency. NEEE began transitioning to a hybrid workforce. Some team members remain in Central Vermont while others live out-of-state and within the regions they support. In 2019, NEEE welcomed a new President, Todd Wood, CPCU, CIC, CRM, ASLI and Goober transitioned to the role of CEO. By 2022, NEEE had won the distinct honor of being named the #1 Best Place to Work in Vermont. In 2022, NEEE also grew its geographic territory once again, adding VA, NC, DE and Washington, D.C. to its coverage area.