Terrebonne Insurance Agency was founded
in the 1950s. It has obviously grown from
an auto and homeowners’ insurance agency to
one that is multifaceted. That can all be
attributed to the business expertise of the late
Frederick D. Thibodeaux.
After going to college to become a teacher, he
served in the US Army for 2 years. Upon
returning home, Fred had been hired to run
the small agency owned by eight investors. Fred
realized with eight owners, there was little profit
for him. In 1960, he bought out the investors
and became the sole owner-operator of the
insurance agency.
Upon acquiring the agency, he moved to
Houma, renting the old KHOM building. In
1973, Fred hired Linda Fazzio who stayed with
the agency until her retirement in 2014. In
1986, he bought a house and turned it into his
office. As the business grew, so did the structure.
Many days, he walked from farmer-to-farmer
and collected cash to insure their homes and
equipment. He used manual rating to determine
premiums, and hand-typed policies and auto ID
cards. Accounting was done by hand on ledgers.
Fred split his time between his many years
serving on the Terrebonne Parish School Board
and his agency.
Fred’s daughter, Kelly joined the agency in
1977 and daughter Kitty, joined in 1998 after a
career in the medical field. As business increased,
more employees were added. In 1999, Jessie
Trosclair; a marine expert joined the agency,
followed by Carol Stretch and Michael Blandino
who specialized in oil and energy.The newcomers
brought experience where they had contacts in the
oil, energy and marine business.
For better marketing position, the agency
was moved to Highway 311 in the growth area
of the Parish. Fred retired in early 2000 and left
his daughters to run the agency. In 2007, he was
diagnosed with brain cancer and passed away
July 8, 2008.
Terrebonne Insurance is still independently
owned and has grown from a staff of three in
1980 to thirteen in the 2000s. It continues to
grow and diversify, providing specialty markets,
Mardi Gras Program, marine, oil and energy,
construction, small business and personal lines.
After 11 years of leasing; we desired to own our
own building again. After a lot of searching, we
purchased the Bellissima building and completely
remodeled it. On September 16, 2019 we opened in
our beautiful new building located at 210 Mystic Blvd.