We are dedicated to adding value in every interaction by providing exceptional coverage, clarity, and confidence. We exceed expectations while partnering with clients through the stages of life, ensuring their assets and futures are protected.
Our History
The Barge Group was founded in 2008 by Rich Barge as East Coast Insurance Services. With a mission to serve the community and create a legacy for his two sons, Joe and Jake, Rich applied his years of experience in the insurance industry to build a business dedicated to helping others. As a proud veteran of the 82nd Airborne, Rich chose to headquarter the agency in Fayetteville, NC, where he could focus on supporting his community, service members, veterans, and their families.
In 2013, after exiting the military Joe purchased the company, and in 2016, Joe and Jake formed a partnership, helping drive the agency’s growth and impact. Their combined vision for deeper community involvement led to the expansion of services, and in 2023, they began the journey to transform the business. After over a year of research and planning, the company was rebranded as The Barge Group on September 23, 2024.
Headquartered in Fayetteville and proudly serving all of North Carolina, The Barge Group now offers access to comprehensive insurance and real estate services. With a special focus on service members, veterans, and their families, we aim to make transitions—especially to Fort Bragg—smoother and more efficient.
Our core values of professionalism, accountability, and white-glove service drive us to be problem solvers for our clients, ensuring their unique needs are met with care and expertise.
Meet the Team
"Joe helped our family find and buy the home of our dreams and then sell our previous home! He walked through countless houses with us, always on short notice. He answered all of our questions and helped us understand the whole process. Joe was also very understanding and patient with our unpredictable scheduling due to the military. When the time came to sell our first home, he walked us through the process again, making sure everything went off without a hitch. Both buying and selling took less than 40 days, and Joe helped to keep us on track with deadlines, manage the paperwork, and phone calls. He was quick to respond to texts, calls, and emails. Joe is a wonderful communicator, detail oriented, and genuinely cares about getting families into a home they love and feel comfortable in. Buying and selling a home can be stressful, but Joe made the experience as easy as possible. Thank you, Joe!"
Jonathan & Mallory
"My family was severely impacted by hurricane Florence. Thanks to the guidance and advice of Joe Barge of East Coast Insurance Services, we had the coverage to get our house and lives back together relatively quickly. He and his staff were with us every step of the way to ensure our needs were met and repairs were getting done. No matter what your insurance needs are, my first stop would be Joe Barge and his team at East Coast Insurance Services!"
Ben
Sarah