1st Generation of Triest Agency

Montague Triest started our family's business in 1903 as Triest & Israel. The Charleston News & Courier reported, "Setting up for himself, Mr. Montague Triest establishes an office on Broad Street.... Mr. Triest is one of the most popular and capable young businessmen of the community." The business started as an insurance agency with his brother in law, Melvin Israel. Montague was a true southern gentleman. Montague was the epitome of a successful second generation Jewish Charlestonian. He was very active in Charleston civic organizations including the Elks. He served for nineteen years on the City of Charleston School Board including commissioner and Chairman of the South Carolina Jewish Welfare Fund. Montague died suddenly while at the office on Broad Street. He was 55 years old at the time of his death.

The article of his death in The Charleston News and Courier said, "In the death of Mr. Triest Charleston has lost one of her outstanding citizens, one who had been very active in educational, civic, and fraternal affairs, and the Jewish community has lost a leader who was prominent in Jewish circles of this section, through his activities in philanthropy and charitable organizations."