Gallagher Insurance celebrates 55 years
CARIBOU — Caribou’s Gallagher Insurance Agency was recently recognized by the Concord Group Insurance Companies for representing the insurer as an independent agency for over 55 years. The presentation was part of a larger event Concord hosts every three years to honor the agencies that contribute to Concord’s successful growth and profitability by providing outstanding service to their clients.
Contributed photo
AGENCY MARKS 55 YEARS — Gallagher Insurance of Caribou was recently honored for 55 years in business by the Concord Group Insurance Companies. Owner, Brian Sipe of Presque Isle, center, receives a plaque from Warren C. McClean, left, Concord Group senior vice president, and Linda J. Day, chairman, president and CEO of the Concord Group.
Gallagher Insurance began as the Nelson Agency, operated out of owner Forest Nelson’s home in New Sweden in 1959. Concord, founded as a mutual company in 1928, was the first company to appoint Nelson as an agent. The agency was later acquired by Nelson’s son, Keith, who moved the office to Caribou.
In 1990, the Nelson Agency was purchased by Jerry Gallagher and renamed Gallagher Insurance Agency. Gallagher had operated his own agency in Presque Isle for several years before acquiring the Nelson Agency and consolidating his offices in Caribou.
Gallagher’s son-in-law, Brian Sipe of Presque Isle, joined the agency in 1995 and became a partner a year later, eventually becoming the sole shareholder upon Gallagher’s retirement in 2000.
Because of its long history of providing its clients with exceptional service, Concord honored the Gallagher Agency. Noting it remains a locally owned and operated agency, Concord applauded the similarity in Gallagher’s approach to that of their company, with a friendly, professional staff dedicated to protecting their clients from unforeseen financial hardship.
The Gallagher Agency continues to be family-owned, employing a staff of five in Caribou.
