Dowd Agencies Restores Full Family Ownership
HOLYOKE, Mass. — The Dowd Agencies, LLC and Quincy Perpetuation Partners (QPP), an investment subsidiary of Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance Company, have mutually agreed to conclude the strategic equity alliance they established a decade ago.
Under the terms of the transaction announced late last week, The Dowd Agencies repurchased the minority equity stake held by QPP, restoring 100% equity ownership to the Dowd and Griffin families. The Daily Hampshire Gazette and BusinessWest reported the transaction on August 28, 2026.
Unwinding the 2016 Quincy Perpetuation Partners Alliance
The repurchase unwinds an arrangement executed in June 2016. Quincy Mutual launched QPP to provide capital support to independent agencies navigating perpetuation and regional growth. As QPP’s inaugural investment, Quincy Mutual acquired an initial 20% equity interest in The Dowd Agencies, while Dowd retained day-to-day operational control.
At the time, Dowd leadership sought growth capital for organic expansion and acquisitions, while Quincy Mutual structured the equity facility to support independent agency longevity. Both organizations agreed that the agency’s ongoing succession planning made late 2026 an appropriate time for the agency to reacquire Quincy Mutual’s minority interest.
“We’ve enjoyed a terrific relationship with Quincy Perpetuation Partners over the past decade and appreciate their partnership and support,” said John E. Dowd Jr., president and chief executive officer of The Dowd Agencies. “This was a mutual decision that reflects the long-term goals of both organizations. We look forward to building on the already strong relationship we have had for many decades with Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance Company while we continue to serve the interests of our mutual clients throughout New England.”
Dowd added: “Our relationship with Quincy Mutual has created meaningful opportunities over the years, and we’re grateful for everything we’ve accomplished together. We’re excited about the future and remain committed to delivering the personalized guidance and service that have defined our agency for generations.”
Five Generations of Continuous Family Leadership
Established in Holyoke in 1898 by James J. Dowd, The Dowd Agencies is recognized as the oldest insurance agency in Massachusetts operating under continuous family ownership and management. The family’s presence in Holyoke dates to 1865, when James J. Dowd emigrated from County Kerry, Ireland.
Over the subsequent century and a half, the agency’s management transitioned across five generations:
- Second Generation: The founder’s son, James J. Dowd, entered the business in 1916 after foregoing a baseball career with the Cincinnati Reds.
- Third Generation: James J. Dowd Jr. (who served as a D-Day French interpreter in the U.S. Army Signal Corps) and John E. Dowd joined the firm in the post-WWII era.
- Fourth Generation: James J. Dowd III joined in 1974, followed by former partner Robert W. Gilbert Jr. in 1975, and current CEO John E. Dowd Jr. in 1982.
- Fifth Generation: John E. “Jack” Dowd III joined the agency in 2016, followed by Evan S. Dowd in 2019.
Today, the executive partnership consists of President and CEO John E. Dowd Jr., Senior Vice President David W. Griffin Jr., Vice President Jack Dowd, and Vice President and Assistant Treasurer Evan Dowd. Corporate operations are supported by Chief Financial Officer Jon D. Lumbra and Vice President of Insurance Operations Jennifer Lawton.
Ongoing Operations and Carrier Distribution
The agency confirmed that the ownership buyout involves no changes to executive leadership, agency staffing, operations, or its regional office footprint in western Massachusetts.
The Dowd Agencies and Quincy Mutual confirmed they will maintain their traditional carrier-agency commercial distribution relationship across New England.
