Brock Insurance celebrates 130 years on Nantucket
Not many companies, let alone independent agencies, make it to their 30th let alone their 130th anniversary. Nantucket’s Brock Insurance, however, is one of the exceptions. The independent agency, now a division of Rogers & Gray, celebrated this auspicious occasion by throwing open its doors this past Friday, December 2nd in order to celebrate with employees, customers and the community at large.
“The Brock family has been an important part of Nantucket for over 130 years. This milestone birthday honors our past and future commitment to our employees, our clients and our community,” Susan Dragon, Vice President of Brock.
“130 years of serving the Nantucket community is quite a feat and we are thrilled to be celebrating this anniversary. A milestone so significant would not be reached without an exceptional team, and the entire staff of Brock Insurance, a division of Rogers & Gray, should be commended for taking great care of our clients,” Michael Robinson, Chairman, Rogers & Gray Insurance.
Brock Insurance’s beginnings on the island and the sale of the agency in 2016
Founded in 1886, The Albert G. Brock Company has been independent insurance agency based in Nantucket for over 130 years. The agency was begun by Albert G. Brock, who first began his career as an acting agent for the New York Life Insurance Company in 1884. In 1886, he began The Albert G. Brock Company out of his home on Liberty Street. In that same year he also married a ship captain’s daughter, Annie Cartwright.
Mr. Brock’s only son, William Cartwright Brock, joined the agency in 1929 representing the second generation of the Brock family. Along with his father, the father-son team continued to build up the agency. By the time of the elder Mr. Brock’s retirement, the agency represented over 40 national insurance companies.
William Cartwright Brock’s only son was born in 1919. He officially joined the firm representing the third generation of Brocks in 1947. He assumed leadership of the agency in the early 1960’s. His son, John D. Brock, the fourth and final generation to run the independent agency, officially joined the agency in 1975 after a spell with USF&G as a Commercial Lines Underwriter in both their Boston and New York offices. He became the owner and President of The Albert G. Brock Company in 2003.
This past July, the fourth generation family-owned agency was acquired by Rogers & Gray as reported by Agency Checklists in its June 27, 2016 article entitled, “Rogers & Gray Announces Acquisition of The Albert G. Brock Company.”
Rogers & Gray also marks 30th Anniversary of its Thanksgiving Dinner for the Needy
In addition to celebrating Brock Insurance’s anniversary this month, the Rogers & Gray Agency also celebrated another important anniversary recently. On November 23rd, the agency celebrated the 30th anniversary of its “Thanksgiving Dinner for the Needy.”
What began as an “idea” by Charles “Chuck” Robinson as a way to give back to the community has turned into an annual tradition at the company. Held on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day, employees of the Rogers & Gray Agency have been gathering each year for the past three decades to help give back to those less fortunate.
Meeting at the Hyannis Elks Club on Cape Cod, the Rogers & Gray team club serve hundreds of guests a full Thanksgiving meal, complete with homemade desserts. In addition to donating their time to serve the meals, the agency’s employees and their children also provide snack bags, as well as children’s gifts, such as hand knit scarves and hats, as well as donating coats to all of the guests in attendance.
“What’s not to love about this tradition?” says Michael Robinson, Chairman of Rogers & Gray. “My brother and I began coming to this as children and 30 years later, we’re thrilled to still be able to host this dinner for those who need a little extra help around the holiday. Our team at Rogers & Gray is committed to continuing this tradition and we love being able to get the next generation involved in charitable giving.”
Guests are invited to the event through contact with local social service agencies, including The Salvation Army, Housing Assistance Corp., A Baby Center, Duffy Health Center, Catholic Social Services, Community Action Council, Dept. of Children and Families and the Cape Cod Times Needy Fund.
“30 Years is remarkable.” says David Robinson, President of Rogers & Gray. “Our staff really comes together to give–and they give generously. In addition to the assistance of the Elks Club, Cape Destinations also donates transportation to and from the event for those in need.”
