When The Rowley Agency decided to become part of ABC Maine, it may not have held the same significance of major events at that time—after all, 1985 was the year Michael Jordan was named the NBA’s rookie of the year and the year “Back to the Future” was released—but it was still a benchmark in the agency’s future.
Headquartered in Concord, New Hampshire, and with satellite offices in Maine and Vermont, The Rowley Agency is one of the largest independent insurance agencies in New England. Since its founding in 1966 by Joseph Rowley, the company has maintained consistent, steady growth and built a business on the principles of caring, understanding and guiding. And for the last 37 years, ABC Maine has been there for the ride.
The Rowley Agency prides itself on its professional work ethic, expertise in handling complex challenges, around-the-clock customer care and claim service, strong personal relationships and deep commitment to the communities it serves. The company has also forged strong relationships through its ABC Maine membership and continues to take advantage of everything the organization has to offer.
“Many years ago, Jim Lamson of L&B Electrical Contractors and Alan Burton of CIANBRO, to name a few, told me the best thing I could do was join ABC,” says Gary P. LaPierre, vice president and partner of The Rowley Agency. “Six years later, I was the active president of the board.”
A Seat at the Table
As a service provider to the construction industry, LaPierre never solicited ABC members for their insurance needs, but customers would come naturally when ABC members saw his passion for, and involvement with, the organization.
LaPierre says he learned several important things during his early involvement with ABC Maine, which he’s passed along to his colleagues at The Rowley Agency.
“Of all the construction associations in Maine, ABC takes the toughest stance on Right to Work issues for its members and will always go to bat for any member affected,” LaPierre says.
He says members need to stay involved with their local politicians and not be shy or afraid to voice their concerns for small business initiatives.
Without that approach, “you’ll be financially impacted in a negative way,” LaPierre says.
Since its inception, ABC Maine has worked hard on behalf of its members to develop skilled employees, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably. The organization is the merit shop construction industry’s voice with the federal, state and local governments—and it’s all done for the betterment of the communities where ABC and its members work.
Membership Has Its Privileges
For the past 37 years, The Rowley Agency has relied on the benefits of ABC Maine, including its many networking events.
“The ABC get togethers have always been my favorite,” LaPierre says. “Besides the passion in belief to Right to Work our members have, ABC events seem to attract the up-and-coming future construction business owners. The energy level at meetings stays high with people with common goals.”
It’s motivating to know that ABC Maine has had a profound impact on a company that started doing business three years before the moon landing.
In addition to the regular benefits The Rowley Agency and so many others appreciate, ABC Maine offers members an apprenticeship program that includes classroom and on-the-job training. It also offers workforce and business development, discount programs, continuing education, social media exposure and more.
After more than 20 years of involvement with ABC Maine, LaPierre says he cherishes and appreciates the relationships most.
“The knowledge I have gained from these extremely bright people still help guide me through my career today,” he says. “This would not have happened without ABC, and I am truly fortunate to have met such great people along this ride.”
The 12 companies celebrating membership anniversaries this month, including Rowley, are:
- The Rowley Agency – 37 years
- Chadwick BaRoss Inc. – 21 years
- James A. McBrady Inc. – 19 years
- ABM Mechanical – 18 years
- PDQ Door Company – 17 years
- New England Tech Air – 16 years
- Frankenmuth Surety – 5 years
- Ducas Construction Inc. – 3 years
- Nu-Yar – 3 years
- Frederick Safety Services – 2 years
- St. Laurent & Son Inc. – 2 years
- Lakeside Concrete Cutting & Abatement Professionals – 1 year
DON’T FORGET TO JOIN
To learn more about ABC Maine membership, contact ABC Maine’s Membership Director Tami Staples at (207) 620-6561, or email her at tami@abcmaine.org.