GALLANT INSURANCE AGENCY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Professional Affiliations
Job Titles:
- President, Proud Grandfather
Back in 1978, I went to work for my father at Gallant Insurance Agency (who went into business with his father in 1957) and have been working here since. My father was not the kind of man to simply hand me the reins and start me off at the top of the food chain; I began on the bottom, measuring footprints of homes by hand, shoveling walkways, changing the wastebaskets, and learning the intricacies of this very intricate business, until I had earned a leadership role. I took over as President of our company in 1991. I am proud to now have my son, Kevin, who came to work for us in 2009, shoveling the driveways and spreading salt during snowstorms.
Under my leadership, Gallant Insurance Agency, Inc. has grown into one of the most respected independent insurance agencies in the state. Our business model has been, and will always be, based upon doing what is best for our customers. I believe that honesty and selflessness, coupled with knowledgeable personal service, is the true recipe for success in this, and in any business. The many strong relationships we have built with the companies we represent allow us the freedom to ensure our customers are in the best situation possible. I remain incredibly proud of all the work our experienced and friendly staff does on behalf of our customers.
It is our goal as a company to continue to grow and evolve with our customers and within the ever-changing insurance landscape. I urge all of our customers to never hesitate to call or stop in to one of our offices at any time, and would like all potential customers to do the same and find out what a difference honest and personalized service can make.
I am a lifelong resident of Acton (4th generation West Acton!). My wife Cathy and I have raised four children, of whom we are very proud.
Rich has been working at Gallant Insurance Agency since 1988. He has known Ray Gallant for over 30 years as he was one of his High School football coaches at Acton Boxborough Regional High School from which he graduated from in 1984. He then went onto Bentley College where he graduated in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in marketing and a minor in management. Shortly after graduating from Bentley, Ray Gallant offered a part-time job to Rich, which he took and he has been there ever since.
In 1996, Rich moved his family to Pepperell. In order to meet new people he joined the Lions Club and he has been very active in the community ever since. It was one of the best decisions he ever made because he met the best people as a result of it. Rich has been awarded the Charles G. Kostro Fellowship as well as the Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated contributions to humanitarian needs. He has also been honored with a Sight Award for his outstanding service and dedication to Massachusetts Lions Eye Research. He truly enjoys volunteering his time and tries to give as much of it as possible back to the community. Rich is also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
In 2001, Gallant Insurance Agency purchased the L.F. Robbins Insurance Agency and Rich has been managing both the Pepperell and Townsend offices ever since. In June of 2004 he earned the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation which requires passing rigorous undergraduate and graduate level examinations, meeting an experience requirement and agreeing to be bound by a strict code of professional ethics. In March of 2010 Rich also earned his Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) designation. Rich is a huge believer in continuing education as he feels this industry is constantly changing and it is imperative that each professional needs to stay current and informed.
Rich and his wife of 20+ years Kristy still reside in Pepperell with their two children, Andrew and Kate. It may be hard to believe but Rich loves the insurance industry and he believes that the industry's job is to help others. The first canon of the code of professional ethics mentioned above is altruism, the unselfish concern for the welfare of others, that is how Rich approaches work each and every day.