By Vicki Greene, Contributing Writer
REGION — A multi-generational 95-year-old insurance agency, Gaudette, ensures that customers are treated as part of the family.
The agency, with offices in Grafton, Southborough and Whitinsville, covers personal and commercial needs using the latest technology. Whether it’s home, auto, business, life or RV/boat insurance, Gaudette Insurance Agency has relationships with more than 20 carriers offering customers choice and competitive pricing. They currently have 9,000 clients.
One-to-One Relationships Top Priority
From the initial contact with the agency, Gaudette provides one-to-one service so customers work with the same agent. That agent will listen to their needs whether it is for a personal or commercial policy. They will review the most cost effective and comprehensive options. And they will also handle any and all claims for their clients.
Unlike situations that can arise with large insurance agencies, if a customer has a question and contacts Gaudette Insurance Agency, they won’t go through a call center. Instead, the local agency works hard to develop a personal connection with every customer.
Customer Feedback Critical
The entrepreneurial spirit has long been the backbone of Gaudette Insurance Agency’s service philosophy.
The agency uses state of the art technology to survey customers and receives constant feedback on what is working for customers and what their additional needs may be.
“I honestly feel like I was the only customer and that mattered,” one Gaudette client recently said. “Everyone treats you like you are part of their family.”
Insurance Runs in the Family
Current President and Treasurer Lee Gaudette is part of the third generation to maintain the business.
He started with the insurance agency in 1990 when his father Gerald ran the company. He became president in 1997 and, in 2003, he took ownership of the family-business.
Long before Lee was born, his great-uncle Leroy Gaudette was stricken with Polio and bedridden. But in 1926, he wasn’t going to let that stop him.
Roy moved his bedroom to the first floor of his Grafton home and started the insurance agency. Since taking over in 2003, the agency has tripled in size now including 30 employees.
In addition, Gaudette Insurance has earned the “Five Star Award” from the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents three times.
Meanwhile, Lee himself is well respected among his colleagues in the insurance industry. He was a past chair of the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents and has been treasurer of the Bay State Independent Insurance Agents Association for six years.
Giving Back to the Community
Whether it’s holding a food drive, or helping local social services agencies, Lee Gaudette and his colleagues continue to give back to their communities.
Lee is the past chairman of both the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. He is one of the founders of the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation. In addition, Lee is a trustee at the Whitinsville Christian School. He was named in the Worcester Business Journal’s annual Power 50 list in 2014.
After opening its Southborough office, the Gaudette donated to Southborough Youth Sports and the Southborough Open Land Foundation.
When not in the office, one can find Lee outside either on the golf course, boating or cycling. When he has time, he’s indoors adding to his stamp collection. He grew up and still lives in Whitinsville with his wife Dina. They have four children.
Agency Vice President Rick Anderson has also stayed close to his roots. A graduate of Grafton High School and Colby College, he is a former coach and board member for the Grafton Youth Soccer Program as well as a coach for the Grafton Wachusett Lakers Youth Hockey. Rick is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Grafton Tennis Club.
For more information visit gaudette-insurance.com or call 508-234-6333.
