AGENCY HISTORY

· The roots of RL&G Agency go back to 1944, when Ruth Hale Young became a Farm Bureau agent in Eastern CT. In 1949, Ruth’s son, Robert (the “R” of RL&G) was stricken with polio and, unable to return to employment as a machinist, he took over his mom’s insurance business and the Robert H. Young Agency was born.

· Bob’s office was originally located in downtown Norwich , and then transferred to the basement of his home at 88 Palmer Street in 1954. Several years later the office moved into half of the detached two-car garage - and Bob hired his first employee.

· In 1969, Bob’s oldest son, Les (the “L” of RL&G) came into the business and the other half of the garage was quickly converted into office space. Shortly thereafter more employees were hired and the office space was expanded with a new addition.

· In 1971 the agency was incorporated as the RL&G Agency, Inc.

· In 1973, Bob’s youngest son, Gary (the “G” of RL&G) finished a four year hitch in the US Navy and joined Bob and Les at the agency.

· In 1974 a “sister” agency, Forest Products Agency Company (a/k/a FORPAC) was formed to provide specialized insurance products and services to the forestry industry.

· Two additional office expansions were completed before the agency moved to current headquarters at 210 Rte 32 in Franklin – site of the historic “Toll House”.

· The agency staff grew, products and services were expanded and the agency finally entered the computer age in 1984 with the installation of Aetna ’s “Gemini” system.

· In 1987 the office was doubled in physical size to about 5,000 square feet.

· Les, who had been corporate president for nearly 20 years began a new career as a full time pastor in 1990. He did “double duty” until July 1992 when the Lord called him to be a pastor only.

· Gary took over the reigns as President of RL&G and FORPAC in July 1992.

· Bob, who became affectionately known as “Pop”, had officially turned over the business to Les and Gary in 1976, but remained an active employee until October 1993. He passed away at age 71 in June 1995.

· On February 1, 1999 , FORPAC was sold and the RL&G staff reduced to a manageable number.

· It is significant to note that in 1982, Les and Gary had a “Prayer of Agreement” that, in effect, turned over the guidance, direction and spiritual ownership of RL&G Agency to the Lord. It is firmly understood that without the Lord’s hand being on this business and His timely intervention of wisdom and insight, RL&G would not be in existence today…which is why part of our mission statement is to glorify His name.