Our History | Philadelphia, NYC & DC

A Bold Vision to Reshape an Industry

Graham Company’s legacy starts with William A. "Bill" Graham, IV, and his vision for doing things differently. Bill Graham became the sole owner of the company in 1972 after working alongside his father William A. Graham, III, for 10 years. When Bill Graham took over, he knew he could take the company to the next level. To differentiate from the competition often described as reactionary and transactional, Bill set out to build a company that took on a unique approach to risk management that was proactive and based on long-term client relationships and mutual trust. In addition, Bill took a contrarian approach to hiring by recruiting the best and brightest professionals from outside the insurance industry and investing heavily in industry-leading training programs. Bill knew you couldn’t teach intelligence and work ethic, but you could teach insurance.

Today, Graham is in the top 1% of independent brokers nationally. We have grown to be one of the largest insurance and employee benefits brokers in the country with offices in Philadelphia, New York City and Washington, DC, and clients in all 50 states. All of this success is a testament to Bill’s leadership and determination, and the nearly 200 likeminded employees who live and breathe unparalleled client service. While we’ve grown to new heights over the last six decades and established ourselves as a national leader, we firmly believe in never resting on our laurels or last year’s accomplishments. We are always looking for ways to better serve our clients, ensuring their businesses move forward because we believe – and know – that Actions Matter®. That’s a legacy built to last.

Vested Interest in the Future

After years of monumental growth, Bill Graham had received lucrative offers to sell the company – in fact, at one point, he was presented with a $230M acquisition offer. Instead, in 2017, he chose to take the road less traveled in the insurance industry with his decision to make Graham Company 100% employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

This move was a smart investment in what makes us different – our people. It ensures all employees are taken care of and reinforces our shared responsibility for the firm’s success. With each employee having a vested interest in the future of Graham, it provides a constancy of purpose and ensures the perpetuation of the values that have served our clients so well over the last 60 years. Through the ESOP, we have protected our legacy and simultaneously made good on our commitment to clients, who have confidence knowing we are in it for the long haul.

Our Legacy

For 60 years we have consistently worked hard to redefine and repackage what makes our agency so unique. At Graham Company our aim is to create a healthy, safe, and prosperous tomorrow.

We strive everyday to make a difference for our clients. We are their unparalleled partner, trusted to protect what matters most. People. Culture. Purpose.

At Graham Company, the future is bright - and the future is now.

“

I have always said, you can’t teach someone work ethic, but you can teach them insurance. That’s the Graham difference and, in my opinion, is our key to success.”

- WILLIAM A. "BILL" GRAHAM, IV
Chairman of the Board