Our History
Where We Began
Founded by Fred Britton in 1942, Britton Gallagher began in Solon, Ohio as a real estate and insurance agency, which offered insurance solutions to homeowners. In the early 1950s his son, Don Britton, joined the firm to develop the commercial side of the business. He took on partner, Jim Gallagher, who focused on life insurance and establishing the firm as Britton Gallagher.
Building Our Foundation: Specialty Insurance Programs
Joining the firm in 1986, Bruce Ball developed the firm’s Life Sciences practice and has grown it along with the Global Property and Casualty insurance group into key business divisions for Britton Gallagher.
Bruce is a producer council member for major Life Sciences underwriters and is an expert at creating solutions for clients with difficult coverage situations. Bruce also leads the Executive Solutions division; a group focused on providing management liability solutions including directors’ and officers’ (D & O), errors and omissions (E & O), cyber-liability, employment practices liability along with kidnap and ransom insurance.
In the 1990’s, Eric Treend joined Britton Gallagher and began the Pyrotechnics division, opening the door to other non-conventional industries that face challenging insurance exposures, regulatory demands and unusual supply chains. The division has grown from a single account to well over 100 throughout the United States. Clients range from local retailers to the largest display companies in the world.
In 2004, PJ Insana came on board to lead the Employee Benefits division and serves as a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs and businesses across the country. He is well versed on the latest health care regulations and ensures Britton Gallagher provides unique solutions for our clients to operate effectively, even in today’s challenging regulatory environment.
PJ is a strategic business development partner, identifying and evaluating new market expansion opportunities for the firm. His 18 years of experience in the insurance industry includes roles in acquisitions, employee recruitment and training.
Leading into Tomorrow: Energized, Focused, Ready
Britton Gallagher has built a solid reputation in commercial insurance by continually seeking new, challenging risk management opportunities. Our ability to handle unique and niched liability needs has provided us with a wide range of experience serving clients that are varied in market, industry, service, and product.
As we have rapidly expanded our team, the original offices in Solon, a suburb of Cleveland, could no longer accommodate our growing size. In 2012, Britton Gallagher made a decision to move to downtown Cleveland, near the top of One Cleveland Center, in the heart of the financial district. Our headquarters echo the commitment of the fast-paced, progressive firm we are today, with staying power for years to come. We believe in downtown Cleveland and we are proud to be a part of the revitalization and growth of the city. The location has helped attract and recruit talented employees who may have been unattainable prior to our move.
In the fall of 2016, Jeremy Bryant was appointed as President of Britton Gallagher. He has made a strong commitment to continue our mission of providing superior solutions and service to our clients. Bryant has been with Britton Gallagher since 2012, serving as one of the agency’s Executive Vice Presidents. He has over twenty years of experience managing multiple client portfolios providing expertise in operations, best practices, commercial brokerage design and placement, reinsurance development along with niche program coverage and development.
Much like the City of Cleveland, Britton Gallagher is energized and ready for a successful, exciting future serving our clients and building a team of talented, passionate people.
Our Mission
- Provide specialized risk consulting services to enable people and businesses to thrive in the opportunities they pursue.
- Support clients through innovative program solutions, personalized planning, and aggressive claims management.
- Enhance the strength of our team through open communication along with continual opportunities for personal growth and professional development.
