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Company History

Where we started

Ford Insurance Agency was founded in 1910 by Mervin Ford operating as a part-time business catering to the personal insurance needs of local residents. Over the years business grew steadily allowing Mervin to retire from his full-time position at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He then devoted all of his energy to the agency resulting in the opening of our first office in Kittery, Maine.

Mervin’s son Wilson joined the agency after returning home from World War II where he had served as a U.S. Naval Officer. Father and son worked together into the mid 1960’s when Mervin retired, and Wilson assumed leadership of the company. Wilson continued to develop the agency with a focus on personal insurance.

Wilson and Mervin Ford - Ford Insurance Agency

Wilson Ford (Left), Mervin Ford (Right)

Veteran Owned

In 1975, Gary and Nancy (Ford) Lonsinger joined the agency starting an expansion from the personal lines focus to a complete multiple line agency. Gary had recently finished his active duty service in the U.S. Army and transitioned to reserved status. He focused his efforts on commercial lines growth and expanding the agency’s markets. By 1979, Ford Insurance had opened it’s second branch in Portsmouth, NH and had more than tripled in size. Growth continued in 1982 with the acquisition of Dover Insurance Agency, by this time Gary had taken a leading role in the operation of the agency allowing Wilson Ford to retire.

Where we are today

Gary continued to develop the Ford Insurance brand resulting in the modern-day reputation for quality and excellence. In the 1990s all three offices merged together in the Eliot, Maine location. Gary continues to be actively involved in the business and is joined by his three sons, Jeff, Chris and most recently Eric.

Jeff Lonsinger joined the agency in 2001 focusing on commercial lines development. He holds a BS in Business from New England College where he played Hockey and Lacrosse.

After a career in finance with Sands Brothers in NY Chris Lonsinger returned home to his roots and joined the agency in 2007. He holds a BS in Economics from Berkely College and oversees the agency’s marketing efforts.

Most recently, Eric Lonsinger joined the agency after spending 20 years in Enterprise Software. His experience and knowledge continue to transform the agency into a modern digital business. Eric holds a BS in Business Information Systems from the University of New Hampshire.

Today, the Ford Insurance Agency continues to provide commercial insurance solutions for businesses throughout the country. Our continued goal is to provide our customers with the best possible advice, service and value.

Guiding Principles

Integrity & Accountability

It’s not what you say, it’s what you do. Actions speak louder than words. Choose your saying but the message is the same, at Ford we value character and strive to ensure that everything we say and do reflects that. We are committed to conducting ourselves with integrity and being accountable for our actions.

Direct, Open & Honest

We appreciate when people are direct, clear and honest with us, even if it isn’t the message we want to hear and are committed to doing the same. Straight forward questions deserve straight forward answers, and we’re here to help you get them.

Client Commitment

You have your choice of who you work with for your insurance needs and it is up to us to earn your business every day. We do not take that for granted. While others may focus on volume we focus on putting our clients first and pride ourselves on the service we provide.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

The world is constantly changing, we are committed to changing with it. From changes in the industry, to new products and ways of thinking and the technology that enables it all. We will continue to embrace, adopt and refine these changes in order to assist our customers in navigating a complex world.

Commitment to Excellence

Last but certainly not least, Commitment to Excellence. Take pride in everything you do, from making a sandwich to leading a country, every task we take on receives the same level of dedication and attention because at the end of the day if our fingerprints are on it then it is a reflection of who we are.

States we serve

States Served

Our Partners