Since its founding in 1926, Gaudette Insurance Agency has been committed to building lasting relationships in Central Massachusetts, a tradition that started with Roy Gaudette. Confined to his bed with polio, Roy launched the agency near Grafton Common, offering automobile insurance policies to friends and neighbors. The business thrived, aided by a newly enacted Massachusetts law requiring car insurance, and soon, Roy’s younger brother, Gerry Gaudette Sr., joined the effort. In 1935, Gerry expanded the agency by opening a second office in Northbridge, located along the Blackstone River. Twenty years later, the business was incorporated, marking another milestone in its growth.
Gerry Gaudette Jr., the eldest son of Gerry Sr., joined the agency in 1960, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s philosophy and guiding its expansion for the next four decades. Gerry Jr. became a highly respected figure not only in the Blackstone Valley but also within Massachusetts’ independent insurance community, helping to establish Gaudette Insurance as a trusted name.
Over nearly a century, the agency has expanded significantly, adding offices along the Route 9 Corridor, including in Southborough, Westborough, and Shrewsbury. Despite these changes, the company’s core philosophy remains steadfast: fostering strong, enduring relationships with clients, responding quickly to their needs, and maintaining a deep understanding of the complex world of insurance.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved,” said President Lee Gaudette, the grandson of Gerry Sr. and the third generation to lead the family business. “But none of it would have been possible without our exceptional team of professionals who work hard every day to exceed our clients’ expectations.”
Lee, who has been with the agency since 1990, notes that many of the staff have even longer tenures. This experience allows the agency to build trust and familiarity with clients, an essential asset in the insurance industry. By assigning each client a dedicated representative, Gaudette Insurance fosters personal relationships, giving clients direct access to a trusted individual rather than funneling them through call centers.
“We combine old-fashioned service with modern tools,” Lee explained to the Community Advocate. “Each client has one person to handle their account, which creates a sense of familiarity and makes communication easier. Our clients really appreciate that personal connection. While many of our larger competitors rely on impersonal call centers, we encourage our team to know the clients’ voices, to recognize them. It’s those long-term relationships that have been key to our success.”
Gaudette Insurance offers a wide range of insurance products, including personal insurance for home, auto, and life, as well as business insurance for commercial properties, workers’ compensation, and more specialized needs such as coverage for art galleries and dental practices. Since 1990, the agency has grown sixfold, forming longstanding relationships with numerous insurance partners. This diversity of offerings requires the staff to be well-versed in multiple products and risk appetites, allowing the agency to provide tailored solutions.
“We pride ourselves on offering practical solutions,” said Lee. “We represent a wide array of insurance partners, which means we can offer more options than many of our competitors. Although adding more insurance companies creates complexity for us, it allows us to provide solutions that might not be available otherwise. We focus on serving our clients in Central Massachusetts, and by working with a variety of partners, we can address a broader range of needs.”
With five locations throughout Central Massachusetts—including offices in Whitinsville, Grafton, Westborough, Southborough, and Shrewsbury—Gaudette Insurance Agency continues its legacy of personal service and community support, ensuring residents and businesses alike have access to the insurance solutions they need.
Gaudette Insurance Agency Locations:
- Whitinsville: 1 Plummers Corner
- Grafton: 68 Worcester St.
- Westborough: 86 East Main St.
- Southborough: 11 Main St.
- Shrewsbury: 489 Boston Turnpike
