Press Releases

Risk Strategies Acquires Pawson Insurance

Expands retail insurance broker capabilities in New England region

BOSTON, November 09, 2021 -- Risk Strategies, a leading national specialty insurance brokerage and risk management and consulting firm, today announced it has acquired Pawson Insurance, a full-service retail insurance brokerage specializing in property & casualty and employee benefits solutions. Terms of the deal were not announced.

Headquartered in Branford, Conn., Pawson Insurance was founded in 1987 and today is one of Connecticut’s leading agencies focused on the insurance needs of individuals and large-scale businesses. Operated by brothers John Dendas, Jr. and Joe Dendas since 2000, Pawson Insurance’s client focus includes condo associations/homeowners, restaurants, transportation, trade contractors and construction.

“As one of Connecticut’s most respected and well-known full-service insurance brokers, Pawson is a perfect fit to help drive growth in the region,” said Edward Flanagan, Risk Strategies’ New England Regional Leader. “We both share a passion for our clients’ success, unwavering customer service and a strong community focus. We are excited to welcome John, Joe and the entire Pawson team to Risk Strategies and partner together on new growth opportunities.”

Pawson Insurance has grown both organically and through its own acquisition activity. In 2002, it made its first acquisition of Diversified Insurance of Stratford, Conn., followed by the 2007 acquisition of one of the oldest insurance agencies in the country, Coan & Bunnell Insurance of Orange, Conn., which was founded in 1858. In 2009, Pawson acquired Fogg Insurance of Southington, Conn.

“For over 30 years, Pawson Insurance has been creating value and fostering relationships with clients by delivering peace of mind for their insurance needs,” said John Dendas, Jr., Pawson Insurance President & CEO. “Becoming part of the Risk Strategies family will enable us to scale our business to further service our existing clients and pursue larger accounts in new industries through access to the products and services of a premier, national specialty broker.”

The acquisition of Pawson Insurance expands and complements Risk Strategies’ presence in Connecticut. In 2019, Risk Strategies acquired Gowrie Holdings, Inc. a marine insurance specialist with three offices in the state. Its retail operations, Gowrie Marine, offers a wide range of insurance products, including customized placements for high net worth families and individuals. That same year, Gerard B. Tracy Associates, Inc., a Connecticut-based employee benefits firm with a specialty focus on institutions of higher education, also joined the Risk Strategies family.

To learn more about Risk Strategies, please visit www.riskstrategies.com

About Risk Strategies

Risk Strategies is the 9th largest privately held US brokerage firm offering comprehensive risk management advice, insurance and reinsurance placement for property & casualty, employee benefits, private client services, as well as consulting services and financial & wealth solutions. With more than 30 specialty practices, Risk Strategies serves commercial companies, nonprofits, public entities, and individuals, and has access to all major insurance markets. Risk Strategies has over 100 offices including Boston, New York City, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, Grand Cayman, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. RiskStrategies.com.