The Foundation of a Family Legacy
Recently, HopNews had the privilege of speaking with Brian Thomas, the current President and owner of the Paul Phipps Insurance Agency; a staple in the Hopkinton community for the last 75 years.
Paul M. Phipps, a World War II veteran, American Patriot, and Iwo Jima survivor, laid the foundation for a lasting family legacy in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. A proud graduate of Hopkinton High School’s Class of 1939 and Holy Cross College’s Class of 1943, Phipps served his country as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, attaining the rank of Captain.
>> RELATED: Paul Phipps Military Service provided by HCAM
In 1950, following his military service and a brief stint in life insurance, Phipps made a pivotal decision that would shape his family’s future for generations. He purchased the Wayne E. Hughes Insurance Agency at 80 Main Street in Hopkinton, establishing what would become the Paul M. Phipps Insurance Agency. This location remains the heart of the business 75 years later.
Brian Thomas’ roots in the company run deep. “Paul’s wife, Ruth, was my grandmother Gladys Thomas’ younger sister. My grandparents, Gladys and Bill Thomas Sr., lived at 86 Main Street. It was my grandfather, Bill Thomas, who remortgaged his house to lend Uncle Paul the money to buy the 80 Main Street building and start the agency.”
Since its founding, the leadership of Paul M. Phipps Insurance has been closely tied to the Hopkinton community. Paul was a charter member of the Hopkinton Kiwanis Club, which he served as president and secretary. He also took his philanthropic work to youth sports and founded the Hopkinton Little League, ultimately coaching for 15 years.
He also founded the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce, which he served as the first chairman, and led fundraising for the Boy Scouts, as well as the community health initiatives. His reach extended across many local groups, including the Catholic Youth Organization, and he served on the finance committee for St. John’s Roman Catholic Church.
Thomas describes his entry into the business, “My cousin Rob [Phipps] came on board in the seventies, after college. Rob and his father owned the business, and when Paul was retiring, they brought me in. I had just graduated from the University of Maine when I signed on. I’ve been here for 35 years.”
A Generational Transition
When Rob retired in 2017, Brian Thomas purchased the Phipps Insurance Agency continuing the family’s legacy. His purchase also included the sister company, Ashland Insurance Center, which has been serving members of the neighboring community since 1987. Ushering in the next generation, Thomas brought on Rob’s son Michael, and then his daughter, Nicole three years ago.
Upholding Core Values
Thomas stresses the agency’s values: “The foundation of our business is, and has been since my uncle founded it, just being committed to the Town. Do the right thing, especially when nobody’s watching. Treat your clients the same way you treat your employees and your family. It’s about trust and giving back. The community pays our mortgages. When my uncle started, I think he insured five cars in 1950. We insure over 10,000 cars now.”
A Future Built on Trust
Brian tells a compelling story about trust, “I never had a written contract with my cousin Rob. It was a handshake. Everybody told me I needed a written contract. I said, ‘No, I don’t. He’s a man of integrity.’”
Throughout his career, Brian Thomas has been actively involved in the community: He has served as a board member of the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce, the Hopkinton Community Endowment, and the Hopkinton Education Foundation Board Member. Thomas has coached little league, basketball, and soccer.
In 1996, both Brian Thomas and Paul Phipps were inducted into the Hopkinton High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
What Types of Insurance does Phipps offer?
Phipps specializes in home, auto, business, condo, and renters’ insurance, since the company was founded. They provide customized insurance products to fit the individual needs of each customer.
The agency schedules personalized consultations and annual reviews to verify that the coverage fits each individual person’s situation, as their needs change due to life events.
What do the Clients Say?
Clients know the team at Phipps Insurance will act in their best interest with the intention of protecting their property and investments. Known for their exceptional customer support, it shows with an impressive 97% client retention rate.
Becoming a client of Phipps Insurance means supporting a local business that actively reinvests in the community. This community-centric approach not only helps local organizations but also reinforces the agency’s reputation as a trusted, socially responsible local business that goes beyond traditional insurance services.
When asked if he has offers to buy the business, Thomas simply replied, “Every week.” He continued, “I don’t have anything in writing with anybody about perpetuation, but they know it will stay in the family.”
Ultimately, the Phipps Insurance agency represents more than just a successful business; it’s a legacy of family history and community, ensuring its existence for generations to come.
