FACTORYVILLE — Many of the people who work for employee-owned DGK Insurance and Financial Services have been with the company more than 25 years. But the business, which was formed by Thomas J. Jones in 1917, has been around longer than all of them.

The insurance company will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a party from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 on its property, 233 DGK Lane. The free event will feature balloons and face painting, live music, document shredding, a visit from Friends With Paws, a Senior Solutions seminar, a baking contest and refreshments.

RSVPs may be made by calling or texting 570-360-5292.

According to a history of DGK provided by the company, by the 1930s, the business, then called Jones Insurance Agency, was growing so much, Jones decided to hire his son-in-law Willard K. Davis to help run it. A partnership was formed, and the company became Davis and Jones Insurance Agency.

“In 1955, grandson Tom Davis, CPCU joined the partnership upon graduating from the University of Pennsylvania,” states the history. “One year after joining the Agency, Davis’ grandfather died and his father retired due to health reasons. This left Tom responsible for the agency and its success.

“In the mid 60s, Harry Gregory, of Clarks Summit, joined the partnership as the agency’s first additional salesperson. In 1978, Jack Kyle joined Davis and Gregory as the third partner. The agency incorporated and became known as Davis, Gregory & Kyle, Inc.

“In the 80s, as DGK became more specialized, computers and sales professionals were brought in to better serve our clients. Jack Kyle’s son Jeffrey came on board in ‘81, Tom Davis’ daughter Beth O’Malley, CPCU, ARM in ‘82, and in ’86 his son Jim Davis, CPCU, ARM, in ’87 Richard Doeringer, CLU, ChFC, in 2006 Sean Pieretti, AINS, API, AIC, AIS, in 2012 Dale Baumes, AINS, and in 2015 Stephanie Holdt, NSSA, to complete what is known as our DGK sales team.

“In 1995, Tom Davis, CPCU retired and Kathleen Glattly, CPCU, AIM, CLU, ChFC became our president/CEO. Today DGK is an employee-owned company, abd has grown to employ 19 local professionals.”

According to Glattly, one of the primary goals of the original owners was to keep the business in the family. Now, 100 years later, two of Davis’ great-grandchildren are employed there: Beth Davis O’Malley, secretary of the board; and James Davis, treasurer.

When asked what he enjoys most about the business, James Davis said it’s the people.

“I enjoy our customers, our employees,” he said. “I enjoy talking to people.”

O’Malley agreed, adding she enjoys working with the businesses the agency serves, as well.

“We also have the opportunity to learn how different types of businesses operate, and learn what they do,” she said. “It’s fascinating.”

Glattly said one of the biggest things that sets the company apart is its staff.

“As an employee-owned company, everyone has a vested interest in each other, in the success of the company and in our clients,” she said.

DGK currently serves a wide array of personal, commercial and municipal clients over 17 counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania. More information may be found online at dgkinsurance.com or by calling 800-242-4337.

Willard Davis
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_ABJ-DGK-2.jpg.optimal.jpgWillard Davis Submitted photos

Tom Davis
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_ABJ-DGK-3.jpg.optimal.jpgTom Davis Submitted photos

DGK Insurance, an employee-owned company based in Factoryville, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. From left, first row, are Richard Doeringer, Dale Baumes, Becky Watkins, Ronda Macedonio, Kathleen Glattly, Jim Davis and Jeffrey Kyle. Second row, Robert Thomas, Christine Ramage, Stephanie Holdt, Denise Maleski, Marcee Kneisel, Mary Major, Mary Tellip, Beth OMalley, Debbie Mulrooney and Garrett Street.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_ABJ-DGK-1.jpg.optimal.jpgDGK Insurance, an employee-owned company based in Factoryville, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. From left, first row, are Richard Doeringer, Dale Baumes, Becky Watkins, Ronda Macedonio, Kathleen Glattly, Jim Davis and Jeffrey Kyle. Second row, Robert Thomas, Christine Ramage, Stephanie Holdt, Denise Maleski, Marcee Kneisel, Mary Major, Mary Tellip, Beth OMalley, Debbie Mulrooney and Garrett Street. Submitted photos
DGK Insurance and Financial Services plans celebration for Saturday

By Elizabeth Baumeister

ebaumeister@timesleader.com

Reach Elizabeth Baumeister at 570-704-3943 or on Twitter @AbingtonJournal.