Four generations serving Portland, Oregon, the Pacific Northwest and more

In 1933, during the height of the depression Leonard Adams began running a small insurance agency in Beaverton, Oregon. He was determined to find a conscientious approach to solving the insurance problems and needs of his community. Leonard’s devotion to his clients and the quality of his business model centering on relationships was reflected the incredible growth of his agency and the continued, long-lasting legacy of his business. Passed down to son-in-law, grandson and his wife, and now great-grandsons of Leonard himself, the company is still family-owned and is operated by the third and fourth generations and seeks to pursue a continued legacy of integrity and personal relationships in the insurance field.

Take a look at our history

We opened our agency in 1933 and are still in business today. We have been serving all of Oregon for over 90 years.

The Beginning...

In 1933, during the height of the depression Leonard Adams started a small insurance agency in Beaverton, Oregon. He was determined to find a conscientious approach to solving the insurance problems and needs of his community. Leonard’s devotion to his clients and the quality of his business model centering on relationships was reflected by the incredible growth of his agency and the continued, long-lasting legacy of his business. Passed down to son-in-law, grandson and his wife, and now great-grandsons of Leonard himself, the company is still family-owned and is operated by the third and fourth generations and seeks to pursue a continued legacy of integrity and personal relationships in the insurance field.

The 1930s

1934

In 1934, the total premium volume of the company was $6,794.90 and all the business Leonard wrote was within the geographic perimeters of the Beaverton city limits. The first carriers he worked with were the Oregon Automobile Insurance Company and the Loyalty Group, which later became the ‘Continental Companies.’ In the early years of the company, Leonard primarily wrote personal auto and personal fire lines insurance, and slowly grew a commercial base with large clients including the Beaverton School District and Lehman Truck Lines.

1935

Leonard hired his first employee in 1935 --a clerical assistant at $10 a week-- to help Leonard stay on top of his growing book of business.

The 1940s & 1950s

1945

1945 marked the beginning of large-scale development of Leonard Adams Insurance as a result of “Oregon’s First Financial Responsibility Law” requiring drivers to have insurance in case of an accident.

1948

In 1948, Leonard was joined by Bill Dresser, his brother-in-law, expanding the workload greatly. The agency required a second, full-time clerical employee which increased the agency size to two principals & two women employees.

1958

A third principal agent, John O’Connor Sr., joined the ranks in 1958. This allowed for the principals to pursue individual professional specialties within insurance and focus on their own spheres of influence.

The 1960s

1961

By 1961, Leonard Adams hit the $458,000 mark for premium volume and the company hired two more clerical employees to handle the amount of business being written. At this point in the business, the agency now represented 11 insurance companies. The increase in the agency’s size led them to build and move their headquarters to Canyon Road, where they had 5300 square feet of work space. They officially incorporated the company as Leonard Adams Insurance, Incorporated.

1963

James (Jim) Adams, Leonard’s only son, joined the company in 1963, prompting yet more hiring of clerical staff.

1965

In 1965 Leonard’s son-in-law, Brian D.E. Dooney, joined the team of principals at the company. His arrival triggered significant corporate growth, reflecting the care and attention he invested in building relationships with his clients and the community.

The Million Dollar Year: 1967

1967 was a big year for Leonard Adams Insurance when the agency hit the $1,000,000 premium mark. The staff increased to 11 employees with 5 principals: Leonard, Bill, John, Jim, and Brian. 1967 solidified LACO as a major commercial entity in the insurance industry.

The Mid 1970s

1974

In 1974, Brian D.E. Dooney took over the role of President from Leonard. The past several years had been marked by national brokerage companies acquiring other major local insurance firms and pressuring Leonard to sell. LACO graciously but firmly refused acquisition believing that personal relationships with their clients was the cornerstone of good business.

1975

In 1975 Leonard Adams reached an excess of $3 million in premiums. The company had grown three-fold since 1961 and increased its employee count to 15. Leonard Adams was awarded the Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce J. Arthur Young Award in 1975, in honor of his dedicated service to the city of Beaverton.

1976-1977

In late spring of 1976, producers William K. Thie and James P. Dooney were added to the team. The office got a second remodel and added a bond department in 1976, around the same time Leonard retired from the company. In 1977, the name Leonard Adams Insurance, Inc. was changed to what it remains today, Leonard Adams Company, as they found “Insurance” limited the scope of the services they actually provided to their clients.

The Late 1970s to the 1990s

1978

In 1978, Leonard Adams Company was named the top-ranking independent brokerage firm in the State of Oregon. By 1978, they had over 5700 clients, the company had grown in size to 25 full-time employees, and had an excess of $6 million in premiums.

1988

In 1988, the third generation of the company leadership was initiated when Sean Dooney Sr., Leonard’s grandson and Brian’s son, began working at the company.

1997

In 1997 the agency moved to its current location on Westgate Drive near the Oregon Zoo. This was a big expansion for the agency and was pertinent to its growth.

The 2000s & 2010s

2006

Sean Dooney Sr. took over as president of the agency in 2006 and Brian moved into the role of CEO at the company. Sean was often noted for his highly personable facilitation of business, going to bat on behalf of his clients, and making sure they were taken care of day in and day out.

2016

The fourth generation of the family joined Leonard Adams Company in 2016 when Brian P. Dooney became a licensed agent. As the great-grandson of Leonard, grandson of Brian D.E., and son of Sean Sr., he will have big shoes to fill, but a strong support system to get him there.

2018

In May 2018, Leonard Adams Company was stricken with an incredible loss, its beloved President, principal agent and owner, Sean Michael Dooney, Sr., died in a tragic boating accident. Sean's wife Sheri stepped up to take on the responsibility of running the company and became the 4th President, since the company was founded 85 years ago. Having worked behind the scenes with Sean, she is now overseeing the operations of the company. She is dedicated and determined to seeing Sean's and her vision come to fruition, for a brighter future at Leonard Adams, as well as strengthening the 4th generation to carry on their father's legacy.

Where We Are Today

Business is good and we are grateful

for each and every client we have, for our carrier partnerships, and our employees who have helped us to get where we are today!

In the aftermath of Sean’s passing we are delighted to welcome two of his sons to our team: Sean Dooney Jr., Sean and Sheri’s second-oldest son, and Danny Dooney, their third-oldest son. Sean Jr. and Danny look forward to taking good care of our customers and developing strong customer relationships, along with their older brother Brian. We will continue to carry on in the memory of Sean Sr. by going the extra mile for our customers and seeking to build positive relationships whenever and wherever possible.

We currently represent over 150 top national and regional insurance carriers and service clients throughout the States, particularly in Portland, Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest. We offer personal, business, and both group and individual life and health insurance with our team of over 30 professionals. We look forward to helping with your insurance needs!

Leonard Adams Company