This agency was founded in 1934 as the Ralph E. Blackmer Insurance Agency, by Ralph Blackmer as a part-time agency specializing in insurance for Grange members. The business grew and in 1944 Mr. Blackmer was working full-time and added several other insurance companies and new products. Since that time the agency has grown and now works with more than a dozen insurers on a regular basis.
We are pleased to be a member of the Renaissance Alliance of insurance agents. Our partnership with other Renaissance agents provides more opportunities for our clients.
Our Staff...
John E. Taylor, CIC
John's first insurance connection was in 1986-1994 as a loss prevention consultant for a national insurance company serving commercial insurance clients. In 1994 John was licensed and joined the agency as a broker and currently serves as agency President. He is also an Account Executive for property, casualty, life, accident, and health insurance.
Joseph J. Judd
After relocating to this area from New York state, Joe completed his Massachusetts broker license training and joined the agency as an independent producer in 1976. Joe is an Account Executive for both personal and commercial clients to provide property, casualty, life, accident, and health insurance.
Judy Sweet, CISR
Judy has worked as a Customer Service Representative in Franklin County insurance agencies since 1975. Judy joined our agency in 1999 as our Senior CSR for personal lines, and is a licensed property/casualty insurance broker. She is well-liked and brings a wealth of knowledge to share with our clients.
Jeanne Deneault, CISR
Jeanne has enjoyed working in insurance for 30 years. She has been employed in both personal and commercial insurance, and as an underwriter for municipal insurance. Jeanne joined Blackmers in 2002 as a Service Representative for commercial insurance clients.
Sherry M. Taylor
Sherry started her work in an insurance agency in 1981 and has performed a variety of duties including personal and commercial lines customer service, and as account manager for a municipal insurance broker. She joined our agency in 1997 and serves as our Office Manager.
Cristina Holmes
Cristina has joined our agency in 2007, bringing her insurance experience from a municipal insurance program. She will be assisting in both personal and commercial client service areas.
Gordon E. Taylor
Gordon was first licensed as an insurance agent in 1955 and joined the agency in 1958 after military service in the United States Army. He has worked with numerous clients and business operations in his tenure. Gordon purchased the agency from founder Ralph Blackmer in and served as President from 1983-2003.
Marion J. Taylor
Marion was licensed as an agent in 1983 and also works with our personal lines department. She previously worked as Executive Director of the Franklin County Girl Scout Council, as President of the Shelburne Falls Area Business Association, and as our Office Manager.
