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History of Granite

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For almost 100 years, Granite Insurance has proudly and happily served our community and helped them with their insurance needs. Now we’re helping even more people and businesses with their coverage. Learn more about how our agency started and became what it is today.

It was 1936 when Dr. A.D. Abernethy, Sr., a local dentist, as well as community and business leader in Granite Falls, realized the need to open Granite Insurance Agency. He saw the need to partner with local residents and business owners to provide risk management advice and a means to provide the security necessary for their success.

It was 1936 when Dr. A.D. Abernethy, Sr., a local dentist, as well as community and business leader in Granite Falls, realized the need to open Granite Insurance Agency. He saw the need to partner with local residents and business owners to provide risk management advice and a means to provide the security necessary for their success.

Later in 1954, the business was incorporated as Granite Insurance and Real Estate Agency, Inc. with three stockholders: Dr. A.D. Abernethy, Sr., Dr. Joseph W. Abernethy, and Floyd Annas. In 1957, Floyd Annas and his wife Theresa purchased all outstanding stock in the agency. This was the beginning of a multi-generational family-owned business that is now known simply as Granite Insurance.

Later in 1954, the business was incorporated as Granite Insurance and Real Estate Agency, Inc. with three stockholders: Dr. A.D. Abernethy, Sr., Dr. Joseph W. Abernethy, and Floyd Annas. In 1957, Floyd Annas and his wife Theresa purchased all outstanding stock in the agency. This was the beginning of a multi-generational family-owned business that is now known simply as Granite Insurance.

In 1960, Granite Insurance saw a need to help the local communities with fire prevention education. We continue to help our communities today by providing educational materials and fire hats to our local schools and fire departments.

In 1960, Granite Insurance saw a need to help the local communities with fire prevention education. We continue to help our communities today by providing educational materials and fire hats to our local schools and fire departments.

In 1990, Neil and Lou Anne Annas purchased the agency from Floyd and Theresa Annas. This transition of ownership established the agencies’ second-generation of owners.

In 1990, Neil and Lou Anne Annas purchased the agency from Floyd and Theresa Annas. This transition of ownership established the agencies’ second-generation of owners.

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In 2005, the agency joined Keystone Insurers Group. Keystone brings unlimited resources and potential to Granite Insurance, and makes them a part of the 2nd largest agency group in the U.S.

In 2005, the agency joined Keystone Insurers Group. Keystone brings unlimited resources and potential to Granite Insurance, and makes them a part of the 2nd largest agency group in the U.S.

In 2014, the agency acquired its newest location in downtown Granite Falls, NC due to growth of the company. Granite Insurance moved from a 3,500 sq. ft. building to its new headquarters which is 12,500 sq. ft. to accommodate for growth and foster future growth!

In 2014, the agency acquired its newest location in downtown Granite Falls, NC due to growth of the company. Granite Insurance moved from a 3,500 sq. ft. building to its new headquarters which is 12,500 sq. ft. to accommodate for growth and foster future growth!

In 2014, the Adventure and Entertainment Niche was established. The establishment of this niche laid the foundation for Granite Insurance to transition from a local insurance agency to an agency with national scope and expertise.

In 2014, the Adventure and Entertainment Niche was established. The establishment of this niche laid the foundation for Granite Insurance to transition from a local insurance agency to an agency with national scope and expertise.

In 2015, Granite Insurance transitioned from providing insurance solutions to clients based out of North Carolina, to an organization providing insurance solutions to clients nationwide.

In 2015, Granite Insurance transitioned from providing insurance solutions to clients based out of North Carolina, to an organization providing insurance solutions to clients nationwide.

Since 2016, Granite Insurance has been nominated as a Best Practice Agency each and every year. This distinguished award places Granite Insurance in the top 1% of all independent insurance agencies!

Since 2016, Granite Insurance has been nominated as a Best Practice Agency each and every year. This distinguished award places Granite Insurance in the top 1% of all independent insurance agencies!

In 2020, Granite Insurance expanded and opened a satellite office in the town of Boone, NC to serve clients in the Avery, Ashe, and Watauga Counties.

In 2020, Granite Insurance expanded and opened a satellite office in the town of Boone, NC to serve clients in the Avery, Ashe, and Watauga Counties.

In 2021, Granite Insurances’ leadership transitioned again. Cameron Annas and Chase Keller purchased the majority stock and became the CEO and President of the company. Neil Annas transitioned into the new role of CFO and Lou Anne transitioned into the new role of Director of Accounting

In 2021, Granite Insurances’ leadership transitioned again. Cameron Annas and Chase Keller purchased the majority stock and became the CEO and President of the company. Neil Annas transitioned into the new role of CFO and Lou Anne transitioned into the new role of Director of Accounting

In 2022, Granite Insurances’ leadership transitioned again. Cameron Annas and Chase Keller purchased the majority stock and became the CEO and President of the company. Neil and Lou Anne, the previous owners, transitioned into their next adventure…retirement!

In 2022, Granite Insurances’ leadership transitioned again. Cameron Annas and Chase Keller purchased the majority stock and became the CEO and President of the company. Neil and Lou Anne, the previous owners, transitioned into their next adventure…retirement!

In 2022, Granite Insurance expanded its operations and added locations in Greenville, SC, Charlotte, NC and Rockingham, NC to serve clients in those respective areas.

In 2022, Granite Insurance expanded its operations and added locations in Greenville, SC, Charlotte, NC and Rockingham, NC to serve clients in those respective areas.

Accomplishments

Awards-Insurance-Journal-Best-Agency-To-Work-For-in-The-Southeast-2022 Award-Big-I-Best-Practices-Agency-2022Award-2022-Best-Employers-in-North-Carolina

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