LYNNFIELD — A.A. Dority, a Wilmington-based insurance agency owned by Lynnfield resident Phil Crawford, has been recognized with an award for excellence from the state Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation Division for its work throughout the past 122 years.
The agency, which has a niche in surety bonds, was opened by Crawford’s great-grandfather, Alfonso Augustus Dority, who after graduating from Harvard University in 1888, worked at a law firm. A year later, Dority founded his insurance agency in downtown Boston, focused on surety and fidelity bonds.
The company has been a family-owned business owned and operated by five generations. Crawford and his brother, Dick Crawford, took over in the 1980s and each has more than 25 years of experience. Since taking over, the company has grown 10 times in size.
Phil’s son, Jim, and Phil’s nephew, Jeff, are the latest generation of the family to enter the business.
Dority is the largest commercial-surety agent in New England. Phil Crawford says the majority of the company’s business is centered around lawyers and law firms, writing bonds for things like conservatorships, estates, litigation (preliminary injunctions and appeals) and federal supersedeas (federal appeals of $25,000 or more). The company also provides bonds for public-construction contracts (to guarantee the projects are finished) as well as guarantee bonds in connection with a variety of licenses and permits.
A.A. Dority has received awards for its work before, being named the top surety-bonds agency in New England, and other accolades acknowledging how long the business has been operating.
“We feel honored to be acknowledged,” Crawford said. “It’s nice to be recognized for all of our hard work and years in business. They said we were top 10, but the truth is we are No. 1, so that’s very satisfying to know and it’s nice to be recognized as a leader in the industry. This award is really a nod to models in the business world, the companies that always get it right,”
Crawford said the fifth generation will continue their family’s tradition and take over the business when it is their turn.
“They already work here so they’re ready to keep it going,” Crawford said.
Edward Palleschi, undersecretary for the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), presented the award to the company during a ceremony held at A.A. Dority’s Wilmington office. OCABR is dedicated to protecting and empowering consumers throughout the Commonwealth with outreach, advocacy and education, while ensuring a fair playing field for Massachusetts.
