History of Bouchard Insurance

Roger Bouchard sold his first policy from this rented storefront in downtown Clearwater in 1948.

Founded in 1948 by Roger Bouchard, Bouchard Insurance saw tremendous growth during the 1950s and 1960s. By the late 1970s, the agency had five satellite offices, but a few years later they were consolidated into one location on Missouri Avenue in Clearwater to take advantage of technology and automate the agency through the use of a newly-purchased computer system.

During the 1980s, Bouchard became more selective and focused on the size and type of customers they wanted, which was the impetus of their future growth. New producers, experienced in special targeted areas, were added to the staff, and a formal sales center was established. In 1988, the agency moved to the current corporate location on Starcrest Drive in Clearwater.

In 1999, Bouchard Insurance became a subsidiary of Naples-based First National Bankshares. During a five year period of bank ownership, the agency grew through acquisitions to serve the bank’s ‘footprint’. These acquisitions ultimately resulted in four offices: Kissimmee, Fort Myers, Sarasota, and corporate headquarters in Clearwater. In 2004, the Bouchard management team acquired the agency from First National Bankshares, and made a strategic decision to grow organically instead of through acquisitions.

Today the agency operates as a privately-held, independent agency serving Florida communities through its four office locations. An internal ownership perpetuation plan is in place to allow Bouchard Insurance to remain a privately-held, independent agency.

Bouchard Insurance office staff, 1969.

Bouchard Insurance employees, 1973.