About Us

In 1993, two long-time downeast Maine agents, Blaine (Buzz) Holmes of the Holmes Agency in Ellsworth (in operation since 1868) and Paul Tracy of the Winter Harbor Agency in Gouldsboro, (in business since 1898) desired to build a company that would make it easier for the smaller Maine agency to compete in a marketplace that was catering to the larger entities. Higher volume demands placed on agencies by insurance carriers made it increasingly difficult for the smaller organization to compete with agencies that were rapidly growing through acquisitions and mergers within Maine as well as across state lines.

Over the next couple years, and with the capable advice of Howard Candage of H. E. Candage, Inc., an action plan was put in place to build a company that would cater to the smaller Maine agent, allowing them to maintain their complete independence and ownership while bringing services to them as well as allowing them to compete in a marketplace that recognized size, growth opportunities and professional integrity. A benchmark of hard work, perseverance and longevity, a grindstone, was selected to represent their enterprise. Buzz’s and Paul’s endeavor, Grindstone Financial Group, LLC, came into being in 1995.

To date, Grindstone Financial Group, LLC, has grown to include 20 independently owned Maine insurance agencies, encompassing the majority of Maine’s vast coastline and interior to the I-95 corridor. Grindstone agencies represent over 30 regional and national insurance carriers, writing all means of personal and commercial products for Maine residents. Grindstone’s strength lies in its excellent relationships between its agents and each of these carriers, catering to a healthy respect for our mutually beneficial goals. Although property and casualty business is Grindstone’s mainstay, health and financial products are available through some of its participants.

Grindstone Financial Group is interested in exploring new relationships with other quality Maine agents. If you have an interest in joining a well-respected, profitable and growing business, please contact us at [email protected]