Agency History
Founded in 1965 by the late Russell J. Gugino. Our agency philosophy is to develop strong personal relationships with our clients. Couple that with the trust and respect we hope to earn as knowledgeable insurance professionals. Gugino Insurance Agency, Inc. through the use of many well respected insurance carriers will provide individualized service by continuing to monitor the ever changing insurance needs of our clientele.
A Family owned and operated Multi-line Independent Insurance Agency we solicit and service business from both business and personal clients. We also understand how important the ease of doing business is to our customers. Keeping that in mind we are aware that our primary focus is to provide each client with coverages that meet their present day situation and with periodic recommendations and discussions on other possible areas of need we hope to provide the service and protection they will require for the future.
About Our Founder
Russell J. Gugino was a 1947 Graduate of Layfayette H.S. and a 1952 Graduate of SUNY Buffalo with a degree in History. Russ or Jack as he was known by many started his insurance career in 1953 with Metropolitan as a salesman working his way to Branch manager. In 1965 Russ Joined the Tabor agency as the Life Manager representing The Travelers Insurance Company until he left to form the Gugino Insurance Agency in 1980. Russ was cited with numerous sales awards during his career. In 1988 Travelers presented him with their Circle of Leaders designation awarded for his excellence in financial service management. Russ helped the agency qualify as a Tower Award recipient for more than 10 consecutive years.
About The Principals
Paul J. Gugino, President/Owner A 1985 Graduate of Williamsville East H.S.. Paul earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in marketing from Miami University in 1989 where he also lettered in football and was a member of Miami’s 1986 MAC Championship team. Paul began his insurance Career in 1989 with Met Life before Joining Gugino Insurance in 1991 as the agency’s Financial Services Specialist. In 1993 Paul received the designation of Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow (LUTCF). Also in 1993 Paul graduated from the Travelers Insurance Company’s Personal Lines School helping his perpetuation to Personal Lines Manager. In 2002 at just 35 years of age Paul was elected President of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association of WNY the youngest in their 70 year history. Later that year Paul was honored by New York State with the Joel S. Pollack Young Agent of the Year award.
Joan M. Gugino, Vice President of the agency is a 1957 Graduate of Riverside H.S. After High School Joan began her insurance career with Prudential Insurance Where she worked for 10 years arising to office manager before leaving in 1967. Joan started the agency’s property and casualty division in her home before the agency merged to it present form today. She currently is the agency’s Commercial Insurance Specialist putting her vast knowledge of coverages, company requirements, practices and industry changes on the table to benefit our clients.
