Since its inception in April 1941, Lanier Upshaw Incorporated has worked tirelessly to establish itself as one of the premier independent insurance agencies in the southeast.

Founded in Lakeland, Fla. by civic leader Mr. Lanier Upshaw as a one-person agency, Lanier Upshaw Inc. today has more than 90 employees at two locations in Florida: Lakeland and Tampa.

In 1941, shortly after opening for business, Mr. Upshaw was called to serve in the Navy during World War II. During his service, his wife kept the agency running. Upon his return, he began the process of growing Lanier Upshaw Inc. into one of the largest agencies in the state built on the premise of unwavering professionalism, attention to detail and developing relationships instead of simply selling policies.

Mr. Upshaw remained at the helm of his namesake agency until his retirement in 1976. At that time, Mr. Charles W. Bovay, who had joined the agency in 1967, became President.

In 1993, Mr. Bovay was elected Chairman and CEO and Mr. James C. Franklin became the agency’s third President. Mr. Franklin joined Lanier Upshaw in 1978 and had served as Executive Vice President since 1984. Upon Mr. Bovay’s retirement in 1998, Mr. Franklin assumed the title of CEO along with remaining President.

Lanier Upshaw remains committed to the ideals of quality and integrity that Mr. Upshaw instilled at the agency’s inception. The company today is led by Mr. C. Scott Franklin, President and CEO. Mr. Jim Franklin was elected Chairman in 2004. Additionally, since December 2003, Lanier Upshaw Inc. has operated an Employee Stock Ownership Plan in which all employees share an ownership stake in the corporation.