About Us
Our storied history dates all the way back to 1876.
Learn our history, mission and values below. Or, meet our team.
In 1876, Dallas was a pretty exciting place to be as the Reconstruction Era ended.
As the tiny commercial hub of North Texas, Dallas was energetic and ambitious, scrambling to outshine its larger cousins such as Memphis, Indianapolis and Atlanta. Dallas liked a party as much as any other city in 1876 (and still does today!).
George J. Dexter and Mardi Gras
Local media and business leaders decided Dallas needed a Mardi Gras festival to keep pace with regional cities who had already established their own Mardi Gras events.
During this time, George J. Dexter sensed Dallas’ enticing promise of economic growth and prosperity. He left his Canadian home to launch a career as a Dallas insurance expert and entrepreneur.
While we don’t know if George attended the Mardi Gras festival, we do know George J. Dexter & Company opened its doors on March 1, 1876, less than one week after Dallas’ first Mardi Gras parade marched down Main Street right past his office.
Dallas and Dexter and Company Grow Together.
By 1900 Dallas had reached a population of 43,000 and 26 years had passed since George L. opened his doors.
An Explosion of Growth
No longer a minor player, Dallas was becoming a city of great economic significance. Between 1907 and 1936, Dallas welcomed upscale retailer Neiman Marcus, a Federal Reserve Bank, Southern Methodist University, Dallas Love Field Airport, and the Texas Centennial Exposition in Fair Park.
As Dallas’ population quadrupled from 92,000 in 1910 to 434,000 in 1950, Chas. L. Dexter & Company also experienced phenomenal growth. The company by now held a well-established presence in Dallas and was earning a new generation’s trust and loyalty for their small business insurance needs.
145 Years of Excellence
Dexter Remains a Family Business
In February 1992, descendants of early agency members bought the firm. J. Robert Carter, III, grandson of J. Robert Carter, along with William (Bill) Davis, grandson of James P. Crowder who served as Bond Department Manager beginning in 1925, partnered with John Fitzgerald and purchased the agency from the Resolution Trust Corp. John Fitzgerald is a former Dallas Cowboy offensive lineman.