In 1915, Nova Scotia was one of the busiest places in Canada. The country was at war. Military personnel by the thousands sailed out of Halifax. Sir Robert Borden, a native Nova Scotian, was Prime Minister. Maritime Telegraph and Telephone was expanding communication services to twenty four hours / six days a week in rural communities. The Marconi Tower in Glace Bay doubled its trans-Atlantic communication capacity.
Meanwhile New Glasgow, Pictou County, was enjoying its own economic boom. Construction was at a peak. The 7-story Maritime Building had just been completed and was proclaimed as the “most modern building in the province”. More and more people were moving into the area.
That same year, in 1915, W.F. Fraser and F.W. Hoyt combined to form Fraser & Hoyt with real estate, financial services, and insurance being their core businesses.
Two years later, Mr. Hoyt, in failing health, left the business and moved to the United States. Mr. Fraser continued. One of his most exceptional skills was surrounding himself with talented, skilled, hard-working people, a tradition that continues today. Over time his business grew and prospered. Mr. Fraser’s philosophy was simple: “Put your customers first, second and third.” Words that we continue to live by.
In 1945, his son, C.D. Fraser, joined the firm after serving overseas as a Captain in the Canadian army. He planned to stay with Fraser & Hoyt only a short time. 50 years later, he was still involved.
C.D. Fraser, along with his partner D.R. MacIntosh, laid the groundwork for what Fraser & Hoyt is today. They moved the company into the travel business in 1959. They aggressively opened more Fraser & Hoyt offices in the province, locating them in Antigonish, Port Hawkesbury, the Annapolis Valley, and Halifax in order to get closer to their customers.
C.D. Fraser took a lead role in the province’s insurance industry, and became founding President of what is now the Insurance Brokers of Nova Scotia. He held the position for 6 years.
A new ownership team bought the company in 1981.
Today, C.D. Fraser’s sons George, Bill, and Brien operate the Fraser & Hoyt Group. The company has become a group of companies engaged in insurance, travel, benefits, and incentives. There are more than 100 associates at Fraser & Hoyt, with an astounding 60% averaging at least 10 years or more experience at the firm —incredible expertise that benefits all clients.
Fraser & Hoyt and the associates working with the Group take a very active role in the communities that they work and live in. They’re strong supporters of the arts, education, sports, medicine, and other worthwhile causes.
What lies ahead?
George, Bill, and Brien Fraser all agree. “We owe it all to our customers. We take nothing for granted. We will continue to put them first, second and third — Whatever it takes.”
