110+ Years of Finlan History
Our story began right here in Plymouth, Michigan, in 1916. Charles L. Finlan, our founder and namesake, launched the C.L. Finlan & Son Insurance Agency with a simple yet visionary idea: insurance should be accessible, not intimidating. As one of the earliest agencies appointed by Citizens Mutual of Howell, Charles was truly ahead of his time. He believed that insurance should evolve with the needs of society, and that our greatest duty is to the people we serve, not the policies we sell.
With that people-first philosophy, Finlan Insurance grew steadily over the next five decades, building a reputation for trust, transparency, and commitment to community. But as Charles looked toward the future, he knew his legacy would need the right hands to carry it forward.
The Finlan Insurance Journey
In 1970, Charles passed the torch to Russell Hoisington, a like-minded leader who shared his passion for progress. Under Russell’s leadership, Finlan expanded its partnerships, notably joining with Auto-Owners Insurance, one of the nation’s top-rated carriers. This move marked a major step forward, giving our clients access to broader, more competitive coverage options. As the agency grew, so did our carrier network, ensuring that our clients always had access to comprehensive, customizable insurance solutions.
Then in 1992, a new generation of leadership took shape. Kirkland Kohn, along with partners Richard Raisin, Greg Getz, and Denis McManus, acquired the agency. After Denis’s retirement, our longtime general manager Barbara Sobotta stepped in as a shareholder, a role she continues to serve in with pride and dedication.
While our leadership has evolved, our commitment to innovation and personal service has remained constant. We’ve always embraced change to better serve our clients, and that mindset continues to guide our growth today.
Where We Are Today
Though we’ve long outgrown our original office, we’ve never left the heart of Plymouth. Our deep roots in this community remain central to who we are.
Over the years, we’ve become actively involved in a variety of local events and organizations, including the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Plymouth, United Way, the Kiwanis Club, and the beloved Plymouth Fall Festival Chicken BBQ. In 2017, our commitment to the community was honored when we were named Best Medium-Sized Business in Plymouth.
Today, we’re proud to have a dedicated team of insurance professionals led by President Kasey Kohn. As we look to the future, we remain excited about what’s ahead, for our agency, our clients, and the community we’re proud to serve.
One thing is certain: while the tools and technology may change, our mission never will. We’ll continue to lead with clarity, care, and a commitment to cutting-edge service, without ever forgetting where we came from.
