About Us

History

Mission/Vision

Values

Business Affiliations

Servicing Staff

Companies Represented

Testimonials

Middleton & Company was founded by Arthur and Edith Middleton in 1937 as a small insurance agency serving Northern New Jersey and the local bordering states of Pennsylvania and New York.

In 1969, Eli Gaynor joined the agency which provided the insurance coverage for his former business: Triple Lake Ranch, a resort hotel Dude Ranch. Eli led the transformation of Middleton & Company into a progressive, growth-oriented agency. Upon retirement of the Middleton’s, Eli assumed the presidency and further expanded the company’s boundaries in both growth and scope via specialization.

In 1979 Richard Gaynor joined Middleton & Company Insurance Agency after graduating The College of New Jersey/Trenton State, creating and marketing a variety of specialized insurance programs. Richard joined the Boards of many industry Associations. He attended most meetings and acquired a keen understanding of the protection needs and issues that each association faced. The Middleton & Company team effectively became the insurance advisors that provided educational seminars, webinars, published articles and created cost-effective insurance protection programs. Middleton & Company continued to grow and expand by adding insurance specialists to the team. Eventually, the Company required larger quarters and in 1989, built its present location. Richard assumed the presidency of Middleton & Company in 1995, continuing the commitment to provide business solutions to clients while maintaining strong profitable growth.

Richard’s educational background includes a degree in Business Administration. Additionally, he received a designation from The Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) and was accredited as a Certified Risk Manager (CRM). Richard has extensive board participation experience, having served on over ten private and industry boards, and continues to be an active member of various industry leadership committees.

In 2008, Richard’s son, David graduated from Monmouth University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. David joined the agency followed by his brother Brandon in 2012, a Business Administration major from Montclair University. David and Brandon are 3rd generation at Middleton & Company. David and Brandon bring fresh young perspective, spirit and energy to our team.

Middleton & Company is a professional and trusted advisor providing innovative Insurance Protection Solutions. We take time to inform you, our clients, of the best coverage and cost effective options. Providing solutions, clear communication, frequently, so you can make informed decisions and feel confident that your concerns are thoroughly addressed. We use a three layered approach: Loss control, Risk Management/Risk Transfer and the ultimate backstop: the Insurance coverages; to protect your future financial stability.

Our vision is to be the premier Insurance protection provider in the Tri-State area for small and medium size businesses including personal lines and Group Benefits, for those clients who appreciate a Trusted Advisor relationship.

We strive to afford confidence and security, for your peace of mind. Understanding the best solution is the one we would expect for ourselves. We keep you so satisfied, you NEVER even think about leaving us.

  • We treat clients the way we want to be treated.
  • We are keenly aware that insurance costs are a significant expense for our clients. We use our knowledge and expertise to cost effectively maximizes insurance protection, just as we would with our own insurance purchases.
  • We are proud of our work and the value of the financial security that we bring to our clients. We appreciate the faith that our client invests in our professionalism.
  • We take RESPONSIBILITY for our clients' needs and work tirelessly to exceed their expectations.
  • We know that our clients pay our salaries and we devote our efforts to insuring our clients' financial stability.
  • We enjoy our career and take great satisfaction in working side by side with our staff, Teamwork!

President

Richard D. Gaynor

Account Manager

Al Merusi Laurette A. Merusi

Underwriting

Brandon Gaynor David Gaynor Anita Reynolds

Life & Health

Gary McLaughlin

Personal Accounts

Brandon Gaynor

Account Executive

David Gaynor

Assistant / Accounts Receivable

Dawn Lloyd

Controller

Dawn Hamilton

Richard D. Gaynor, CIC, CRM
President

Industry Experience: 1980 to present

973.383.5525 Ext: 220
Email Richard

  • Commercial Insurance Counselor (CIC)
  • Certified Risk Manager ( CRM)
  • New Jersey License: Property, Casualty, Life & Health
  • Member Board of Directors of The Independent Insurance Agents of Morris-Sussex Counties
  • Insurance Consultant
  • Member of the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors - since 1991
  • Insurance Counselor - Property Owners Association (POA) since 1979
  • Member of State Strategy team for the CNA Insurance Company
  • Professional insurance school & continuing insurance curriculum
  • Member of CNA Pacer Council
  • Chairperson of CNA Competition Committee
  • President Award Agency for Liberty/Peerless Insurance Company
  • Board of Trustees member of The Hilltop School, Development Chairman
  • Board of Directors member of New Jersey Land Improvement Contractors (NJLICA)
  • Board of Directors of Buildersand Remodelers Assoc of NJ (BRANNJ)

Linda A. DiDonato, CIC, CISR, CPIW
Office Manager

Industry Experience: 1977 to present

973.383.5525 Ext: 218
Email Linda

  • Daily Office Management
  • Account Manager - Management
  • New Jersey License: Property, Casualty, & Health
  • Professional insurance school & continuing insurance curriculum
  • Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
  • Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR)
  • Certified Professional Insurance Women (Designation-CPIW)
  • International Association of Insurance Professionals

Gary McLaughlin
Life, Health & Employee Benefits

Industry Experience: Over 25 years

Email Gary

  • Life, Health & Benefits Consultant
  • New Jersey License: Life & Health
  • Professional insurance school and continuing insurance curriculum
  • Member of National Association of Health Underwriters

Maryann B. Gramo, CIC
Personal Account Manager

Industry Experience: 1976 to present

973.383.5525 Ext: 214
Email Maryann

  • Account Servicing Manager - Personal Accounts
  • Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
  • New Jersey License: Property, Casualty, Life & Health
  • Member of Society of Certified Insurance Counselors - since 1999
  • Bachelors Degree - English

David Gaynor, CIC, AAI
Account Executive

Industry Experience: 2008 to present

973.383.5525 Ext: 229
Email David

  • Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
  • Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI)
  • New Jersey License: Property & Casualty
  • New Business Underwriting
  • Associate in Information Technology
  • Board of Directors member of New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA)

Cindy Smith-Sebasto
Marketing Assistant

Industry Experience: 2006 to present

973.383.5525 Ext: 222
Email Cindy

  • Provide administrative support for president, human resources, sales team and marketing executives
  • Coordinate internal and external events such as trade shows, seminars, conferences
  • Project coordinator for direct mail marketing campaigns

Michael Dranoff
Life, Disability, Benefits, Estate Planning and Investments

Industry Experience: Over 30 years

Email Michael

  • Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
  • Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
  • Member of The Association for Advanced Life Underwriting (AALU)
  • Qualifying and Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table
  • Member of the Top of the Table
  • Board of the Life & Health Foundation for Education
  • Board of the Standard & Poors Agent Advisory Council
  • Board of the New Jersey Chapter of the Council of Growing Companies
  • Given Testimony to The United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs on Banking and Insurance
  • Past President of the New York State Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
  • Past President of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
  • Approved Sponsor of continuing education for certified public accountants under the New Jersey Board of Accountancy in Finance, Management Advisory Services, and Taxation
  • Appeared in Forbes, Fortune Magazine, Investors Daily, Life Insurance Selling, and Advisor Today
  • President and Chief Executive Officer of New Jersey Life and Casualty, Inc. (NJL&C)

Anita Reynolds
Assistant to Underwriters

Industry Experience: 1987 to present

973.383.5525 Ext: 217
Email Anita

  • Account Assistant
  • Customer Service/Billing
  • Assists with general office duties

Dawn Lloyd
Agency Receptionist

973.383.5525 Ext: 210
Email Dawn

  • Agency Receptionist
  • Customer Service/Billing
  • Assists with general office duties

Kelly Morgan
Assistant Account Manager

Industry Experience: 2000 to Present

973-383-5525 Ext. 221
Email Kelly

  • Account Assistant
  • Customer Service/Billing
  • New Jersey License: Property & Casualty, Personal Lines

Laurette A. Merusi
Commercial Lines Account Manager

Industry Experience: 1991 to present

973.383.5525 Ext: 225
Email Laurette

  • New Jersey License: Property, Casualty and Life & Health
  • Bachelor Degree – Education
  • Member Professional Insurance Agents (PIA)
  • Member Jewelers of America
  • Member Woman’s Jewelry Association
  • ISPS Jewelry Security and Risk Management Training

Al Merusi
Commercial Lines Account Manager

Industry Experience: 1984 to present

973.383.5525 Ext: 221
Email Al

  • Account Manager - Management
  • New Jersey License: Property, Casualty, & Health
  • Professional insurance school & continuing insurance curriculum
  • Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)

Michael Dranoff
Chartered Financial Consultant

Industry Experience: 1989 to present

973.383.5525 Ext: 220
Email Michael

  • Member of the Association Advanced Association for Life Underwriting (AALU)
  • 9-Time member of the Million Dollar Round Table's "Top of the Table"
  • Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)
  • Principal | Director of Estate and Business Planning of New Jersey Life & Casualty Associates

Dawn Hamilton
Controller

Industry Experience: 1993 to Present

973-383-5525 Ext. 222
Email Dawn

  • Bachelors Degree in Accounting
  • Bookkeeper
  • Account & Finance Management
  • Accounts Payable / Accounts Receivable

Brandon Gaynor
Personal Account Manager / Commercial Underwriting Assistant

Industry Experience: 2014 to present

973.383.5525 Ext: 214
Email Brandon

  • Account Servicing Manager - Personal Accounts
  • Assistant to Commercial Underwriters
  • Claims Manager
  • Assists with general office duties
  • New Jersey License: Property & Casualty
  • Middleton & Company has been placing surety accounts with us for more than 20 years and never a glitch. They certainly try to address their clients' needs and understand the process well which helps to save a lot of time in this time critical line of business.

    James Burger,
    President, Service Insurance Co-Surety
  • Middleton are the "Gurus" of insurance. Very knowledgeable, always giving advice, and offer great customer service.

    Lenny DiTomaso
    Owner, Landscape Perceptions
  • I have known Richard for many years through various associations and activities in our community. He is a knowledgeable, hardworking and a respected professional in his industry and in our community. His outgoing, energetic personality and good sense of humor makes doing business with him a pleasure.

    Bill Moynihan,
    Financial Advisor, First Vice President-Investments at Wells Fargo Advisors
  • Middleton & Company has helped me protect my company and my personal assets with some of the best advice anyone has ever given me.

    Michael Demkowicz
    Owner of Dobra Property Maintenance LLC)
  • I've known Richard a long time. First as a trusted and responsible Insurance Provider, then as a friend! I strongly recommend Middleton & Company!

    Art Palombo
    Principle at Arturo Palombo Architecture
  • Richard is a great people person; he is very knowledgeable regarding his trade and is not afraid to share some of that knowledge with you. David can be trusted to steer you in the right direction and is genuinely concerned with your wellbeing, for he is sure to remember you the next time he sees you. Middleton & Company is not interested in the quick buck, but will form a long-term business and friendly relationship with you. I highly recommend that if you have an insurance question or issue, or are just looking for some good lively conversation, see Richard, you will not be disappointed.

    David Huber
    New Jersey Manager at Nicolock Paving Stones and Retaining Walls
  • Middleton & Company are tireless in promoting the interests of the pool and spa industry and members of the Northeast Spa & Pool Association. Richard and David are knowledgeable, articulate, and an excellent resource for all who have the privilege of working with them

    Mauro Tucci
    Former Director Northeast Spa & Pool Association - NESPA
  • Middleton’s knowledge of insurance protection is exemplary. I have no hesitation referring them to my clients for expert risk management advice and implementation, particularly when dealing with complex insurance matters.

    Michael S. Maneri
    Maneri Law Firm, LLC
  • Richard is a dedicated board member and an advocate for the building industry. He is enthusiastic, generous and supportive. We are fortunate to have Richard, David & Middleton & Company on our team!

    Kathleen Kurpiel
    Executive VP at Builders and Remodelers Association of Northern New Jersey
  • Middleton & Company started out being our insurance agent back in 03’. I must say, like everyone else, I hate paying for insurance. They came to my house asked us a million questions and answered every question we had with complete honesty. Our second meeting, a week later was to go over where we could save money without jeopardizing our exposure.

    Steve Sylvestro
    President, Crystal Pool & Spa, Inc.
  • Middleton & Company is incredibly thorough in servicing their client’s needs. They are true professionals and provide the best options always for their clientele. It is a pleasure to work with someone of their caliber, and they are highly recommended.

    Tanja Lewit
    Owner Panel Components & Systems, Inc.
  • I have had the pleasure of knowing Middleton & Company & staff on both a personal and business level and can say that their expert knowledge in the Insurance space separates them from their competitors. The staff is highly personable and efficient and continuously provides great value for their offerings.

    Anthony Curlo
    President & CEO, DaVinci Technology Corporation
  • Middleton & Company is a well-informed personable agency partner, who clearly works toward protecting their client's best interests, and giving them the most competitive edge in the insurance industry. They make it their business to be very informed on all matters that affect their business and work very hard to deliver the best coverage at the most competitive costs for their clients.

    Jason Karamanol
    Risk Control Consulting Director, CNA
  • I have known Richard Gaynor for approximately 13 years. In that time, I have observed Richard in professional arenas of presenting insurance seminars, working on the METRO NY/NJ APSP chapter board of directors and numerous other events. Beyond Richards’ obvious acumen relative to the insurance industry, I have found him to be a positive force in all he does.

    David B. Katz
    CBP President, Elite Landscaping, Inc.
  • Middleton & Company are certainly the gurus of insurance wisdom. They have a wealth of knowledge not found among many in the insurance industry. I had them review and point out inadequacies in my policies I would never have thought of and you would think that over the years other agents would have spotted and made these recommendations to me. I forgot to mention that they are skillful at getting great quotes from the insurance company. They really saved us money.

    Michael Kukol
    President, Horizon Landscape Company
  • Richard is one of the most thorough and knowledgeable agents in his industry. His priority has been for the security and protection of my business. Richard & David's knowledge has also assisted me in financial savings with several aspects of my business and personal dealings.

    Rich Turi
    President, CPS Pool Supply Inc T/A Checkers Pools
  • Middleton & Company is a very well-run professional agency located in Newton, NJ. Richard, David and the staff are very aggressive in obtaining the best price, product and if necessary, claims service for their clients.

    Kenneth A. Bull, CIC, AU
    Sales/Marketing, Iroquois Group
  • Since Middleton & Company has been our insurance agent, I sleep better at night. Their advice is based on extensive knowledge of not only the insurance industry, but business as well. Their recommendations have saved us money, and improved our level of protection. They treat my business as if it were their own!

    Joseph Guastella
    Managing Partner at Aqua-Mist Irrigation
  • Middleton & Company is a great insurance agency that has helped my clients.

    Joseph M. Hoffmann
    Law Offices of Joseph M. Hoffmann, Esq.
  • Middleton & Company is extremely professional in all of our dealings.

    Alan Karpas
    CEO Alkar Management Services, LLC
  • Middleton & Company is meticulous, well informed and has your best interests in mind at all times. What more could one want or expect?

    Robert Hibler
    Director of Marketing, Gamka Sales Company, Inc.
  • Middleton & Company is a leader in their field. They are personable and have great integrity and insight. Richard Gaynor, their president, is also a community leader, donating much of his personal time and resources.

    Karin Lowney-Seed
    Owner, My Interior
  • I met the folks at Middleton & Company a few weeks prior to the start of 2010 when Budget Travel magazine was in the final stages of being acquired by an asset management company. We needed a full complement of liability insurance for the soon to be independent business. Middleton & Company quickly got up to speed on our business in general, what it meant for our insurance needs and walked us through the various options. They are knowledgeable, professional, patient and helpful during a very hectic time. Once the insurance was in place, the team updated us on coverage changes and notified us well in advance of deadlines for renewals. I would definitely work with Middleton & Company again and recommend his services.

    Nancy Telliho
    President, Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel
  • Middleton & Company are the most dedicated and fastidious business people I know. They are honest to the bone and works 100% for their clients. Simply the best!!!

    Michael Gruber
    President, Michael Gruber, DMD, FAGD, PA
  • Middleton & Company are top professionals when it comes to insurance as well as understanding their customers' needs, particularly in the building industry. They are straight talkers which is refreshing in today's sales climate. I would recommend you get to know them, their company and services offered and know that you will come away impressed and having a distinct alternative with your insurance needs.

    Michael Kurpiel CGA, CGP
    President, MK Sales Solutions, LLC
  • Middleton & Company has supplied many insurance polices to our residential communities. I have found them to be extremely knowledgeable in the insurance field. Couple that with endless energy and a genuinely honest people and you have Middleton. We will do business with them for many years to come.

    John Davey
    Owner at Comet Management & Comet Security
  • I strongly endorse Middleton & Company as expert insurance professionals. Most knowledgeable in the industry.

    Fred Bari
    Insurance broker, BRMS
  • Middleton & Company are experts at what they do. They greatly improved the insurance protection at Residential Home Funding Corp and did so far more cost effectively than the prior insurance agent. Residential Home Funding is very fortunate to know Middleton.

    Marc Demetriou
    Residential Home Funding Corp. – Branch Manager
  • I can describe Middleton & Company’s expertise in one word - phenomenal. They are great professionals to work with. Their president, Richard Gaynor, is truly inspiring and exceptionally inspired.

    Anupam Satyasheel
    Iris Software, Inc.
"How you make your money is your business. How you protect it is our business."