Thomson Jemmett Vogelzang (The Insurance Centre Inc.) is the result of an amalgamation in 2001 of the two largest Kingston and area insurance brokers, Thomson and Jemmett Insurance Limited and Vogelzang and Associates Insurance Brokers Ltd./The Insurance Centre Inc.

The roots of both brokerages go back many years.

Thomson and Jemmett originated from the J.K. Carroll agency established in 1909. In 1920, Arch Thomson, father for G. Graham Thomson, took over that agency when he arrived in Kingston to sell life insurance for the Royal Insurance Company. When Graham Thomson returned from the Second World War, he took over his father's real estate and insurance business, which, although small, gave him a solid beginning. In 1958, Harry Jemmett joined the agency of G. Graham Thomson and the firm was incorporated on November 21, 1960 under the name of Thomson and Jemmett Insurance Limited. In 1965, 1967 and 1969 respectively, George Holloway, Bryn Evans and Ken Jeffery joined the firm. Gord Crothers and Jamie Ross became partners in January 1984, joined by Blair Shaw in 1994 and Fred Steacy in 1999.

Vogelzang and Associates originated in 1972 when Peter Vogelzang purchased the Willoughby Insurance Agency in Seeleys Bay. In 1973, he purchased Charles Isaacks Insurance Agency, which dated back to 1923; this was instrumental in Peter’s returning to Kingston. Because Voglezang and Associates’ roots were rural, it was logical that it be part of a local community and therefore branches were established in Elgin and Gananoque. With the development of Kingston’s west end, a branch was opened by Peter’s son, John, at Taylor-Kidd and Strand Blvds.

Over the years, both brokerages purchased numerous agencies; T&J purchased 16 and V&A, 7. As a result of these acquisitions, T&J established a branch in Verona and V&A opened a branch Smiths Falls. Both firms grew rapidly and were engaged in friendly competition. However time were changing. The year 1997 marked the retirement of Ken Jeffery, a founding partner, and attention was drawn toward perpetuation and to maintaining efficiency and competitiveness in a modern marketplace. As the 90's drew to a close avenues were explored by the two firms to join forces. This was ultimately finalized in August 2001 under the umbrella of The Insurance Centre Inc. At that point, it was also decided to sell off the Smiths Falls branch to its local manager. Hank Reyers became a partner in the newly merged firm.

Along with several other changes, restructuring of the executive took place in January 2003:

• Gord Crothers was appointed President of the firm.
• Jamie Ross was appointed Vice-President of the firm.
• George Holloway continued his role as Secretary-Treasurer.

Jerry Boutilier joined the partnership later in 2003 and was named General Manager. This created a smooth transition which allowed Harry Jemmett and Peter Vogelzang to continue to provide valued guidance, and at the same time, plan for more personal time. Both Harry and Peter retired in December 2005.

In 2007, after careful consideration, the shareholders of Thomson Jemmett Vogelzang agreed to sell their shares to Johnson Inc., an industry leading company that has been offering home and auto insurance solutions to Canadians for more than a century.

As part of the larger Johnson organization, Thomson Jemmett Vogelzang is able to make use of enhanced technology and systems to improve communication with clients whether on-line, by phone, or in person. In addition to improved service, Thomson Jemmett Vogelzang is able to offer enhanced products to their clients. The business continues to operate at the same four branches with the same management and staff as it did prior to becoming part of the Johnson Group.