History

The Friedman Group began in 1928 when Henry Friedman signed a contract to be an agent for State Farm. Henry worked out of his home primarily selling insurance to farmers. In 1933 he moved his office to what is now known as the Fischer Building, in downtown Dubuque.

In 1941, Henry's oldest son Cyril joined the agency, followed by his nephew Elmer Friedman in 1946, and youngest son Larry in 1950, and Friedman Insurance was born. The agency continued to grow with a heavy emphasis on selling auto, home and farm insurance, supported by life insurance. State Farm continued to be the primary insurance company, but additional independent insurance companies were added in order to meet the needs of their customers.

Eventually State Farm issued an ultimatum that their agents could no longer represent any other insurance company. At that point the decision was made that it was in the best interest of Friedman customers for the agency to be able to offer insurance from a number of companies. It was decided to sever ties with State Farm and become an independent insurance agency.

In 1994 Friedman Financial Services was founded, with an emphasis on providing the best life, health and other financial products for businesses and individuals. It was important to bring in ethical and professional agents with true financial services expertise.

In 1997 the Friedman Group purchased the Schlueter Insurance Agency, a well respected and long-time firm that operated in Dubuque since 1921. Later, a health insurance agency and a small independent agency were purchased.

After 73 years in the same building, in 2007 The Friedman Group moved one block away to their new offices, located at 880 Locust Street in Dubuque. Even though the company now employs 37 people and represents over 25 insurance companies, it has maintained the strong tradition initiated by Henry Friedman 80 years ago - Protecting What's Important to You, our customers.