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McClone: 75 years of making a difference every day

For 75 years, McClone’s legacy has been protecting yours. In an industry that often prioritizes transactions over relationships, McClone has defied the odds, thriving on a foundation of personal values, deep-rooted community engagement and an unwavering dedication to its clients. This commitment to making a difference isn’t just a slogan; it’s woven into the very fabric of the company’s culture.

A family legacy begins
McClone’s story began in 1949 in the heart of Wisconsin when Ralph “Cyclone” McClone, a beloved youth sports coach and dedicated community volunteer, embarked on a journey to support his growing family by selling life insurance from his kitchen table. This humble endeavor, born out of love and necessity, ignited a lifelong passion, laying the foundation for the thriving, family-owned business that McClone is today.

For current CEO Dustin McClone, this legacy is deeply personal. He recalls a pivotal moment after church, witnessing a business owner expressing heartfelt gratitude to his father, Mike McClone, for saving his business after a devastating fire. “That experience solidified my commitment to carrying on our family’s tradition of service,” Dustin reflects. “It’s not just about insurance; it’s about protecting people’s dreams and livelihoods.”

A group of 5 men in an office

A 1987 photo capturing McClone’s early leadership team — founder Ralph McClone stands proudly with his sons Mike, Dan, Pat and Brian (left to right), embodying the family’s shared values of hard work, integrity and service.

A passion for people and purpose

The heartbeat of McClone is its people and purpose. The company’s culture is more than a reflection of values; it’s a living testament to the belief that relationships, empathy and integrity are the foundation of any enduring success. This people-first philosophy permeates every interaction, from how McClone nurtures its team to the way it serves its clients.

This commitment to people isn’t merely aspirational; it’s woven into the company’s very DNA. The words of Mike McClone, the second-generation leader, continue to resonate within McClone’s walls: “When in doubt, do the right thing. The rest will take care of itself.” This mantra serves as a compass, guiding every decision, every interaction and every endeavor.

The team at McClone understands that their work goes beyond insurance policies and risk assessments. It’s about fostering trust, providing peace of mind, and empowering businesses and individuals to thrive. It’s about creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the boardroom and into the heart of the community.

M.A.D.E. in the community

Central to McClone’s values is its M.A.D.E. (Make A Difference Every Day) program, a testament to the company’s belief in using its resources to empower team members and uplift the communities they call home. It reflects McClone’s commitment to enriching the communities where it lives and works and embodiment of the belief that businesses have a responsibility to give back.

McClone MADE logo

The newly refreshed McClone M.A.D.E. logo, the symbol of its dedicated philanthropy arm, reflects the company’s deep-rooted commitment to community engagement.

Through paid time off for volunteering, a donation matching program, and a commitment to reallocating 10% of every dollar earned back into the community through its charitable giving and other corporate programs, McClone empowers its team members to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

“M.A.D.E. is about living our values,” says Dustin McClone. “It’s about fostering a sense of shared purpose and strengthening the bonds between our team members and their communities.”

A growing Wisconsin-based partner with a global reach

This passion for people and purpose has driven McClone’s growth and success, expanding its operations from humble beginnings to being a top 1% broker in the country. Headquartered in Menasha, Wisconsin, McClone now has offices in Madison, Milwaukee, Sheboygan and Fond du Lac, and over 130 team members serving clients throughout Wisconsin and across the globe.

McClone understands its success is not measured solely by its size or geographic reach but by the depth of its relationships and its positive impact on the lives and businesses it protects. McClone has evolved into a leading risk management brokerage, offering a comprehensive suite of services, including business insurance, employee benefits, HR outsourcing, 401k solutions, and personal insurance, all designed to meet the diverse needs of its clients.

Dustin McClone

Dustin McClone, the third-generation president and CEO of McClone, took the helm of the family-owned business in 2018.

Partnerships over policies

McClone understands that insurance is about more than policies; it’s about forging lasting partnerships. The company’s proprietary RiskMAP™ process sets it apart, going beyond the transactional nature of insurance to build a deeper understanding of each client’s unique needs. By systematically identifying risks, McClone can develop tailored solutions and strategies to safeguard what matters most.

“RiskMAP™ is a collaborative process that leads with identification, not just the solution,” explains Dustin McClone. “We leverage proprietary tools, industry-leading talent and advanced technology to truly understand our client’s unique goals and challenges. This allows us to craft a customized strategy, that not only protects their assets but also helps them achieve their long-term vision.”

A group of people by a car

McClone team members, led by CEO and United Way Fox Cities board member Dustin McClone, gather at the 2017 Campaign Kickoff, showcasing the company’s decades-long commitment to the organization and community impact.

Driving forward: service, innovation and impact

As McClone celebrates 75 years, the company expresses deep gratitude for its clients’ trust and loyalty. Its unwavering commitment to making a difference through proactive protection, investing in new technologies and ideas and deep community engagement remains as strong as ever.

“Our success has been built on protecting our clients’ legacies,” Dustin McClone states. “As we look to the future, our vision is to continue that mission with passion and purpose, innovating to meet the changing needs of our communities while always staying true to the values that have made us who we are.”

McClone’s next 75 years promise continued innovation and a solid commitment to community impact. By leveraging its expertise and technology, McClone aims to provide cutting-edge risk management solutions while remaining deeply rooted in the communities it serves. Driven by the values of passion, people and purpose, McClone is dedicated to fostering a brighter future for its clients, team members and the communities it calls home, making a difference every day.

For more information, visit mcclone.com.

This article was originally posted on Insight on Business