Durham & Bates Insurance is a 100% employee-owned insurance broker headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Founded by M.C. Harrison, Durham & Bates embarked on its journey in the early 1900s.  What started as a small insurance agency in Portland, Oregon, was later relocated to San Francisco, when the reins of the business were passed to Harrison’s nephew, C.P. Sargent. Sargent brought in Gilbert H. Durham. Durham expanded the team by recruiting Donald H. Bates, who eventually became a partner, and thus, Durham & Bates was officially born.

Over the years, the company has diversified its portfolio and enhanced its capabilities to serve middle market companies with national and international reach across numerous industries. They have harnessed cutting-edge technology to facilitate faster communication and collaboration with clients. Durham & Bates remains committed to solving challenges and creating value for a wide range of clients, including commercial enterprises, non-profit organizations, and individuals. This commitment is rooted in their core principles, which include building and nurturing professional relationships, combining expertise with determination, and upholding ethical and moral standards.

In 1989, Durham & Bates Insurance became employee-owned when they implemented an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).  Being an employee-owned company means that every member of their team has a stake in the company's success. Employees actively contribute to managing risks and finding solutions. As shareholders, their employees have a voice in decision-making and a shared goal of serving clients, tackling complex challenges, and managing risks. The ESOP structure empowers each team member to be a critical part of the company's direction, providing agility and professional insight to clients. Durham & Bates considers its ESOP model as a built-in perpetuation plan, ensuring a streamlined transition of ownership and maintaining an entrepreneurial culture.