Insurer Celebrates 60 Years in Business

When Fabe Mirto founded his small insurance agency in 1951, life was vastly different. Americans were enjoying prosperous post-war lives, Dwight D. Eisenhower was president, people drove cars like the Plymouth Belvedere and the Chevrolet Bel Air, and there were only three restaurants in a sleepy town called Plymouth.

Sixty years later, life might look different, but on the upper level of the building at 292 South Main Street, is still selling life and health insurance, putting together retirement plans and offering sage advice to businesses and private citizens, just as it was in September 1951.

“Plymouth has been a great place to do business,” said Bruce Mirto, Fabe Mirto’s son, who has spent his entire life at the agency. “Looking back, there have been a lot of changes, but overall, I think the community is better than it’s ever been.”

Since 1974, the business has resided in its current location, which overlooks the vibrant downtown that, by his own admission, Mirto cares for deeply.

Mirto & Co, is among the three oldest businesses in town, and is one of only two with continuous family ownership. Bruce Mirto, now 65, started assisting his father in the office as a young man. By 1968, he served as the agency manager for Woodman Accident and Life, a large insurance firm which the elder Mirto was affiliated with.

The younger Mirto had earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and returned for graduate coursework, but by 1978, he re-envisioned the firm as a brokerage, which allows clients to 51 life insurance companies, 26 annuity companies and every major health insurance provider in Michigan.

“By not having a single affiliation, I can work directly for the client,” he said. “I can sell products from several agencies that may work better for clients.”

It’s a lot like New England

Fabe Mirto was originally from a small town in Connecticut, and though the family initially moved to Detroit for professional opportunities, the salesman longed for home. When he discovered Plymouth, that’s where he decided to set up his agency and his family.

“He just wasn’t a big city boy,” Bruce Mirto said of this father. “He said Plymouth reminded him of home.”

Since then, Mirto has never considered moving the business, Bruce Mirto said.

“My clients are from all over,” he said. “But Plymouth is a nice town, and clients generally don’t mind coming here.”

Bruce Mirto added that he would miss the bustle of Plymouth, and the down-home feel.

“We have a wonderful group of businesses,” he said. “A lot has changed, but it’s been for the better. The biggest change I have seen is that there are people here at night, and I think that’s a good thing.”

What has remained consistent is the insurance business. “We’re not like other businesses,” he said. “People come to me because they need something; it’s not like a retailer or a restaurant. And people have had those needs for a long time, so not much has changed.”

John Buzuvis, the director of operations and special projects for the Plymouth Downtown Development Authority, said the longevity of Mirto & Co. is a testament to the services the agency provides and the stability of the city’s businesses.

“We’re very proud that Bruce has stayed here,” he said. “Businesses have opportunities to go elsewhere, but he has remained here. And he’s remained an active person in the community, which is great to see.”

Retirement? No way

Retirement issues are something Bruce Mirto is steeped in daily, but his own retirement is something that is likely far off.

“Retirement for some people is the beginning of the end, and I feel like I will continue working as long as my body and mind can handle it,” he said. “It helps when you’re doing something you love.”

In addition to his business, Mirto also serves as the president of the Downtown Business Association.