Traverse City Business Legends Hall of Fame: Celebrating Louise Hagerty and R. Floyd Clinch

By Art Bukowski
January 2026

Now more than a decade since its inception, the Traverse City Business Legends Hall of Fame stands as a testament to the area’s business heritage. This esteemed collection honors individuals who have significantly impacted the Grand Traverse region through their leadership, philanthropy, and unwavering dedication to community. As we add two new members this year—Louise Hagerty and R. Floyd Clinch—we reflect on their remarkable legacies that continue to shape northwest Michigan.

Louise Hagerty: "The Driving Force"

Louise Hagerty, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 89, was not just a co-founder of the Hagerty Insurance Agency; she was the architect behind its success. Born Louise Kucera in Pontiac, she spent her formative years in Leelanau County, excelling academically as class valedictorian. After marrying Frank Hagerty, the couple founded Hagerty Marine Insurance in 1984, a venture born from their vision to insure classic wooden boats—a market overlooked by traditional insurers.

Their family home on Old Mission Peninsula served as the modest backdrop for this ambitious undertaking. With just one phone line and an answering machine, their early operations required a unique blend of Frank’s storytelling charisma and Louise’s organizational prowess. Their son, McKeel Hagerty, who now serves as the company’s CEO, aptly describes his mother’s vital role: “Mom built the machine that made his promises real.”

Despite humble beginnings, the Hagerty Corporation quickly flourished. Today, the company employs around 1,700 individuals globally, with about 500 in the Traverse City area alone. Louise’s adept management of early recruitment and unwavering insistence on operational discipline laid the groundwork for what would become a hallmark of quality service in the industry.

Louise’s business acumen extended beyond mere operations. She instilled principles of preparation, structure, and accountability within the company culture. McKeel shared, “High standards can be quiet—but they remain non-negotiable. Trust good people, and expect them to live up to it.” Her influence extended to her children, three of whom became integral players in the company’s journey back in Traverse City, ensuring its longevity and growth.

Beyond her corporate contributions, Louise was dedicated to civic engagement. She actively participated in the Traverse City Human Rights Commission and the Friendly Garden Club while serving on the boards of various local organizations, including the City Opera House. Her efforts were publicly recognized when she received the Athena Award in 2007, highlighting her commitment to empowering women in leadership roles.

R. Floyd Clinch: "Father of the Park Place"

R. Floyd Clinch, who lived from 1865 to 1930, is a name that resonates through the streets of Traverse City, despite limited biographical detail. As a business leader and community figure, Clinch was the son-in-law of the city’s founding father, A. Tracy Lay, and played a crucial role in the operations of the influential Hannah, Lay & Company after the death of partners Julius Hannah and Perry Hannah.

One of Clinch’s most significant contributions was the establishment of the Park Place Hotel. In the late 1920s, he recognized the need for a modern establishment in Traverse City and commissioned renowned Chicago architect Benjamin H. Marshall to design the new hotel. The original wooden hotel on the site had served the community for nearly five decades, but Clinch’s vision for a grander structure came to life in 1930, resulting in what is now an iconic northern Michigan landmark.

Opened with much fanfare, the Park Place Hotel showcased Marshall’s distinctive architectural style and quickly became a symbol of hospitality and elegance in the region. Despite its ups and downs over the decades, it has remained a vital part of Traverse City’s landscape, a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

In addition to his work on the hotel, Clinch was deeply involved in the local economy and philanthropic activities. He served as president of the Traverse City State Bank and initiated ventures such as the Traverse City Refrigerator Company. His business acumen and community focus earned him the first distinguished service award from the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce in 1929.

The Clinch family’s legacy is etched in the community through landmarks like Clinch Park and the nearby marina, though some ambiguity exists about which Clinch family member the locations were named after. Regardless, Clinch’s influence in developing the city’s infrastructure was undeniably significant.

This year’s inductees into the Traverse City Business Legends Hall of Fame, Louise Hagerty and R. Floyd Clinch, exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship and community service. Their stories remind us of the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have on shaping a community’s identity and future.