LIVING THE DREAM

You may not have heard of McKeel Hagerty, but if you own a classic car the chances are you’ll be familiar with the business that bears his family name. Founded almost four decades ago by his parents in Traverse City, Michigan, Hagerty Insurance has grown under McKeel’s leadership from a provincial insurance provider offering specialist cover to Michigan’s boating community into the world’s largest insurer of classic vehicles.

Hagerty’s ascendance from humble beginnings to insurance powerhouse is straight from the American Dream, and an example of how hard work and smart moves can create multi-billion-dollar business success. The really interesting thing, at least if care about your cars, is that the business is founded on a deep and genuine love of cars and driving. A love that starts with the man whose name is above the door.

‘I grew up in a car family,’ says McKeel, 53. ‘I had two older sisters and each of us, when we became young teenagers, went out with our father to find a cool vintage car that