HISTORY OF GARBER ATLAS FRIES & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Garber Atlas Fries & Associates, Inc. (GAF) is an independent insurance agency founded in 1968 by Murray Garber and A. Arthur Strull. Mr. Strull retired within a brief period of time and Murray Garber then took the reins, guiding the Agency through the ensuing years, firmly rooting its philosophy and guaranteeing its permanence through adherence to the highest standards of excellence.

Steven Garber joined the firm in 1983, contributing his singular knowledge and expertise and providing the essential ingredients of growth and perpetuation. Steven has since received the industry’s “Certified Insurance Counselor” (CIC) designation and currently serves as President of GAF. He is involved in the sales and service of the agency’s customers and continues to bring a creative approach to our clients.

In 1991, Atlas Brokerage, a company founded by David Hammerman in 1952, joined forces with the Garbers, and significantly expanded the agency. David Hammerman, as Vice President of GAF brings to the Company his many years of experience in the industry, as well as specialties in real estate, finance, and all phases of insurance.

In 1997, Stuart Fries and Justin Fries joined the organization. This father and son team brought with them a well-respected and established agency. Stuart Fries has been in the business over 60 years and has served in many capacities, including his current appointment by the New York Superintendent of Insurance and Department of Financial Services, as a “Public Member” of the NY Auto Insurance Plan Governing Committee. Stuart is known in the industry as a “wealth of insurance knowledge” and continues to enjoy a stellar reputation amongst our clients, insurance carriers, and the general insurance marketplace. Stuart has also achieved the “Certified Insurance Counselor” (CIC) designation.

Justin Fries, a graduate of Cornell University, has been in the business since 1988 and is now the third generation of Fries’ to continue the insurance tradition. Justin currently serves as the “Chief Operating Officer” of GAF and is responsible for managing the day to day operations of the Agency. Like his father, Justin continues to volunteer his time and has served on the Board of Directors of many of the insurance trade groups. He is a past president of the Independent Insurance Agents Association, a current director of the Council of Insurance Brokers of Greater NY, and a director of the Professional Insurance Agents Association of NY. In addition, Justin has achieved the “Certified Insurance Counselor” (CIC) designation, along with the prestigious “Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter” (CPCU) designation, and the Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) designation.

In late 2009, the Agency had an opportunity to expand again by acquisition. On November 1, 2009, GAF purchased a seasoned agency known as Royal Associates Inc., owned by Arthur Morris, Mel Friedman, and Michael Mahoney. Located in Manhattan, Royal presented an opportunity for GAF to expand its presence into the NYC market. The further development of our NYC presence continued, as in 2016, GAF took on the management of a prior insurance agency known as All Risk Brokerage. All Risk was formerly owned and operated by Harvey Goldfarb, a veteran in the insurance industry.

At the end of 2016, GAF was presented with another opportunity to expand. We welcomed to our team Alan and Michael Plafker, another father and son team. The Plafkers previously managed Member Brokerage, the insurance agency operation within Melrose Credit Union in Queens NY. Alan Plafker has been active in the Insurance business almost 45 years and has served the industry in many capacities, most recently as President of the NY Professional Insurance Agents Association (PIA), and has served on many other insurance industry Board of Directors and Agent Councils. He started his career with his Dad, Phillip Plafker at Industrial Brokerage Corp after graduating Adelphi University, and continued his professional education achieving the “Certified Insurance Counselor” (CIC) designation, and the Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) designation. He is well respected in the industry and has joined the executive team as Vice President , bringing valuable carrier and client relationships to the GAF organization.

Michael Plafker is the third generation in the family business. He had the benefit of working with his Dad and Grandfather Phillip Plafker for many years gaining valuable wisdom and insight at a young age. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at the NY Professional Insurance Agents Association (PIA) as well as on the Board of the Council of Insurance Brokers of Greater NY. In Addition, he is an active past President of the NY Young Insurance Professionals Association (YIP). Michael is committed to professional development and has achieved the “Certified Insurance Counselor” (CIC) designation, and the Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) designation. He brings his successful young spirit and joined the executive team as Vice President. His business networking accomplishments and client relationships will contribute to the future success and growth of the GAF organization.

In the spring of 2020, GAF welcomed in another seasoned insurance veteran, Helen Generowicz. Helen was the principal of HG Insurance Agency, Inc, located in Cedarhurst NY, and has combined forces with GAF after 30 years of operation. Helen continues to be an integral part of the transition of her clients into the unified larger operation. Her expertise, knowledge, and tenacious attitude serves as a valuable asset to the firm.

Garber Atlas Fries and Associates Inc, remains as a highly respected independent insurance agency in the insurance community and enjoys an impeccable reputation for fine service, superior talent and unimpeachable integrity.