Acrisure: Celebrating 100 Years of Chamber Membership

For generations, RPM Insurance has been woven into the fabric of Staten Island, helping local families and businesses protect what they have built and plan for what comes next. Its story began with the Maloy Agency in 1886, followed by James Russo's Russo Insurance in 1928 and the Picciurro Agency in 1962. The Russo and Picciurro agencies joined forces in 1976, later acquiring Maloy and officially becoming RPM Insurance in 1999. Though the name evolved over the years, the firm's commitment to personal service and the Staten Island community has remained constant, helping thousands of individuals, professionals, families, and businesses protect what matters most.

Mark Russo, grandson of James Russo, founder of Russo Insurance and current Partner at the firm, looks back at all of the transitions the firm has gone through since its beginnings in 1886: "The agency experienced the Great Depression, multiple real estate and stock market crashes, the COVID pandemic, and we even made it through Y2K!"

In November 2013, seeking additional resources and tools to better serve the community, RPM Insurance decided to consolidate with Acrisure, becoming the first firm in Staten Island to consolidate with a national company. This global financial and insurance brokerage company was still up and coming in the United States. "My partner Frank and I were employees 82 and 83 at Acrisure, and it now has approximately 20,000 employees from all backgrounds located in 19 countries worldwide."

Acrisure / RPM Insurance has continued to support the island not only through its small business services, but also by investing in talent and workforce development for future local professionals. "Over the years, we have taken on college interns and insurance professionals from the College of Insurance while focusing on local talent from our community. Many of our employees have established decades-long careers in the insurance business."

Additionally, the company celebrates a strong commitment to volunteer efforts and community activation through its team. Mark has been closely involved in volunteer efforts with organizations such as Meals on Wheels and has served on committees for other local organizations, such as Staten Island University Hospital. "It's important for [us] to set an example to our employees on how critical it is to nurture those connections by staying involved and aware of the community needs."

For a hundred years, through name changes and transitions, the firm has maintained a strong legacy of Chamber membership, leveraging the close relationship with the organization to support their success. "The relationship we have with the Chamber is very meaningful. They've supported us through tough times and good times, whether by giving us access to different business resources or creating new opportunities to connect and network with local professionals, leaders, and legislative officials, all while consistently maintaining strong leadership and commitment to the Staten Island business community.

"[The Chamber] continues to be a valuable resource for all businesses in Staten Island, especially those who are looking to grow," said Russo. "Having the SICC as a partner, ally, advocate, and resource makes it easy to have maintained this relationship for the past 100 years and hopefully for 100 more to come."

This story is part of our 2026 Annual Meeting. To read more long-term member stories or register for the event, click here.