Our Agency

The Burns Agency was founded in 1919 by O. Gregory Burns, a prominent Clinton attorney, it began as an ancillary business providing car and fire insurance to Mr. Burns' legal clients. The agency grew as O. Gregory's son Nicholas K. Burns, Sr. joined in the early 1950's. Nick Sr. capitalized on the good Burns name in Clinton (established by his father; and grandfather, O.J. Burns, who operated a successful grocery in town) by successfully becoming "The" real estate agent in Clinton. Nick Sr. provided car and homeowners insurance to his real estate clients and was a one man welcome wagon to people who settled in the community he loved. During his 30 years in the insurance business, Nick Sr. gained a reputation for excellence and professionalism.

Nicholas K. Burns, Jr. and David J. Burns both joined the business in 1977 as customer service representatives in personal lines. As time went on Nick Jr., who has since left the agency to pursue a career in publishing, copywriting and marketing, and Dave began to build the commercial lines division. The brothers purchased the business in 1984 from their father's estate and worked to make sure that the primary focus of the business would be providing insurance services.

David J Burns served as president of the firm until his passing in September 2022. Under his leadership, the "small town" character of the agency with a focus on insurance sales and service remained the rule. Marketing strategies expanded the agency's territory but did not compromise its honest, caring, customer first, small town roots.

In 2023, The Burns Agency was acquired by Gilroy Kernan & Gilroy, Inc. (GKG). The acquisition brought together two firms with over 220 years of combined history in Central New York and demonstrated the commitment of both to the community. Today, The Burns Agency is a Division of Gilroy Kernan and Gilroy. We are proud to continue the Burns Family’s legacy and serving our clients—current and future—for many years to come.