About Us
At O’Neil, Lee + West, we provide customized, quality insurance, acting as your guide in the often complex world of insurance. When your insurance needs a shift — a new car is purchased, a second home is bought or sold, families change — our agents will work with you to ensure consistent coverage.
Our History
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In 1906, Nellie O’Neil, personal secretary to James Giles, opened an insurance office in Orlando on Giles’ behalf when he was elected mayor.
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One of Orlando’s first women entrepreneurs, O’Neil partnered in 1917 with auto dealer and Lyman High School principal A.R. Douglass to form Douglass & O’Neil.
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Donald Lee, brother of Thomas G. Lee of T.G. Lee Dairies, joined the firm in 1921 and in 1925 the firm was renamed Douglass O’Neil & Lee.
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Donald Lee, brother of Thomas G. Lee of T.G. Lee Dairies, joined the firm in 1921 and in 1925 the firm was renamed Douglass O’Neil & Lee.
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In 1938 Douglass left the firm, now named O’Neil & Lee.
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After World War II, O’Neil & Lee represented INA (now known as CIGNA), the oldest and largest insurance company in the U.S.
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This relationship was administered by INA’s Executive Superintendent of Agents in Philadelphia, Alfred P. West.
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In 1956, West became president after purchasing O’Neil’s interest in the firm.
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AP West – picture of Al West
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The agency was renamed O’Neil, Lee & West, Inc. in 1960.
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OLW office 1960 – this was the office in 1960s on 797 N Orange Avenue
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In the mid seventies, Lee sold his shares to West, leaving the West family the sole owners of OLW. Steve A. West took over the company from his father, Al, a few years later.
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In the mid seventies, Lee sold his shares to West, leaving the West family the sole owners of OLW. Steve A. West took over the company from his father, Al, a few years later.
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50th anniversary photo – Al West is on the right
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75th anniversary photo – from left to right in the chairs – Steve West (owner, Al’s son), Jane West (Al’s wife), Al West, Julie West (Steve’s wife)
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Today, O’Neil, Lee & West, Inc. is still a family owned and operated independent agency, serving the insurance and risk management needs of Florida’s thriving business community.
