Resilience, Reacquisition, and Rebirth
The 1980s were a decade of transformation for Hylant-MacLean. In 1982, the company was acquired by Dana Corporation—ushering in a period of change. Just three years later, the Hylant family proudly reclaimed ownership, when Pat Hylant and Scott Stewart reacquired the company in 1985.With a renewed sense of independence, Hylant expanded to new markets, opening offices in Cleveland and Detroit. Mike Hylant joined the company, helping pave the way for this next chapter of growth. Despite profound changes, the company stayed rooted in its founding values.
Inset: Steve Hylant led the opening of the Detroit office in 1987; Top right: Kyle Latham, Tim Laney and Scott Stewart at an office picnic.
Spotlight: Moments That Mattered
Key Milestones at Hylant
- 1982: Hylant-MacLean was acquired by Dana Corporation.
- 1982: Robert E. Hylant retired.
- 1985: The Company was reacquired by Pat Hylant and Scott Stewart.
- The company expanded into Detroit, led by Steve Hylant.
- 1987: Richard Hylant joined the company, working in sales.
- Mike Hylant joined and drove expansion to Cleveland.
- 1989: 1505 Jefferson Ave. was purchased as Hylant MacLean Inc. headquarters.
- By decade’s end, premiums surpassed $20 million.
- Robert E. Hylant passed away in 1989, leaving a strong legacy behind.
Voices from the Past
We learned who we were again in the '80s. Taking the company back meant realigning with our core mission—and believing in the future we could shape.
Scott Stewart
Former President
The People Who Shaped the 1980s
Pat Hylant
Joined in 1970
Reacquired the company; guided strategy and expansion
Scott Stewart
Joined in 1979
Co-led reacquisition; helped rebuild independent culture
Mike Hylant
Joined in 1983
Paved the way for Cleveland expansion
Stephen Hylant
Joined in 1975
Founded Detroit office; launched Michigan growth efforts
Bob Kelleher
Joined in 1983
Helped establish the Employee Benefits practice
Photos and Mementos from the '80s
Clockwise: Polly Hylant-Tracy with Robert E. Hylant in the cowboy hat. Invitation and picture from Robert Hylant's 60th birthday party. A 1980s Hylant brochure.
Clockwise: Robert at the Hartford Open House. Robert and Jeanne with their family. Jeanne and Robert at Polly's wedding. Photo from an '80s Hylant brochure. Patty Kelleher and Linda Rowe at a company picnic.
Who’s Who in the Hylant Family: Gen 3
Hylant began with Edward P. Hylant in 1935. By 1946, the company was led by his only son, Robert E. Hylant. The children of Robert and Jeanne Hylant make up “Gen 3,” short for Generation 3. This generation includes nine children who all worked at Hylant at some point, some continuing to do so today. Gen 3 includes:
Robert Hylant, Jr.
Patrick Hylant, Sr.
Daniel Hylant
Stephen Hylant
Polly Hylant (who sadly passed away in 1990)
Sandra Hylant
Jeannie Hylant
Michael Hylant
Richard Hylant
What Was Happening
In Insurance
- Insurance Information and Privacy Protection Model Act: Introduced by the NAIC in the 1980s to safeguard consumer privacy by regulating how insurers handle personal data.
- Liability Insurance Crisis: Soaring premiums and reduced coverage availability in the mid-1980s prompted stricter underwriting and revised risk management strategies.
- Ian Posgate's Case: Underwriter at Lloyd’s of London, involved in marine insurance during the Vietnam War. Expelled for misappropriating funds linked to a suspicious acquisition, but acquitted of fraud.
- Deregulation and Competition: The deregulation of financial services fostered insurer competition, leading to new product development.
- Asbestos Claims: The industry grappled with a rise in asbestos-related claims, resulting in significant payouts and legal disputes.
Around the World
- Personal computers begin to revolutionize office work and business operations.
- Corporate America is booming with tech-driven growth, aggressive mergers, and the rise of major technology companies.
- Exercise grows in popularity, with aerobics, jogging, and home workout videos becoming nationwide trends.
- MTV: Launched in 1981, revolutionizing the music industry.
- Reaganomics: President Reagan's economic policies focused on tax cuts and deregulation.
- AIDS Crisis: The epidemic emerged, leading to widespread fear and activism.
- Fall of the Berlin Wall: In 1989, symbolizing the end of the Cold War.
- Space Shuttle Challenger: The 1986 disaster shocked the nation.
- Compact Discs (CDs): Introduced, changing the way people listened to music.
Continue the Journey
Continue the journey and explore Hylant's evolution into the 1990s and beyond.