Leo Samuel, founder of the Oregon Life Insurance Company.

Go East, Young Man

"Go west, young man ..." John Soule wrote before the turn of the 20th century. Back then, the Oregon territory was open and opportunity awaited those who harkened the call.

Leo Samuel, a German immigrant who landed in New York City as an early teen, took Soule's advice and headed west. After living in towns across the West, gaining experience in various industries including insurance, he landed in Portland. There he founded the Oregon Life Insurance Company eager to satisfy customer demands. Most insurance companies at the time were located back east, and because of the distance couldn't settle claims quickly or give personal service to Oregonians.

Over the years more insurance companies migrated west, while The Standard expanded toward the eastern seaboard. The company eventually reached its 50^th state — New York — when yet another company was created: The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York.

In February of 2006, the insurance company Samuel built celebrates 100 years of providing financial services across the country — east, west and everything in between.