Tom Ayres

Tom began his insurance career in late 2000, spending sixteen years at The Russell Agency in Southport as a leading producer.  He joined Daigle & Travers as a partner in late 2016, playing a vital role in modernizing the company. Additionally, he also led the integration of new acquisitions and the establishment of multiple office locations to facilitate the company’s rapid growth. In late 2020, Daigle & Travers merged with Cross Insurance and Tom became the Co-Branch Manager until late 2023. In 2024, Tom was named Sr. Vice President by Cross as a part of the Westport rebrand to Cross Private Client Insurance. 

Before entering the Insurance industry, Tom graduated from Westminster College (PA) with a BA in History. After college, he spent three years in the nuclear power industry in a variety of capacities. He went on to graduate from the Hartford School of Insurance and was first in his class.  Tom has been recognized by Connecticut Magazine six times as a Five-Star Personal Insurance Person of the Year, and he earned his Certified Professional Insurance Agent designation in 2008. He is licensed in multiple states as a producer for property, casualty, life and health insurance lines of products.

Tom has a long history of volunteering within the local community. He joined the Westport Sunrise Rotary in 2002, serving in multiple capacities, and has twice been awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship by Rotary International for his contributions. His other volunteer work includes Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center Food Kitchen, The Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Operation Hope, and a variety of other endeavors.

Tom grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and relocated to CT in August of 1998.  He is married with 4 children.  He currently resides in Trumbull, CT.