Date of Birth: November 11, 1933
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Date of Death: November 23, 2013
Biography
Peter B. Lewis was an American businessman and philanthropist who is best known for his leadership of Progressive Insurance Company. Born into a family with a background in the insurance industry, Lewis took Progressive from a small, regional company to one of the largest car insurance firms in the United States. His innovative approach to insurance, emphasizing customer service and technology, revolutionized the industry. Peter was also a significant benefactor to various educational and cultural institutions, including Princeton University and the Guggenheim Museum. Peter Benjamin Lewis was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Princeton University, where he developed a broad network of influential connections. After graduating, he joined Progressive, a company founded by his father. He became CEO in 1965 at the age of 30 and held the position until 2000, transforming the company through strategic acquisitions, innovative policies, and a focus on customer satisfaction. Even after stepping down as CEO, he remained an influential figure in the company, serving as chairman until his death. A committed philanthropist, Lewis donated hundreds of millions of dollars to various causes, particularly education and the arts. His generous contributions have left a lasting legacy, particularly in institutions such as Princeton University and the Guggenheim Museum. He was also an advocate for drug law reform and supported organizations working toward the legalization of marijuana.
5 Interesting Facts about Peter B. Lewis
1. Peter B. Lewis was instrumental in developing Progressive’s “Snapshot” program, which uses telematics to offer customized car insurance rates based on individual driving behavior.
2. He donated over $220 million to Princeton University, his alma mater, making him one of the university’s largest benefactors.
3. Lewis was a staunch advocate for drug policy reform and contributed significant funds to organizations working toward the legalization of marijuana.
4. Under his leadership, Progressive was one of the first major insurance companies to embrace the use of the internet for selling policies.
5. He was known for his distinctive personal style, often seen wearing brightly colored and boldly patterned suits.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Peter B. Lewis
1. “The purpose of business is to create and keep a customer.”
2. “I believe in giving as much as you can, when you can, to make the world a better place.”
3. “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
4. “Customer satisfaction is worthless. Customer loyalty is priceless.”
5. “The key to success is to risk thinking unconventional thoughts. Convention is the enemy of progress.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Peter B. Lewis had an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion.
Children
Peter B. Lewis had three children: Jonathan Lewis, Adam Joseph Lewis, and Ivy Lewis.
Relevant Links
1. [Peter B. Lewis on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_B._Lewis
2. [Progressive Insurance Company](https://www.progressive.com
