Dan & Joe Kirby, Former Leaders of Western Surety Company
This podcast episode delves into the fascinating history of Western Surety Company, a Sioux Falls-based business founded by Joe Kirby in 1886. Initially an offshoot of Kirby's law practice, the company specialized in surety bonds, a type of insurance guaranteeing performance or compliance with laws. Under the leadership of Dan Kirby, Joe's son, the company expanded in the 1930s and 40s, opening branches in Chicago and Kansas City. Dan's sons, Joe, Dan, Kevin, and Steve, along with their cousin Steve, took over the company in the following generation.
Through this episode, we learn that the Kirby family's legacy of innovation, efficiency, and growth inspires business leaders in Sioux Falls and beyond.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify.
Episode Mentions:
Washington Pavillion of Arts and Sciences
About The Kirby’s:
Over four generations, the Kirby family led Western Surety Company to dominate the small fidelity and surety bond industry. Founded in 1900 in Sioux Falls by Joe Kirby, the company initially provided court bonds for his law practice. Joe was a prominent lawyer, having appeared before the state supreme court hundreds of times and the US Supreme Court six times.
Dan Kirby, Joe's youngest son, joined the business in 1917 and promoted it across the region. Under his leadership, the company shifted focus to bonds, growing steadily.
The third generation saw Joe F. Kirby become president in 1950, emphasizing exceptional service with a motto of “Everything is answered the day it is received.” The company expanded nationally in the 1950s and 1960s, maintaining a conservative approach to underwriting risk.
In the 1970s, the fourth generation of Kirbys, including Dan, Kevin, Steve, and another family member, took over, expanding the business further and automating operations. They sold Western Surety in 1992, but its legacy continues in Sioux Falls as CNA Surety.
After the sale, Dan Kirby played a key role in creating the Washington Pavilion, Steve became Lieutenant Governor and started a venture capital business, Kevin worked on addiction treatment reform, and another member of the fourth generation successfully reformed Sioux Falls city government.
