In 1894, shipbroker Jacques Pierot Jr. left his predecessor company to establish his own office in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Jacques was a well-respected businessman in his field, with a strict code of ethics shared by the brokers on his staff. They subscribed to the motto “Our Word is our Bond” long before it became a popular credo of the service industry. Jacques received many distinguished honors, including France’s Ordre National De La Legion D’Honneur. He was knowledgeable and socially adept. As is the case for us today, his clients became close friends and confidants.

The firm flourished in Rotterdam for over half a century. Additional staff, including the founder’s three sons, continued to expand the business following Jacques’ retirement. At the end of the 1940’s, the Pierots relocated the office to New York City. By joining the ranks of owners already flying American and foreign flags on this side of the Atlantic, they represented an the increasing number of foreign owners establishing a presence throughout the Americas and on the U.S. Eastern seaboard in the burgeoning maritime industry.