In an effort to better serve our clients during the claims handling process after an automobile accident, our team took time away from our desks to see vehicle damage examples first hand. We heard directly from the auto body shop specialists to help us better understand the complexities of newer vehicles in the marketplace. The advanced materials and technology in newer vehicles heavily impact how a claim needs to be handled to make sure that the repairs are done properly. This is critical to get a client safely back out on the road.

The visits helped us better understand how to educate our clients on their vehicle needs, the importance of utilizing Original Equipment Manufacturer parts for repairs, and what items impact the turnaround time of settling a claim.

We are grateful for the interactive and educational discussions with the auto body specialists at Greater Pittsburgh Collision Works in Coraopolis and Kollinger Auto Body in Wexford. Experiences like these help us better serve our mutual and future clients!

We were excited to see the new jumps unveiled this weekend at the Rolling Rock Hunt Pony Club! They look wonderful and we are excited for the club members to use them for years to come. The club provides a wonderful outlet to the youth in the community with the life values taught through horsemanship. Check out their Facebook page to read more and to see images of the new jumps!

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Simpson | McCrady is grateful for all the volunteers who helped make our second annual Gardening with Michelle at Phipps a beautiful day. Michelle will always be a part of our Simpson | McCrady family.  Her birthday is right around this time, so we pay tribute to her wearing her favorite color, pink, while gardening, which was one of her favorite activities.  We walked into Phipps under somber skies, and as we gardened, the clouds parted, and the sun came out with warm memories of Michelle.

Thank you again for your effort in lending a hand and making it a great day.

The annual Bring Your Child to Work Day at Simpson & McCrady was on Thursday, June 5 and it was heartwarming and lively occasion—one that fills the office with cheerful chatter, toys, games, and even a plastic golf club and ball or two. Our young guests arrived with wide eyes and big smiles, eager to see where their parents spend their days.

The day kicked off with a sweet start—donuts! Each child received their own employee badge and completed fun “new hire” paperwork, which included questions like “What do you want to be when you grow up?” One awe inspiring answer: Belle from Beauty and the Beast.

A tour of the office followed, giving children—ranging in age from almost 2 to 17—a chance to meet every team member. The break area, with the special coffee and hot cocoa maker was a highlight (we may have run out of hot cocoa), and the excitement continued with a delicious Chick-fil-A lunch that everyone enjoyed together.

Throughout the day, the children got a firsthand glimpse into the world of insurance. For many, it was a day of “firsts”—first time in an office, first paycheck (yes, every child received one!), the first introduction to the insurance industry, and even their first time painting a rock.  We even played bingo.

More than anything, the day was about spending time together, for children to see their parents in action, and for all of us to share a little bit of what makes Simpson & McCrady such a special place. From engaging activities and creative crafts to lots of laughter and running around, it was a blend of learning, fun, and togetherness so thank you for bringing in your children for they are awe inspiring.

And thank you to everyone who helped make this tradition such a wonderful success. A special shout out to Kathy Lafon, Lauren Newlin, and Samantha Palumbo and to the Company for making this a special day. We’re already looking forward to and planning another unforgettable Bring Your Child to Work Day next year!

Our COO and Principal, Clay Saftner, was recently interviewed by Private Wealth to discuss potential coverage gaps for high net worth and ultra high net worth individuals and families. Click here to learn more.

It is with a heavy heart that Simpson | McCrady shares the news that Michelle Pivirotto passed away on February 18. Michelle fought a valiant fight after sustaining severe burns from a devastating house fire in January. We have been hoping and praying for her recovery and, unfortunately, now we mourn for our colleague and dear friend.

Michelle was a beautiful, kind, funny, and selfless soul.

Simpson | McCrady is a tight-knit work family and you, our clients, are an extension of that. We thank you for your support during this difficult time. We especially appreciate all your kind words, prayers, and generosity. During Michelle’s hospital stay, we continually told Michelle of all the support and prayers she was receiving from everyone. She genuinely appreciated everyone’s support and kindness.

Please find the link to Michelle’s obituary here.

If you need anything, please let us know. Simpson | McCrady is here for you.

At Simpson | McCrady, we all like to work hard to make sure we provide the best service to our clients. We also enjoy taking a break now and then to spend time with our colleagues outside of the office.

The Commercial Team recently enjoyed a day out with hibachi for lunch and an adventure to a local art studio, Painting with a Twist, in the South Side.

Our office helped Wesley Family Services by adopting Angels this holiday season. We were so excited to see everything come together! Hoping to bring smiles to a few faces this time of year! #giveback #thankful #community

Visiting our local four-legged friends was a great way to spend the late afternoon!  Our office collected some of the high priority needs for the Humane Animal Rescue’s Stuff A Doghouse project.  We were able to meet with some very sweet candidates that are looking for new homes.  If you’re thinking of adopting, make a call so you can stop by for a visit.  They’d be happy additions under the Christmas tree!

From our family to yours, thank you! 2023 was a rollercoaster but one constant throughout it all is our gratitude for our employees, our clients and our community. We closed out the year with our annual Christmas party filled with singing carols, a delicious lunch and the best of company. Cheers to 2024 and all that is ahead.

Stroll Magazine featured our very own Simpson | McCrady team for their February edition.  Hear from Partners Chris & Clay, and Director of Private Client Services, on the founding of Simpson & McCrady, our strategy, and how we can help you identify and protect what is most important.

We are thrilled that our very own Jessica DeFelice and her beautiful family were highlighted in the August 2024 edition of the Fox Chapel Stroll Magazine!

Get to know Jess, her husband Rich, and their two sons through an article describing their adventurous family life, and the roots the DeFelices have in Pittsburgh.  To read the full article, reference pages 9 and 10 in the PDF below.

Want to hear more from Jessica on her industry insights? Check out the June edition from Stroll Magazine highlighting her personal insurance recommendations for this year.

August 2024 – Fox Chapel Stroll Magazine PDF

**Linked article and images are courtesy of Stroll Magazine**

It was a great turnout at the 28th Annual Ligonier Ice Fest on Saturday and Sunday! Thanks, Beth Luther, for sharing your photo!

With 2015 charging forward, we are excited to announce the 30th anniversary of the partnership between Bill Simpson and Colvin McCrady’s operations.

With a deal that was set with a handshake, the Agency has grown to serve multiple areas of insurance needs for our clients from both a personal and business perspective.

Along with this milestone, we have revamped our website and logo to give us a fresh look, and re-named our Private Client Services division (formally Personal Lines). We are excited about the direction we are heading and look forward to continuing to serve you for the next 30 years and beyond.

Take a look around at our new site and learn more about how our Agency has evolved on Our History page.

Keep checking back to News and Learning as we keep you up to date with what we are doing within each department and out in the community!

Simpson | McCrady participated in the 2015 Fight for Air Climb on March 28th, 2015. The team consisted of Don Balla, Stefanie Cellitti, Jackie Swallow, Jessica DeFelice, Rich DeFelice, Joe Stoll and Nicole Trombley. Together, they finished 7th overall, with Don placing 3rd and Nicole and Joe placing 4th in their age group.

Fight for Air Climbs are the American Lung Association’s most unique fundraisers. Climbs take place in prominent skyscrapers, stadiums or arenas and involve walking, running or racing up hundreds of steps. Sometimes called a “vertical road race”, teams and individual participants can use the event as a fitness target, as a race, or as a great way to be active and meet new friends.

With help from colleagues, friends and family, the Simpson | McCrady team raised over $1,000 for the American Lung Association.

In September, Simpson | McCrady employees were able to take in a Pittsburgh Pirates day game and lunch. The whole company walked the Roberto Clemente Bridge or rode the “T” over to the North Shore for lunch at PNC Park Atria’s prior to the game vs. the Chicago Cubs.

Gregory Polanco, Pedro Alvarez and Travis Snider all hit home-runs, while Neil Walker and Jordy Mercer had two hits each. The Cubs turned a 4-3 deficit into a 9-4 lead with a fifth-inning two-run double and RBI singles. Final score 9-6 Cubs.

Unfortunately, the Pirates couldn’t pull off a win but a great time was had by all!

On June 15, 2016, Simpson | McCrady was lucky enough to have a front row seat to the Pittsburgh Penguins Stanley Cup victory parade. It was a great opportunity to cheer on the Pens with the rest of the city and we are thankful to the Partners for allowing us to experience it!

Thank you to Donna for capturing some great pictures of the parade!

Simpson | McCrady’s Private Client Services team had a lot of fun testing their artistic skills at Paint Monkey in Lawrenceville. A special thank you to the Chubb team for hosting this great event!