Kessler Alair Blog

Kessler Alair Insurance and Be Perfect in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Catherine Dalton — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Event Saturday to benefit work of Be Perfect Foundation

Posted: 05/06/2013 06:31:30 PM PDT

Updated: 05/06/2013 06:32:10 PM PDT

Kessler Alair Insurance Services has served the Inland Valley community for almost 100 years doing both business and service with its residents.

The ties that bind have held strong and continue to do so. Now as the Upland-based firm is celebrating its 90th anniversary, it again has stepped up to back a local nonprofit whose mission is to help individuals cope with life-altering injuries. Kessler Alair is partnering with the Be Perfect Foundation for its upcoming fifth annual fundraiser.

Saturday's gala will be conducted at the Hafif family estate in the foothills of La Verne. The theme is "These Boots Are Made for Walking" and it will include dinner, silent and live auctions and entertainment by The Silverados. Tickets are $125 per person. Information: beperfectfoundation.com.But before the fundraiser, company employees voluntarily have launched a Jar for Change campaign where clients are asked if they would like to make a small donation to the cause. Teams in the Upland and Rancho Cucamonga offices are involved. Kessler Alair also is joining with the Be Perfect Foundation to host an Oct. 19 bat-a-thon baseball event and picnic at Claremont High School.

For company owner Brad Kessler, helping out in the community is important, but working with the Be Perfect Foundation is personal.

"Be Perfect is near and dear to our hearts. Not only do I know the inspirational Hal Hargrave, founder of Be Perfect, but am deeply touched by the efforts of his foundation and the difference it makes in the lives of those affected by spinal cord injuries," Kessler said.

Hargrave Jr. was a standout baseball player at Claremont High School with dreams of pursuing the sport he loves at Cal State Long Beach until an automobile accident the summer after high school graduation left him paralyzed. But the young man, who now is a University of La Verne student, never let that stop him. He created the foundation and he and his family recently launched the Project Walk spinal cord recovery center located at The Claremont Club. Project Walk is an exercise-based program designed to help those with spinal cord injuries regain both strength and hope.

"My family has known the Kessler family for 12 to 15 years through youth sports and its activities throughout the community. Not only is Kessler Alair a great company, but the Kesslers are a great family. They invited me to an anniversary kickoff lunch last January where I spoke about the foundation. The company has very graciously accepted us and wants to help us try and help others," said Hargrave.

Vern Pittenger started what today has become Kessler Alair Insurance Services. He ran the business, established in 1923, basically from the back seat of his car. Pittenger later was joined by partner Gene Alair in 1950. In 1962, Bill Kessler started his own small insurance agency with the same vision that Pittenger and Alair had "" provide insurance services but always keeping in mind the importance of community. Kessler merged with the company in 1997 and that tradition has continued.

"Kessler Alair is one-of-a-kind in more ways than one. Not only is our sheer existence and longevity for nine decades monumental and practically unheard of in today's local business environment, but our underlying values of committed and friendly service are the bloodline of our agency, which have proven to be our reason for perpetual success," said Brad Kessler.

The family and the company have always been civic-minded, but teaming up with the Be Perfect Foundation is a way of expressing gratitude from both to the community, he said.

"Yes, we want to celebrate this company milestone, but we also want to focus on something more important than personal interests. It is our privilege to be involved with this wonderful organization," he said.

The Be Perfect Foundation picks up Gift Baskets from Kessler Alair

Tue, 07 May 2013 22:07:45 GMT

The last of the gifts collected from Kessler Alair Insurance of Upland and Rancho Cucamonga were picked up from the Be Perfect Foundation today. The Be Perfect Foundation raises money to help support victims of Spinal Cord Injuries.

These baskets and other gifts, valued at over $2,000, were collected by Kessler Alair Insurance Services' employees to donate to the live auction that will be held at their annual fundraising event this Saturday. One of the favorite gifts collected was a custom designed, hand crafted electric guitar. There was a variety of other items from gift cards to an American Idol chair from Coca Cola. There were also 2 wheel chairs donated for the foundation to provide to those in need.

It is our hope that this will be a banner year for the Be Perfect Foundation and all they do to support SCI victims.

For more information visit www.beperfectfoundation.com

A Time to Celebrate Mothers

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:44:09 GMT

As the second Sunday of May nears, it’s time to think of ways to celebrate mothers – although, of course, that’s a worthy pursuit at any time of year!

At Kessler Alair, we thought it would be fun to give you a little of the history behind Mother’s Day, as well as a few ideas to honor the special women in all our lives.

Ancient beginnings

According to MothersDayCentral.com, the ancient Egyptians held an annual festival to honor “the mother of the pharaohs” – the goddess Isis. This is one of the earliest historical records of a society celebrating a mother.

How Mother’s Day came to be in the U.S.

In 1870, Julia Ward Howe, a social activist and poet (and author of the lyrics for “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”) had become distraught by the toll of the Civil War. She issued a “Mother’s Day Proclamation” that year, calling on mothers to protest the killing and create a day celebrating peace and motherhood.

Howe’s proclamation did not result in a national Mother’s Day, but in 1908, Anna Jarvis of West Virginia took up the cause. She wanted to accomplish her mother’s dream of making a celebration of all mothers. By 1909, more than 40 states were holding Mother’s Day services, even though it was not a national holiday.

In 1912, according to Wikipedia, West Virginia was the first state to officially observe Mother’s Day. Jarvis continued to promote the day until President Woodrow Wilson made it an official national holiday in 1914.

She later regretted creating the holiday, believing that it had become too commercialized.

Enough with the history – where are the gift ideas?

Like us at Kessler Alair, we know you might have more urgent concerns on your mind, like last-minute shopping, so here are the most popular Mother’s Day gifts, according to MothersDayCentral.com.

Flowers
Gift baskets
Personalized gifts
Jewelry
Perfume
Spa gifts
Magazines

Of course, perhaps the best gift of all is getting in touch and letting the moms in your life know just how much they mean to you. Happy Mother’s Day!

Protect the expensive gifts

If you're giving or have received an expensive Mother’s Day gift, such as a nice piece of jewelry, please get in touch to find out whether it will be covered by your existing home insurance policy. If it's not covered, we'll advise you on your options.

Umbrella Insurance, Is it right for you?

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:35:13 GMT

Here is a short and informative video that helps you to understand more about Umbrella Insurance.

http://www.nextavenue.org/article/2012-03/umbrella-liability-insurance-it-necessary

Any Questions? Would you like a quote? Call Kessler Alair Insurance of Upland and Rancho Cucamonga CA today at 909-931-1500.

Anniversaries celebrated at Kessler Alair Insurance

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:44:18 GMT

Congratulations to Carol Bush!

Carol Bush celebrates 2 years with the Kessler Alair Family! Thank you Carol for your dedicated service.

New to Kessler Alair Insurance Services in 2011, Carol Bush brings a tremendous amount of expertise to the Upland, California agency. With 4 years of experience in Personal Lines and more than 9 years in Commercial Lines, she has three professional designations including: Certified Insurance Counselor, Certified Insurance Service Representative, and Management Liability Specialist. Carol, who was born in Redlands, California, has lived in the Yucaipa and Mentone area her entire life. Living and working in the area gives her a special understanding of the needs of the clients and a passion to see that the needs of her community are met. In her off time, Carol enjoys time with her husband, three children, Son-in-law and new grandson. She and her family enjoy hiking, sports, and tackling home improvement projects. Never one to stay idle, she was a professional quilter when her children were young, and tries to fit more of that in when she can find a quiet moment. Family life is very important to Carol, and the family atmosphere at Kessler Alair makes it a perfect home.

Carol Bush, CIC, MLIS, CISR Customer Service at Kessler Alair Insurance Services

Congratulations to Sue Jahnsen!

Sue Jahnsen celebrates 16 years with the Kessler Alair Family! Thank you Sue for your dedicated service.

Sue Jahnsen, Account Executive, was on a completely different professional track when she found Kessler Alair. After earning her Juris Doctorate 1995, she was in the middle of studying for the bar exam, when she found she needed a break. Having always been interested in the insurance industry, she came to the Upland, California agency sixteen years ago and never looked back. Specializing in Personal Lines of insurance such as Auto, Home, Motorcycle, Mobile Homes, Motor Homes, Classic Auto, Umbrella, Renters, Landlord, and Dwelling Fire, Sue loves providing comprehensive insurance options to Inland Empire residents as well as residents throughout Southern California. Insurance can be a complicated thing, and Sue loves to help clients unravel they mysteries and walk away informed and confident in their decisions. Born in Ohio, Sue moved to Claremont, California as a toddler and has live in the Inland Empire ever since. She attended Claremont High School where her natural enthusiasm was employed as Mascot from 1971 to 1973. Today the diehard USC fan continues to cheer on local residents and support her community through her various involvements.

Sue Jahnsen, CISR Sales Executive at Kessler Alair Insurance Services

It's Time for Spring Cleaning!

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:10:29 GMT

Spring is a time of new beginnings in California – and now is a great time to take on some cleaning and organization tasks around your home. If you’re anything like many of us here at Kessler Alair, some of these tasks are long overdue!

Here are some tips to get you started – and keep you focused. We’re looking forward to using these tips ourselves!

First, get some help

If you’re doing a deep spring clean, try not to put all of the pressure on yourself. Make the event a family affair and assign your spouse or your kids some chores. Or throw a cleaning party and offer pizza to everyone who comes to help.

Second, make a list

It’s extremely helpful to have a plan before you get started. Is the kitchen your biggest trouble spot? The master bedroom? Create a detailed plan of attack and you’ll increase your chance of success. Many people find it best to go room by room so there’s a sense of accomplishment when they finish in a particular area.

Third, remember safety!

Of course, you’ll want to make sure you have protective gear like rubber gloves if you’re dealing with chemical cleaners, and even a particle mask if you’ve got some serious dust. Or try using some of the many green cleaning products that are now available. Spring cleaning is also the perfect time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment. And it’s a good idea to refresh (or start) your family emergency kit.

Room–by–room quick tips

The tips below will help get you going. If you need more, just do a web search for spring cleaning and you’ll find tons of sites with useful information and detailed checklists.

Kitchen

Clear out the contents of your refrigerator and freezer (but not at the same time) and discard any expired items. Then, clean the appliance thoroughly, removing shelves and racks – you’d be surprised how dirty the bottom of a refrigerator can get. And don’t forget to clean the coils underneath, too; it will boost energy efficiency.
Clean all small appliances – toasters, coffeemakers, etc.
Clean the oven and stove, including burners and spill catchers.

Living room and dining room

Dust all light fixtures and shelves, along with window blinds (or, if you have drapes, take them down and have them cleaned). Don’t forget to dust the ceiling fan!
Clean and dust couches and chairs. This is easily done with a vacuum attachment. Removing cushions will not only give you a deeper clean, but can fill your pocket with change!
It may be time to shampoo your carpets or rugs. You can have a professional do the work for you or rent a machine at a local store.

Bedrooms and closets

How long has it been since you flipped your mattress? Now is the perfect time. Dust your bed frame (and other furniture), strip your bedding and turn over your mattress, rotating it as well. It’s also a good time to wash bedding that you don’t wash often, such as the mattress pad.
Pillows should be washed occasionally. Most can be cleaned in your washing machine, but check the label beforehand to be sure.
Go through the items in your closet. Do you have winter clothing you can put into storage? Do you have items you no longer wear that can be donated or sold at a garage sale?
Remember to clean under the bed.

Bathrooms

Clean fans and vents (this should be done more than once a year, typically).
Go through your medicine cabinet and throw away expired medications or items you no longer use or need. Then move your medications to the kitchen – away from the moisture of a bathroom – where they will store better.
Scrub toilets, sinks, faucets, showers and tubs, including the shower head!

Garage

Hey, you’ve done enough for one spring cleaning cycle, haven’t you? Let’s leave the garage for another time!

One final tip: It’s best to leave sweeping and vacuuming for last in each room.

Contact Us!

For further questions and assistance, please contact us. You can also learn more about our homeowners insurance or get a free homeowner insurance quote online today!

Let Us Compare "Apples to Apples"!

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:56:05 GMT

It is quite funny how often we say this phrase on the phone in our office. In getting quotes from different agencies and companies it is critical that you are comparing "Apples to Apples" or in other words exact coverages and policy types to help you make a decision.

One way we can do this is to actually view your current policy to make sure our quote matches what you currently have. At Kessler Alair Insurance we thank you for that opportunity to view those policies with a gift certificate to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory to get your own specialized Caramel Apple.

So give us a call today and mention this promotion so we can help you save money on your insurance by comparing "Apples to Apples".

The details:

* You must provide us with a copy of your current insurance policy declaration page to make sure that we are truly comparing "Apples-to-Apples". Promotion is for new customers only.

Apple certificates accepted only at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory locations in Ontario Mills, Victoria Gardens, and Montclair Plaza.

Gene Alair - A Retrospective

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:43:02 GMT

The “Alair” in Kessler Alair Shares Memories, Words of Wisdom

Gene Alair, a sharp, witty, and proud 92-year-old Navy World War II Veteran was kind enough to share some memories about his journey and contributions to what would eventually become Kessler Alair Insurance Services, Inc. Although he left the agency in 1991 after 44 years of devout service, he still speaks of his experience in clear detail and with enthusiasm for the insurance business.

Alair joined Vern Pittenger in his small insurance agency in 1947. At the time Pittenger had just graduated from using the backseat of his car as an office to a more permanent surrounding in a room in the Bank of America building in Ontario. Alair, just out of the Navy, and getting his feet wet in commercial insurance knew of Pittenger and heard he was looking to expand. Pittenger primarily focused on personal insurance lines and saw value in Alair’s experience in commercial lines. Together in 1950, they became business partners, renaming the firm to Pittenger-Alair Agency.

Although hard to believe, Alair spent his early years simply walking into businesses, especially those focused on agriculture, such as citrus groves (remember those?) and packing houses, and telling the owners that he could save them 20 to 30 percent of their total insurance cost by surveying the rate. And, most of the time he did. So, with his fountain pen, carbon paper, a rolodex, and a good old-fashioned handshake, Alair established his clientele, and more importantly, personal relationships.

“Insurance has always been a business of relationships,” noted Alair. And, the relationships he is referring to are not only with clients, but also personnel. “The parking spaces outside our building were for the ladies in the office. The principals needed to be out selling insurance.”

Alair is proud of the friendly work environment he and his partner had created. They had little turnover in the office and everyone enjoyed their time at work. Alair said, “Good employees were worth more to me than any account.” That sentiment certainly continues in the agency today.

In the early 1980s, Pittenger Alair Agency was one of the first insurance companies in the area with a computer system. Alair describes it more like a machine, which took up half of the office space. Together, with Aetna Gemini, they spent thousands of dollars on the equipment which was used as the agency’s management system. It may sound silly now considering our technological advancements, but this investment put the agency clearly on the map.

“It’s not about greed. It’s about personal pride. Personal pride is important to succeed,” said Alair.

Although today personal relationships with clients in our technologically driven workforce are primarily formed through cell phones, emails, texts, and social media posts, it is still a value that runs deep within Kessler Alair Insurance Services, Inc.

“Live by example,” said Alair. “It will always be the best policy.”

Celebrating 90 years Spring Newsletter

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:31:43 GMT

2013 marks 90 years of service to our local community!

Attached is our Spring newsletter. Read inside for:

Insight from 92 year old Gene Alair on how the insurance industry has changed over the years.
How we can help insure your Jewelry properly.
Kessler's Client Corner about Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services.
Kessler's Amazing clients having a great time at the Ontario Reign Hockey Games.

Kessler_Alair_News_Spring_2013.pdf

Share this information with a friend and when we write their auto insurance or home insurance we will send you the Ultimate Movie Experience Package to enjoy!

Kessler Alair Insurance looking to hire Commercial Lines Account Manager

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:57:00 GMT

Kessler Alair Insurance of Upland and Rancho Cucamonga CA is looking to hire a Commercial Lines Account Manager to join our fabulous team. If interested please send resume to mcaraway [at] kessleralair [dot] com