HABIG & MAGOON INSURANCE AGENCY TALKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE AND VALUE OF COMMUNITY

(image credit: Evans Fitness Club.)

April 22, 2015

“Without a sense of caring, then can be no sense of community.”

ANTHONY BURGESS

People talk a lot about the “Good Old Days” – with Good Old Days meaning better times and a better way of life.

Well, truth be told, so much of the old days weren’t nearly as good as they are today. Advancements in science, medicine, and technology have rendered our lives considerably easier, healthier, more convenient, and longer.

Science, medicine, and technology will continue to improve our existence.

Yet we willingly concede that in times past there were areas of society – of life – that were a lot better and a lot more positive.

One of those areas is community.

We are not just talking about a place where people live – and people living together – but rather the nature and happiness and goodness of that place.

We are talking about people knowing and caring for one another, helping one another, sharing with one another … socializing together … sitting and talking ….. walking and running together …. giving together … breaking bread together … playing pick up basketball together … listening to one another.

All and all being one – a unit within which people are there for each other.

Habig & Magoon Insurance Agency launched back in 1937, in Brockton, as a insurance agency that served people in the community – and who trusted the agency founder, Fred Magoon, and the services he provided.

Habig & Magoon has always been family owned – and has always been committed to being a good member of the community in which we operate.

We endeavor – and have a strong track record of – giving back to community … and supporting the causes and programs that make southeastern Massachusetts such a wonderful place in which to live.

We intend our giving and support to serve the purpose of bringing people together – to strengthening community.

We need stronger community – and Habig & Magoon knows it must do its part to make stronger community happen.

Habig & Magoon understands and recognizes this giving and participation as an obligation – an obligation that we will continue to faithfully acknowledge and consistently meet … always.

FOR THROWBACK THURSDAY, HABIG & MAGOON INSURANCE AGENCY GOES BACK TO 1937; WE ALSO CELEBRATE AMERICAN VALUES, STRENGTH, AND SPIRIT

April 2, 2015

Habig & Magoon Insurance Agency has been helping protect people and businesses in Southern New England, and beyond, for almost 80 years.

Ever since our founding in 1937, on Clinton Avenue in Brockton, and continuously, Habig & Magoon has been family owned.

Think about that year – that year, 1937.   In many ways, not a good year – not a good year at all.

Yes, 1937 was during the Great Depression – the global economic meltdown that began in the U.S., in early in September 1929, when the value of a vast sea of stocks fell sharply.

The depression would last until the late 1930s.

Yet, not well known is that as 1937 approached, and about halfway into 1937, the economy was improving.

So, for a while in 1937, things were getting better.

That was until things got worse.

Washington Post  columnist, Robert J. Samuelson, made this up-and-down the focus of his March 25^th column, titled, “Lessons from the 1937-38 Recession.”

Here is an excerpt from the column:

Until the summer of 1937, the economy was growing briskly, and ‘many New Dealers were boasting that the Depression was over.’ Although civilian unemployment was still high (10 percent in 1936), it was much lower than the peak (23 percent in 1932) and was declining rapidly …

And then the recession hit. It was a doozy. At its low point, the economy’s output had dropped by 18 percent. Industrial production was down by 32 percent, and unemployment reached a peak of 20 percent, according to economist Allan Meltzer’s history of the Fed.”

Please click here to read the full Robert J. Samuelson column.

Now, it says something that Fred Magoon launched, in 1937, what would become Habig & Magoon Insurance Agency.

It also says something more that Fred Magoon founded the insurance agency right after, also in 1937, the grocery store that he had owned (since 1932) burned down.

Fred didn’t rebuild a grocery store – he started a new type of business to serve people he knew well, who believed in and trusted him  … and who needed insurance and a way to protect themselves and their family.

So, amid widespread economic uncertainty (no matter how positive were the signs early in 1937),  and in the wake of suffering a fairly devastating loss, Fred Magoon set and prepared the foundation of Habig & Magoon Insurance Agency.

It all says something.

****

America rebounded from the Great Depression.

Our nation is the greatest on earth.

Habig & Magoon Insurance Agency is still here – and healthier and busier than ever.

And, perhaps, just maybe – thinking of our agency and its durability and success – this speaks to an indomitable American spirit and set of virtues that have always inspired and sustained us … and which compel and obligate us to always, unfailingly, deliver to our clients premium value and customized and personalized service.

HABIG & MAGOON INSURANCE AGENCY SHARES HELPFUL INFORMATION, AND A VALUABLE RESOURCE, FOR TAKING ON THOSE ICE DAMS

(image credit: Stay Comfy, Minnesota!)

February 18, 2015

“If you don’t like New England weather, than just wait a few minutes.”

MARK TWAIN

Mark Twain surely had that right. And that is just one of many reasons that, if you have ice dams, even if you don’t hava any leaks, you should start attacking and dealing with the ice dams on your property right now.

Mother Nature – in her New England form – surely doesn’t care to give warning, and she surely has not signed off on providing gradual temperature change from day to day, so that we can ease into taking on those damn ice dams.

And, yes, it is going to be in the 40s Fahrenheit on Sunday.

When the ice on roofs and in gutters starts melting, and the water gets backed up behind ice dams, that water can flow under shingles – and then down into ceilings and walls, and end up dripping and even spilling inside our homes and businesses.

For almost 80 years, Habig & Magoon Insurance Agency, always family owned and always independent, has served the people and businesses of southern New England, and beyond.

We know ice dams well.

So do two of our valued partners: Bunker Hill Home Insurance and its affiliate and separate company, Plymouth Rock Assurance.

Recently, the two companies sent out a valuable email – signed by Chris Olie, president of Bunker Hill Insurance, and Curt Troutman, vice president of Bunker Hill Insurance – in which was provided helpful and targeted advice in safely and effectively tackling the nasty ice dams.

Here, below, we share an excerpt (in italics) from the email:

There are two basic approaches to dealing with ice dams:

1. Hire a professional. This is the safest way to remove snow and ice from your roof. However, if you wish to tackle the problem yourself, follow these recommendations from roofing experts: 

• Use a roof rake to remove snow buildup on the roof
• Try not to damage your shingles
• Avoid standing under icicles or roofs with large amounts of snow
• Use extreme caution when using ladders because rungs become very slippery with snow and ice on them
• Don’t use a roof rake near electrical wires
• Have someone nearby check on you in case you need assistance or are injured 

2. Create channels in the ice dams. 

• If you notice an ice buildup, use a large sock with a melting agent (preferably calcium chloride) and lay it across the dam perpendicular to the gutter
• The sock will release the melting agent gradually and create a channel in the ice for the water to empty through
• You may need several socks for an ice dam that runs the length of the roof

Does my house have ice dams?

Look for these warning signs:

• Large icicles hanging from the gutters
• Water dripping from the roof overhang
• Leaks, stains or damaged ceilings or walls inside your home

What If water is dripping inside my home?

• Collect the dripping water in buckets and pans
• Mop up standing water
• Move furniture, clothes and valuables out of harm’s way
• Call a professional to deal with the snow on the roof and to dry out your house

By the way, if you are looking for a high quality and highly professional company that can help you clear and prevent ice dams, we enthusiastically recommend 24 Restore, a provider of full-service restoration services that has offices Maine and Massachusetts, and whose coverage area is Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.  The 24 Restore Massachusetts operations, based in Easton, are a Habig & Magoon Insurance Agency client.

VERMONT MUTUAL INSURANCE GROUP ® – A HIGHLY VALUED HABIG & MAGOON INSURANCE AGENCY PARTNER – CONTINUES TO SHINE; AN A + RATING

(image credit: Vermont Mutual Insurance Group ®)

February 5, 2015

For close to 80 years, and continuously, Habig & Magoon Insurance Agency has been a family owned (now in our fourth generation) and independent broker of insurance products.

Throughout our history, we have been either based in Brockton or Easton – and we primarily (but not exclusively) serve the people and businesses of southeastern New England.

As an independent broker, we are able to offer insurance coverage through a variety of highly reputable, established, and financially strong companies that we select to be a Habig & Magoon partner.

One of our valued partners is Vermont Mutual Insurance Group ®, which, as described on its website, “brings together the strength and resources of three unique companies, Vermont Mutual Insurance Company, Northern Security Insurance Company, Inc., and Granite Mutual Insurance Company, to protect your family and business throughout New England and the State of New York. With our comprehensive insurance solutions, your home, automobile, property, inland marine, and personal and commercial insurance interests are protected. We’ve been making sure of it since 1828.”

Back in December – and Habig & Magoon naturally wants to share this information – A.M. Best, the global credit agency which focuses on the insurance industry, “upgraded the financial strength rating to A+ (Superior) from A (Excellent) and the issuer credit ratings to ‘aa-‘ from ‘a+’ of Vermont Mutual Insurance Company (Vermont Mutual) and its two fully reinsured subsidiaries, Northern Security Insurance Company, Inc. and Granite Mutual Insurance Company.”

Here is an excerpt from a release that A.M. Best issued:

“The rating actions reflect Vermont Mutual’s favorable underwriting and operating results, which have consistently outperformed the industry composite in recent years. In addition, Vermont Mutual continues to maintain solid risk-adjusted capitalization, a well-established market presence in the New England states and knowledge of local insurance issues.”

Habig & Magoon Insurance Agency extends a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Vermont Mutual Insurance Group ®.

We are proud to work and partner with you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! – FROM HABIG & MAGOON INSURANCE AGENCY

December 31, 2014

It all began in 1937 – the founding of what would become the Habig & Magoon Insurance Agency.

Here we are, on the cusp of 2015, still doing business, as we have … non-stop …  since our start; and, as always, we remain family owned.

For almost 80 years we have been privileged to serve the people and businesses of southeastern Massachusetts, and beyond.

We look forward to continuing this legacy into the coming year, and for many years to come.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!