Ryan & Ryan's Client of the Month for April 2016

The chances of hiring an architect may happen only once or twice in someone's life. Finding the right architect for your project, be it a building or home, expansion or renovation, is vital in the process. In Ulster County, some of the most recognized renovated buildings have our Client of the Month, Dutton Architecture, PLLC, written all over them. Dutton Architecture, PLLC, owned by Scott Dutton and started in 1997, is now comprised of seven employees. It is a full service, progressive, architectural firm that provides comprehensive professional services for design, planning, and project development for both commercial and residential sites.  Originally from Maine, Scott fell in love with the Hudson Valley and made Kingston his home by purchasing and renovating the former Canfield Supply warehouse building on Broadway.  That 28,000 sf building is now the home and office of Dutton Architecture, PLLC.

Dutton Architecture has an extensive list of projects in their portfolio some of which include Kingston Health Pavilion, Rondout Lighthouse, Mother Earth’s Storehouse, Mariner’s Harbor,  The Ulster County Community Center, and the HealthAlliance Center for Breast Health.  The most recent masterpiece by Dutton Architecture, Pllc has been the renovation of the 55,000 sf  U.S.Lace Curtain Mill Factory which had laid dormant for 30+ years in Midtown Kingston.  The historic structure was renovated into 55 units of beautiful Artist lofts, a public gallery, studio space, and a meeting place.

When asked about the key to his company's success, Scott Dutton said,  “We are extremely client-centered. It’s not uncommon for us to be here late into the night or weekends.”  It may sound cliche, but Scott honestly believes in just a few very basic principles; Treat every client the way you would want to be treated even if that goes beyond the bottom line. A client that has chosen to trust him with their project is the best advertisement dollar he could spend.  Scott can vouch that he and Bob Ryan share the same philosophy in that regard.  Bob and I both know that our clients have many choices and we both believe strongly that every client, no matter how small or large, is someone placing their trust in us.  At Dutton Architecture, PLLC, we try and help each client navigate the process by putting ourselves in their shoes. We treat their budget, schedule, and design goal as if it were our own.  The same can be said for helping clients with their insurance needs. Bob and his team have been there for us since early on. Ryan and Ryan Insurance Brokers has assisted us through major changes in health care insurance that impacts our family as well as those of our employees, risk management on the commercial buildings that we own, life insurance, and coverage for our company and personal automobiles.

When asked about a specific moment he could relay about his insurance experiences with Bob and Ryan & Ryan Insurance, Scott responded that it is easy to be cynical about the insurance carriers and assume the worst when dealing with an insurance situation. Last year, Bob proved to me that cultural stereotype about insurance companies is, in fact, inaccurate.   I called to ask “what happens now” after a catastrophic loss.  Scott will never forget Bob’s reply after his inquired, of course assuming the worst, about a drawn out negotiation with the insurance company and/or a disappointing settlement.  Bob’s response was, “Now hold on just a minute, Mr. Dutton. Don’t assume anything. We’ve got you with a very good company and I have no doubt that they will be fair to you.  Just be patient and let me take care of it”  Scott states,and that is exactly what Bob did. A few weeks later, he was pleasantly surprised and happy to have been proven wrong, something Bob likes to remind him of with a good hearted jab every so often when he sees him.

For more information about Dutton Architecture, PLLC visit their website by clicking here or contact Scott Dutton, 15 Canfield St., Kingston, NY 12401, 845.339.2039

The Lace Mill, our Client of the Month for March

The 55,000 sq. ft. former United States Lace Curtain Mill, built in c.1903, was once part of Kingston’s thriving textile manufacturing industry, which boomed at the turn of the 20^th century.  It employed hundreds of Kingston residents over several generations.  The factory, which sat unused for nearly 30 years, was once an eyesore for midtown Kingston.

Today, it has become a symbol of community rejuvenation, having an impact far beyond the 55 units that were created. This historic structure which had been left vacant  for years now offers a beautiful place for artists to live. Kevin O’Connor, RUPCO’s Chief Executive Officer, stated in Affordable Housing Finance,  “It was about lifting a community and creating a much more interesting place where people can live and work.”  The development also has 8,000 sq. ft. of public gallery, studio, and meeting space.

The project was lead by RUPCO’s CEO, Kevin O’Connor, who envisioned a project such as this would significantly impact the community.  With help from RUPCO colleagues Chuck Snyder and Guy Kempe, architect Scott Dutton, community involvement from City of  Kingston Mayor Shayne Gallo and others, the vision started to become a reality. On April 1, 2014  a celebratory kick-off ‘Paint Can Opening’ took place.  Restoration had already begun when more than 200 attendees toured and viewed architectural renderings of the completed project.

Fifteen months later, occupancy of some of the units began, and by the fall of 2015, the labor-intensive historical restoration was complete.  

As of October 2015, The Lace Mill was home to the ‘Urban Pioneers’ and the first residents with units leased to 34 households, 56 individuals whose ethnic/cultural identity includes, Hispanic, Non-Hispanic, Multi-Race, African American, Asian and Caucasian, including 9 children and 5 seniors.  These residents are dancers, graphic designers, film & media, jewelry makers, painters, photographers, crocheters, puppeteers, therapist in healing arts, sculptors, drawers, singers, musicians, writers, printmakers and actors.

Most recently, New York Regional Home Performance Conference in Saratoga Springs,  NYSERDA honored the Lace Mill with its Low-rise Residential New Construction Program Trailblazing Project Award. Each year NYSERDA recognizes projects of merit innovative approaches to energy efficiency, usage, and application.  The Lace Mill hosts Kingston’s largest solar array (160kW) which net-meters rooftop solar-electricity production against the building’s common area energy usage.

Several  RUPCO employees asked about the business relationship and communication with Ryan & Ryan Insurance offered many positive thoughts.  Chuck Snyder, Director of Real Estate and Construction, commented that “RUPCO has been using Ryan & Ryan as our primary development insurer for at least 5 years.  Although we often have issues, Bob and Kim Whalen always advocate for us and as a client treat us as their first priority.”

Sheila Kilpatrick, Vice President of Operations stated “Recently, we were faced with our workers compensation carrier dropping us with little notice.  Bob Ryan put in a significant amount of effort to make sure we had coverage by the first of the year.  He sent out several bids on our behalf.  Ultimately, we did not end up going with the insurance that Bob was able to find us, but even after all of his effort he was very gracious and understood our financial decision to go down another path.  He is a class act!”

Regarding Ryan & Ryan Insurances Community Involvement,  Tara Collins, Director of Communications and Resource Development at RUPCO says ‘R&R has been a consistent supporter of our events throughout the years and for that we’re grateful!’

Ryan & Ryan's Tip of the Month

This Month's Tip

Protect Fine Arts

When it comes to valuable fine arts collections, your clients should take a broad risk management approach to this important loss exposure—an approach beyond simply procuring the proper insurance.

The following are some risk control tips to pass on to your clients with valuable fine arts collections.

• Maintain your home's interior at a steady temperature (between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit), since extreme heat or cold can damage art work.
• Avoid placing art work in direct sunlight or near a fireplace.
• Do not store artwork in a basement or an attic; instead, use a reputable fine-art storage facility for your artwork that is not displayed.
• Utilize a centrally monitored security system, and use outdoor signs to alert potential burglars of your security system.
• Install smoke detectors in rooms in which the art is located.
• Properly frame art work using shatter-resistant fronts to block UV rays, and consider hiring a professional art hanger for your more valuable pieces. 

Get more personal lines insurance and risk management tips and ideas from IRMI.

Copyright 2016
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.

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Ryan & Ryan Insurance Brokers Client of the Month for February

Stage 1 Automotive

If you are looking to purchase a used car, or are looking to have exceptional mechanical work done, and are hoping to experience extraordinary customer service as well, look no further than our Client of the Month for February, Stage 1 Automotive.  Partners, Ed Fetzer & Larry Herzog, owners and operators of Stage 1 Automotive, have been providing all of that, with a hometown feel, to the Hudson Valley since 1985.  With well over 30 years of experience in a 8,000 sq. ft. facility, 16 bays and 17 employees, Larry, Ed and the team at Stage 1 Automotive, treat each and every customer like family.  Their service department has dedicated service writers and knowledgeable mechanics that help you get your car back on the road promptly.  Their sales department has a full inventory of pre-owned cars, trucks, minivans and SUV’s.  Their Body Shop has 100+ years of combined experience and can handle all makes and models, but has particular expertise in Volkswagen, Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Nissan and Hyundai.  With state of the art repair equipment, Stage 1 Automotive can repair your car right and provide a lifetime paint guarantee.  If you are in need of a tow, Stage 1Automotive also has a 24/7 towing service.  With flatbed and wheel lift equipment, they are equipped to handle any towing need. What sets Stage 1Automotive apart from other used car dealerships is their 80+ vehicle inventory, no pressure sales, warranties on all cars, one stop financing and clearly marked vehicle pricing.  An extensive and detailed list of their inventory can be easily accessed on their website, and a loan application for purchase is also available, should you need it.

Being with Ryan & Ryan Insurance Brokers for only two years, Stage 1 Automotive is a fairly new customer.  They started with insurance on a rental property, which then progressed to insurance for Stage 1, and eventually expanded to include health insurance coverage as well.  Ed Fetzer states that he has been a long time friend of Jackie Covert, who is his main contact at Ryan & Ryan Insurance Brokers.   Ed states, ‘Luckily, we have not had any claims or big problems that would make for interesting stories; just great people doing a great job!’

Located at 1807 Ulster Ave., Lake Katrine, NY, Stage 1 Automotive’s Sales and Service Departments are  opened Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM,  Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sales) & 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Service).  You can also visit their website at Stage1cars.comand view their full line of used car inventory. Click the current inventory tab.

Ryan & Ryan Insurance Brokers Inc., January 2016 Client of the Month

Robert R. Jacobsen, Attorney at Law

Robert R. Jacobsen, Ryan and Ryan Insurance’s Client of the Month, is a Real Estate Transaction Attorney who has been practicing law since 2005. Although Jacobsen’s office is located in historic uptown Kingston, his firm represents clients throughout the Hudson Valley including Ulster, Greene, Dutchess and Orange Counties. Robert’s private practice provides a wide variety of real estate services including, but not limited to, representation of purchasers and sellers in residential and commercial closings, representation of banks/lenders in residential and commercial closings, foreclosure purchase and sale transactions, short sale representation, and refinance transactions. With a similar philosophy to Ryan and Ryan Insurance Brokers’ “Customers First”, the office of Robert R. Jacobsen prides itself in delivering personal attention and service in an efficient and accessible manner.

Robert met Bob Ryan while working together several years ago. They found that they shared commonalities including having graduated from John A. Coleman High School, having a strong commitment to giving back to the community in which they work and live, and having a dedication to recognizing and addressing the needs of their clients . As a result, Robert sought out Ryan and Ryan Insurance to provide both his business and personal insurance needs. Robert works primarily with Kathleen Dibella at Ryan and Ryan Insurance, and often refers a number of his clients to her as well. Robert affirms, local is what his customers look for. Kathleen always returns a phone call and gets back to all of his clients immediately. Robert also states that for his clients and himself, “there is just a comfort level with doing business with people that have the same customer service as myself in mind.”

The Office of Robert R. Jacobsen, Attorney at Law, can be found on the web at www.robertrjacobsen.com. Robert can also be contacted by email at  robert@robertrjacobsen.com or by telephone at 845-331-3315.

Ryan & Ryan Insurance Brokers Client of the Month for December

Hurds F​amily Farm

If you’re looking for some ‘agritainment’, look no further than Hurds Family Farm. What is ‘agritainment’, you might wonder? It’s the many agricultural outdoor activities that farmers create for kids and their families to enjoy while spending time on a farm. Hurds Family Farm provides a vast array of traditional and unique agritainment activities each season including hayrides, corn mazes, a cow train, a bouncy pillow, petting and feeding animals, paddle boats, hiking, a picnic pavilion, a kids corral play area, and much, much more. Additional fun throughout the year has also included gem mining fossils and precious stones, picking your own salad garden by the bag, bonfires, and a skydiving visit from Santa!

At Hurds Family Farm, you can pick your own local fruits and vegetables in early spring, pick your own apples in September, enjoy pumpkin picking in October, and cut down your own Christmas tree in December. You can also enjoy already harvested local produce, precut Christmas trees, handmade wreaths and holiday decorations, if you prefer. Keep in mind that groups of all sizes are always welcome at Hurds Family Farm!
Located in Ulster County, about 1 hour and 30 minutes north of the “Big Apple”, Hurds Family Farm has become one of the most popular talk-about -able farm. Their 20 year commitment to providing an abundance of quality products and the best fall farm experience for all of their loyal customers from New York City and local Ulster, Dutchess, and Orange Counties, makes them a key part of the Hudson Valley Apple Trail. Be sure to visit www.hurdsfamilyfarm.com​ to see all they have to offer.

Hurds Family Farm has been a client of producer, Jeff Smith, since 2000 and Ryan & Ryan Insurance Brokers since 2010.  Having taken over the business 6 years ago, Charles Hurd states he inherited Jeff Smith and his wide range of farm insurance knowledge.  According to Charles, "Jeff always gives a clear and simple explanation of coverages as they relate to the farm business and if he says the farm owners policy will cover something, it does!  Jeff takes the time to meet with me at any time and at any place on the farm.  He is flexible so I don't need to be, especially during the busiest times of the season."