Going Green at Work and PlayAfter Hours Drink GuideHeffernan Giving Back

Profi les: Scudder Roofi ngRubicon Bakery Albertina Kerr Centers

Years of Independence

2008

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OneBeacon Proudly Helps Power

Heffernan Insurance Brokers in their Charitable Giving Efforts

Together, we are honored to give back to nonprofits in our community.

lthough workers’ comp is a statutory benefi t, workers’ comp products are not all the same. Claims don’t cost the same to everybody. Claims handling and safety services affect premiums. And how injured workers are treated by their insurance company makes a big difference in an employer’s overall insurance costs. CompWest is proud to offer a different kind of product, Workers’Compensation With Care℠, through Heffernan Insurance Brokers. What has your insurance company done for you lately? For more information, contact us at care@compwestinsurance.com.

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Workers’ Compensation Workers’ Compensation Is Not A CommodityIs Not A Commodity

Contents:

Heffernan Family Tree, by Gregg Hibbeler

The Simple Steps to Green, by Linda Wagar

From Dogs to Babies, and Being a Working Mom, by Ann Mohler Basco

The Heffernan Family,On Our Own Time,by Ann Mohler Basco

Fitness Guru, by Linda Wagar

After Hours Drink Guide, by Ann Mohler Basco

CONNECT! A Benefi t for 13 Nonprofi ts,by Ann Mohler Basco

Culture:

A Letter From Mike

Feature Story:Heffernan: Twenty Years in the Making, by Linda Wagar

The Numbers:Heffernan Timeline and Financials

Scudder Roofi ng, On Top of It Allby Gregg Hibbeler

Rubicon Bakery,Sweet Success, by Nancy Lewis and Scott Lewis

Albertina Kerr Centers, A Century of Careby Ann Mohler Basco

Giving Back, A Look at Heffernan’sCharitable Giving Program, by Gregg Hibbeler

Heffernan Giving Guide, researched by Mollie McWilliams

Heffernan Gives:Garee Lee Smith Scholarship Fund, by Ann Mohler Basco

Profi les:

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Publisher

Executive EditorSenior Editor/Senior Writer

Design Firm/Creative DirectorArt Director/Graphic Designer

Photographer

Mike HeffernanAnn Mohler BascoLinda WagarSaperPaper/Lisa SaperLuther Knox Carl Posey

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Janna ThompsonWalnut Creek Receptionist

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Linda WagarCarl Posey

By Heff ernan Insurance Brokers1350 Carlback Drive, Suite 200 • Walnut Creek, CA 94596 925.934.8500 • heff group.com • License: #0564249

HG Magazine Staff

From Mike

Letter

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Welcome to our fi rst annual HG Magazine, designed to be part

feature magazine, part annual report. As President and CEO of the

Heffernan Group, I am pleased to share this with you, our trusted

clients, partners, and friends.

In this fi rst issue, we’ve chosen to profi le two incredible nonprofi ts,

Rubicon Programs in Richmond, California, and the Albertina

Kerr Centers in Portland, Oregon. We are proud to have worked

with them over the years. It’s important to us as a business to

fi nd a balance between being profi table and giving back to the

community. At Heffernan, we give a signifi cant percentage of

profi ts to charity every single year, and we hope to continue to do

so, at an increased level, so we can help organizations like Rubicon

and Albertina Kerr do great things in the communities where we

do business.

You’ll notice as you thumb through the pages of HG Magazine

that we place a lot of emphasis on family at Heffernan. Early in

2007, we counted 52 relatives working among us, out of a total

of just under 400 employees overall. We take that as a huge

compliment, knowing that nobody would suggest their son or

daughter work at a place unless it was a great place to work.

Our family-based culture is the cornerstone of our success.

We have found that giving our employees the latitude to put

family fi rst makes them better, more responsible, and ultimately

happier employees.

This year Heffernan has added some great new components

to our corporate offi ce, namely our wellness program and our

green initiative. We highlight both of these new directions in the

magazine, and look forward to reducing not only our collective

carbon footprints, but our cholesterol levels too!

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we are very proud of

everything Heffernan has become. It’s a great place to work,

a place that gives back, a place that supports education, a place

that puts family fi rst, and a place where people can have fun.

Because of this, I believe it’s a place that attracts the best talent

in the insurance industry.

I hope reading through the pages of HG Magazine, you will see

that Heffernan is so much more to us than just a business, it’s our

extended family. We are honored to work here, and spend our

days alongside some of the best, brightest, caring and fun-loving

people in the industry.

F. Michael Heffernan

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by Gregg Hibbeler

In 1974, Pete Scudder fi nished high school in Walnut Creek and moved to the Monterey

Peninsula with $500 and an entrepreneurial spirit he had yet to discover. Once in

Monterey, he quickly found work with a high school friend’s family business, C.L. Frost

Roofi ng, and worked there as a laborer during the day while he attended college at night.

A HOUSE, A FAMILY, A BUSINESS

While Pete established himself as a dedicated worker and accomplished roofer, he found the inconsistency of work a strain on his new position in life. He refl ected, “I had a wife, a mortgage, a 6-month-old girl and another baby on the way, so sitting around waiting for work wasn’t an option. I decided to go back to school to get my contractor’s license”. Pete and his wife, Karen, started Scudder Roofi ng out of their home in Prunedale during early 1982. Karen handled the bookkeeping and children while Pete took care of the rest. Neither of them knew what would happen, but both of them believed in the business, their abilities and each other, and they put their heart and soul into building Scudder Roofi ng from the ground up. As the years passed, the company quickly grew from their small home offi ce into its current headquarters and warehouse facility in Marina, including a state-of-the-art product showroom and more than 65 employees. “Pete has evolved over the years and has really taken his business to the next level through his forecasting and planning,” said Dan Mahoney, Heffernan’s agent to Scudder Roofi ng. “He’s a ‘big picture’ thinker that runs his business in an honest and fair manner.”

Pete is a hands-on CEO who believes in showing kindness and concern for others as well as getting the job done right the fi rst time. Well liked by colleagues and respected by his peers, Pete says, “I like to treat my employees like family members and always have an open-door policy.” Pete also takes great pride in watching his children grow within the business he and Karen started all those years ago. While Karen has since retired from day-to-day business activities, two of Pete’s three daughters now work alongside him in the business; Jennifer Balesteri is a Production Manager and Kelly Scudder is the company’s Human Resource Manager. With support from their father, these women look to take the Scudder Roofi ng tradition into the next generation.

A COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEES, CUSTOMERS AND THE COMMUNITYPete Scudder and his team have created a business practice that is respected by both the industry and the clients they serve. “Team Scudder” can provide specialized residential custom re-roofi ng to larger commercial and industrial projects. They specialize in serving the Monterey Peninsula and beyond, including Salinas, Monterey, Marina, Seaside, Pebble Beach, Pacifi c Grove, Carmel and Carmel Valley. Pete states, “Our unique location on the Central Coast brings us in contact with a diverse array of homes with different architectural designs and varied landscape terrain.” In recognition of the company’s accomplishments and ingenuity, Scudder Roofi ng has won Contractor of the Year honors from both the Monterey Builders Exchange (1989) and Salinas Valley Builders Exchange (2004).

It’s a devotion to the job at hand and a total commitment to exceptional service, including a promise of 100% customer satisfaction, which sets Scudder Roofi ng apart from the rest. Pete pledges, “We need to take care of the people who take care of our customers, because our employees need to be happy before we can make our customers happy.” It sounds simple, but it all begins at the receptionist’s desk and follows through to all levels of the organization, including sales, administration, fi nance and everything in between. It goes back to a discussion that Mike Heffernan and Pete had years ago about running the business like a business, and is seen in Scudder Roofi ng’s commitment to full-time employees in production, safety and quality control, customer service, sales, human resources, accounts receivable and payable and warehouse management. This emphasis on people, and an annual investment of more than $50,000 in fi eld, customer relations and application training, has enabled Scudder Roofi ng to boast an average employee turnover rate of nearly eight years, far above the roofi ng industry average of less than two years.

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Yet, at Scudder Roofi ng, it’s not all about business. Pete and his family are generous supporters of many non-profi t, charitable organizations, including Rancho Cielo ( Salinas Youth Center), YMCA Salinas, Miracle House Program, Hospice Foundation, Monterey Peninsula College Athletic Center, Common Ground, Marina Youth Soccer, and the Monterey Bay Area Boy Scouts chapter, of which Pete will become president in 2009. With respect to the scouts, Pete insists, “It’s better to get them in a ‘good gang’ when they’re young, rather than a ‘bad gang’ later on.”

THE HEFFERNAN CONNECTIONKnock, knock, who’s there? Mike Heffernan, that’s who.

The relationship began more than 20 years ago when Mike walked to the front door of Pete Scudder’s home on Paradise Road. The two immediately hit it off and their business relationship was formed. When Mike started the Heffernan Insurance Group, Pete identifi ed the same entrepreneurial business spirit he saw in himself and relied on Mike and his new agency for his future insurance needs. “Mike has been more than an agent to our business,” said Pete, “he’s become a close friend and valued advisor. It was Mike who fi rst opened my eyes to the concept of running Scudder Roofi ng as a business entity, rather than a simple contract roofi ng company. Now, it’s obvious that we’re a contractor, but we have a comprehensive business strategy unlike many of our competitors.” Mike is a volunteer board member for Scudder Roofi ng and has been instrumental in its growth. Pete credits Mike with providing sound business advice throughout the years.

Pete acknowledges, “For the past eight years, Dan Mahoney has been our Heffernan representative, and he’s consistently provided excellent service in a timely manner. When Dan’s not available, I know I’ll be able to speak with a knowledgeable Heffernan employee. They have a great team and have been very responsive to my workman’s compensation issues. It’s obvious that Dan and the Heffernan employees know their business, but I appreciate how they care about mine. It’s also comforting to know that they have the freedom to make decisions on their own.”

Dan Mahoney confi des, “Scudder Roofi ng is one of my very best clients. Unlike some private business owners, Pete is very open to suggestions. In fact, his collaboration with the Scudder board of directors has resulted in development of an impressive safety program and reduction in liability costs.”

“WE STAND UNDER OUR ROOFS.”

Pete recalls, “Back in the early ‘80s, I saw the need for a roofi ng company based on a commitment to quality and excellence.” With their motto to support them, Pete, his family and his dedicated staff still hold true to this philosophy.

Scudder Roofi ng

3342 Paul Davis Drive

Marina, California 93933

www.scudderroofi ng.com

Team Scudder’s philosophy is simple: Treat each customer as our ONLY customer. With over 25 years serving the Central Coast, Scudder’s reputation is second to none. From using the newest and safest equipment to offering the highest quality products at the best prices, Scudder Roofi ng brings a distinctive system unmatched by its competitors.

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It’s not all about chocolate cake, but it does keep coming up when you mention Rubicon Programs.Heffernan Senior Vice President Melani Conti remembers the fi rst time she toured Rubicon’s facility. At the end of the tour, she says, those at Rubicon passed out samples of their mini chocolate cakes. “We couldn’t wait,” said Conti. “We ate them in the car on the way back, and had to call Rubicon to tell them how good they were.”

Those at Heffernan were sold on the chocolate cake. Rubicon was sold on Heffernan. It’s been a winning partnership ever since. Rubicon Programs is a nonprofi t that opened its doors in Richmond, California, in 1973, focusing on those with mental disabilities. “At the time, then—Governor Reagan was closing a lot of the state hospitals. Richmond was an affordable community, and drew those who were being released,” said Rubicon Executive Director Jane Fischberg. “The idea was to create a community of acceptance for them.” Today Rubicon has a broad reach, providing employment, housing, legal and mental health services for more than 4,000 people throughout the Bay Area. The goal is to remove as many barriers as possible to self-suffi ciency. “We have two businesses that provide employment and training opportunities to people we serve,” said Fischberg. “We also connect people with employers in the regular open market. We place about 300 people a year in employment. When we work with an employer we are making a case to the employer that the person we’re preparing is as good or better than someone else they’ve hired. When they hire through us, they get a guarantee of employer satisfaction.” Jessica Wright is one of those who needed help fi nding a job. “I’d been couch surfi ng, staying with friends and families on their couches with no stable place to lay my head. It was very stressful for me and my daughter, Sydney,” Wright recalled. Wright had been out of work for more than a year. She was recently divorced, and had run into what she calls a stretch of bad luck. Someone suggested she call Rubicon Programs. Through the organization she was able to get a job with a local biotechnology fi rm packing boxes. After three months, she was offered an interview for permanent employment with the biotech fi rm. Instead she decided to make a career at Rubicon, helping those like herself. She accepted a job in Rubicon’s Career Center. She showed clients how to navigate the internet, set up email accounts, and job search. “It was wonderful. It was a great transition,” said Wright. In early 2008, Wright was promoted to Employment Specialist. She fi nds and develops jobs, meets with employers to make contacts for Rubicon, and provides job retention support and vocational assessment for those who are in the same position she was not long ago. “This is my dream job,” Wright said. “It’s a fulfi lling opportunity for me because I get the chance to put them

SWEET

SUCCESSBY

NANCY LEWISSCOTT LEWIS

BY NANCY LEWISSCOTT LEWIS

SWEET

SUCCESS

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back on the road to being who they desire to be.” Many of those Wright sees are fresh from Rubicon Bakery. The bakery offers training to those entering or re-entering the workforce. It’s a chance for them to get back into the routine of showing up for a job on time, taking direction, and working with a team. This, by the way, is where the chocolate cake comes in. For more than 15 years, Rubicon Bakery has been making all-natural bakery products from scratch. Workers blend small batches of fresh, select ingredients and fi nish each product by hand to create delectable desserts. “My favorite Rubicon cake is the turtle cake,” said Wright. “It’s a rich chocolate on chocolate experience. It’s complete ecstasy with surprise pockets of caramel.” The bakery, Rubicon’s landscape service, and tenant rents bring in about half of Rubicon’s revenues each year. Of the balance, the bulk comes from public funding. Almost all of the rest comes from from foundations and corporations. “For most nonprofi ts, the hardest money to raise is that which doesn’t have an earmark,” says Rubicon’s Executive Director Jane Fischberg. “Our government money has to be spent in a very specifi c way. When we get an unrestricted gift to make improvements in our management information

systems, or to do needed repairs on our facility, it’s critical.” For the past few years, Rubicon has received funds from Heffernan’s Charitable Giving Program. Last year, the Charitable Giving Program gave out $280,000 in grant money to charities throughout the Bay Area. Heffernan’s commitment to Rubicon doesn’t end there. Many Heffernan employees volunteer at Rubicon. Melani Conti is one of them. “A big party of Heffernan employees went over to the Rubicon Career Center and spent the day painting rooms,” said Conti. “It was so much fun. And again, they gave us chocolate cake at the end.” Conti said whether she’s volunteering or calling on Rubicon as a client, the attitude and atmosphere at Rubicon are always the same. “I have found in working with them, that the people are just different. You walk into their offi ce and they always greet you with a smile,” said Conti. “I know this sounds sappy, but just say their name and I get a warm happy feeling. They’re really nice people.” Employee Jessica Wright says that comes from the top down. Those at Rubicon are happy, she said, because they know they’re making a difference. “I’m so excited to give somebody a ray of hope. If you use the resources correctly and listen to their guidance, the sky is the limit,” Wright said. Wright has gone from “couch surfi ng”

to renting a home. Her daughter is enrolled in a pre-school not far from Rubicon. “She’s thriving and growing and learning,” Wright said of her daughter. “Even little babies can sense when their parents are in distress. Her little shoulders are down and able to relax cause she knows Mommy’s happy now.” The company hopes to provide even more sweet endings this year, expanding workforce services in southern Alameda County and San Francisco. Those expansions will take more money. For individuals who want to help, there’s a tempting solution. Of course you can make a donation. You can also go online, and buy a little chocolate cake.

If you’d like to join Heffernan in its support of Rubicon Programs, you can make a donation to support all of Rubicon’s programs by visiting their website at www.rubiconprograms.org or you can order Rubicon’s cakes online and have them delivered to your home, by going to www.rubiconbakery.com.

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“Honesty, openness,

by Linda Wagar

Heffernan:Twenty Years in the Making

At 28 years old, Mike Heffernan was frustrated with his job at a large brokerage fi rm. His then-wife gave him

some sound advice. “She said either deal with it or do something else.” So he bought a failing company and

molded it after the ideals he believed in: You could be successful without being cutthroat. Honesty always sells.

And if you treat everyone with respect, they’ll respect you in return. Breaking out on his own was a bold step for

someone with less than fi ve years of experience in the insurance business. But Heffernan said he wasn’t nervous,

at least not at fi rst. ”I had confi dence that I could sell insurance,” said Heffernan. That confi dence was slightly

shaken once he realized the company he’d bought came saddled with $250,000 in bad debt.

and success.”

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“I was a little nervous then,” he acknowledged. But with a start-up staff of 10 employees, Heffernan soon transformed company fi nances and the world’s image of insurance brokerage fi rms.

At a time when many of his competitors are stagnating, the Heffernan Group is growing. In 2008, it had 420 employees, 73 million in revenue and 11 offi ces in fi ve states. Last year, it was named the 9th largest independent broker in the United States by Insurance Journal Magazine. To fi gure out the secret to Heffernan’s success, you have to start at the top. Mike Heffernan was a self-described “leftist hippie” in college. He never thought he’d go into insurance even though his father had made a successful career of it. “I never really knew what he did when I was growing up,” Heffernan admitted.

Instead Heffernan studied African and Islamic history at the University of Santa Clara and toyed with becoming a history teacher. A free trip to London changed his mind and altered his life.He agreed to participate in a training program at Lloyds of London and found it surprisingly exciting. It was that excitement that won him over.

“I enjoy life and I never understood why work is something you shouldn’t enjoy,” said Heffernan. He enjoyed selling insurance so much that he quickly became one of the top producers in every fi rm he joined, including his father’s. He said he was fortunate to learn from some of the best in the business, people who taught him the basic tenet of good sales: Never ignore the customer.

Advice he has never forgotten.“I’m successful because I responded to people,” said Heffernan. “Someone called me and I called right back.”He also enjoyed mentoring younger sales people but quickly realized that wasn’t a skill you could earn a living from at most large fi rms.“They did not compensate you to be a manager,” said Heffernan.Now at the helm of his own fi rm, Heffernan’s focus is on mentoring. He teaches people how to sell better and in the process how to live better.For starters, he doesn’t like arrogant sales people. He’ll fi re them even if they are making him money.“Egos just can’t fi t here,” said Heffernan. “We are all in it together.” Blame it on his socialist bent. Or blame it on his dad. “My dad taught me there is no need to be ruthless. He did well and he was unbelievably honest.”

Heffernan is honest about everything except possibly his age. He’s 49. But he prefers to be thought of as 48.He said his grandfather always took a year off his real age and Heffernan, being superstitious, decided to do the same.

Superstitious you say?He always keeps his dad’s wristwatch and his grandfather’s American Legion pin in his briefcase, along with a piece of the fi rst wallet he ever owned. He said superstition served him well in the competitive world of high school baseball. He’d wear the same stirrups to every game and never used a new mitt until he’d replaced the leather string in it with the one from his lucky old mitt.Now that he’s in the über-competitive world of insurance, he’s not throwing his superstitions away.

Heffernan’s honesty, openness and success (and quite possibly that wallet fragment in his briefcase) have helped him build a staff of dedicated employees. Melani Conti has been with the Heffernan Group for 20 years. She appreciates Heffernan’s philosophy of camaraderie and family. Conti said many of her coworkers are also her friends and some of them are even her own family.

“At one point in time, every single one of my kids worked at Heffernan,” said Conti, who at the end of a long work day was playing with her grandson in her offi ce. Conti, who raised four children as a working mother, said she clicked with a company that appreciated her role as a parent as well as an employee.

Heffernan, who has two children of his own, offers employees a fl exible schedule with every other Friday off. Employees aren’t penalized if they occassionally have to come in late or leave early because of their children’s schedule. Children are welcome in the workplace. Conti said it’s not unusual to see dogs and kids running around the offi ce.

Conti is typical of many Heffernan employees in that as the company has grown so have her responsibilities.Conti still remembers the day Heffernan promoted her from account manager to sales. “He gave me a little brochure and sent me out,” said Conti. “I remember hyperventilating in the parking lot.”But by the end of the day, she had written her fi rst account for $2,500 to Calco Fence Company. It’s a client she still has to this day. Now Conti oversees Heffernan’s nonprofi t divison.

Catering to nonprofi ts was one of Heffernan’s early secrets of success. Mike Heffernan realized that few insurance companies were aggressively going after that segment of the market. Heffernan assigned sales people to focus solely on nonprofi ts and become specialists. He wanted them to understand the strengths and weaknesses of nonprofi ts and talk to them as peers, not salespeople.

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“We go to their functions and go to their conferences,” said Conti. “When they have a question, we know the answer.”A strategy that may sound obvious now, but was groundbreaking 20 years ago. Back then nonprofi ts had an image problem with insurance companies and Heffernan sought to change that. Many nonprofi ts were forced to buy their workers’ compensation insurance through a state fund because insurance companies weren’t interested in them. “They thought they were a bunch of mom and pops,” said Conti.Heffernan invested $4 million of its own capital to form a captive insurance group which markets exclusively to nonprofi ts. Now it’s a $30 million a year business.

Over the years, Heffernan’s nonprofi t client list has kept growing. Today it includes Goodwill, the YMCA, United Way, Rubicon Industries and Boys and Girls Clubs.Serving nonprofi ts has rubbed off on Conti. Like every Heffernan employee, she donates four days a year to volunteering at a charity.Plus she’s made room in her budget for regular contributions to a nonprofi t she doesn’t even insure (at least not yet!), the Humane Society. Her passion for the Humane Society is no surprise to those who have visited her home with its four dogs and three cats. “It’s my kids who bring all the animals home,” said Conti. “I’m just a soft touch.”

John Tallarida joined Heffernan in 1991 as a 26-year-old with four years of experience in the insurance business. He was looking for a new challenge. “I was looking for a fi rm where I could get equity and be part of the growth,” said Tallarida. “It’s exceeded all my wildest expectations.”Tallarida remembers his fi rst company photo. It had 19 people. Now he oversees three times that many running Heffernan’s Palo Alto offi ce and regional operating center in Southern California.Tallarida credits Heffernan’s growth to a single philosophy:

“We are sales people whose product is insurance, rather than insurance people who are trying to sell,” said Tallarida.He said that philosophy encourages a more creative sales force, one that doesn’t stop selling once it’s sold all the products it has. It keeps looking for new markets.Tallarida said his favorite conversation is when a client presents him with a challenge by asking him for a type of coverage that doesn’t yet exist. “We don’t like the plain vanilla stuff,” said Tallarida. “We’ve always been attracted to the harder stuff.”One of Tallarida’s fi rst challenges as

a Heffernan employee was helping fi nd insurance for mid-sized law fi rms.“Eighteen years ago mid-sized law fi rms had very limited options. Because they were small, they were charged high rates for professional liability and malpractice,” said Tallardia. Heffernan solved the problem by convincing insurance companies to create an exclusive package for Heffernan’s clients. “It was less cost and broader coverage,” said Tallarida. “It had a lot of bells and whistles that nobody else back then was even offering.” Tallarida said that type of vision continues at Heffernan even as the company has grown. “Mike made a move nine years ago that a lot of people thought was crazy,” said Tallarida. Heffernan took two of his most successful sales people (Tallarida and Steve Williams) and put them into management. The goal was for them to teach others, not only about sales but about Heffernan’s culture. It was a strategy that worked. “All have the same value set,” said Tallarida. “We all drink the same Kool-Aid.” When Mike Heffernan convinced Robin Newman to join his then—fl edgling company 18 years ago some may have thought she was crazy. Joining the Heffernan Group meant taking a cut in pay and instead of managing 50 people, she dropped to 10. So why did she do it?“I had the utmost respect for Mike and his abilities,” recalled Newman, who actually trained Mike at her former fi rm. “I just knew he would be successful. He was a good sales person. I was good at internal operations.” But Newman said her ultimate decision to follow Heffernan was because of how he treated people.“Say someone you work with is going through a bad time in their personal life,” Newman said. “Mike is not the type of person who will say knuckle down. He’ll say treat them better. It’s only human nature for people to have their ups and downs.”Newman, who retired from her position as chief operating offi cer in January, plans to spend more time with her husband, who is already retired. But she’s only leaving completely for six months. After that she’ll be returning on a part-time basis to work on special projects. “I don’t think I could have broken the tie completely,” she said. “I really do love what I’m doing.”

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Newman said if she had to pinpoint what makes Heffernan different than other brokerage fi rms, it’s the philosophy that’s captured in the fi rm’s motto: Answer the phone and have fun. “The worst thing you can do is not return a phone call,” Newman said. As for having fun? That’s what she’s been doing for the last 18 years. Joanne Larson was working for the company Mike Heffernan acquired 20 years ago. She just never left.“I am one of those forever people,” said Larson. “I always knew Mike was going to do something great. He’s not afraid to try anything.”Larson said she was immediately impressed with his open-door philosophy.“If I am concerned about something I go in and see him,” said Larson.It didn’t surprise her when Heffernan was named one of the top three best places to work in the Bay Area.“We work hard and we play hard,” said Larson. “There’s a lot of energy.”She said her co-workers have become part of her extended family. They often have lunch together and go on company outings on Heffernan’s boat or wine tasting in Napa Valley or relaxing at the company’s Healdsburg retreat. “It brings us all together in a different atmosphere,” said Larson.

Like many Heffernan employees, Larson’s daughter Christina Fairchild also works for the company. Fairchild started working for Heffernan in high school then left to try opportunities at other companies. After a few years, she returned to Heffernan.“She really wanted to come back here,” said Larson. “She said the other agency was so behind the times in how it treated its employees.”

Mike Heffernan recognized Yvette Prichard’s potential soon after she started working for the company 16 years ago as a receptionist. She was still in college and was planning to become a middle school teacher when Mike convinced her to consider a career in insurance.How did he change her mind?“It was somewhere in the realm of being able to make a lot more money than a teacher,” recalled Prichard.But it wasn’t the money that Prichard said convinced her to stay. It was Heffernan’s culture. She liked the way employees were treated and the way she was encouraged to undertake new challenges. “The sky is the limit and not the ceiling,” said Prichard, whose next goal is to reach the $2 million sales mark.

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Now married to another Heffernan employee and with two young children, Prichard said her appreciation for Heffernan continues to grow.“We are all about everybody’s kids,” said Prichard. “It’s not about did you clock in at 8 am and clock out at 4 pm, as long as you are getting your work done,” said Prichard. She said working in the same business as her husband, John, has its perks.“I don’t think I could have been as successful as I am,” said Prichard, “if I was married to someone who didn’t understand what I do for a living.”Though she said they probably stay married because they don’t work directly together. “If I did, I would probably kill him,” said Prichard laughing.

Prichard’s husband joined Heffernan 14 years ago. He said what immediately attracted him to Heffernan was its eagerness to seek out new markets and try new ideas, something he had rarely seen at a traditional brokerage fi rm.“At a large fi rm you are one of 30,000 employees,” said John Prichard, and it can be diffi cult to convince a large company (and its stockholders) to break from the mold. John Prichard now heads up Heffernan’s small accounts department, which is aggressively seeking out small and medium-sized businesses. Those are businesses most insurance companies ignore. “No one goes after small and medium businesses because they are less money for the same amount of work,” said John Prichard.

But the Heffernan Group has discovered those accounts are perfect for training a fl eet of bright new college graduates, plus providing small- and medium-sized businesses with the insurance they need. Heffernan Group is training 12 to 20 graduates a year (for the next fi ve years) to handle these smaller commercial accounts.“We continue to restock the fi re with younger aggressive sales people who have a lot of room to grow,” said Mike Heffernan. He said that constant source of young blood is a stimulus for everybody at the company because you can’t help but be inspired by the enthusiasm of new recruits. To help further prepare them for a career at Heffernan, those young graduates will attend classes at Heffernan Group University. John Prichard said the university was started a couple of months ago to provide training for new staff and to provide seasoned employees with continuing education.“By having our own programs we can control the quality,” said John Prichard.

“Plus it’s cost effective.”Looking back over 20 years, Mike Heffernan said he feels good that the same values that have helped the Heffernan Group grow are still an integral part of the company and its employees. At his 20th college reunion, Heffernan’s class gave him an award—“Biggest Pinko Commie Turned Capitalist Pig.”Heffernan just smiles at the memory. He said he’s the same guy he has always been. Still the die-hard liberal who believes that how you treat people is what really matters in the end.Heffernan’s goal for the next 20 years?“We want to keep having fun,” he said.

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Jonathan Warlich, 17, son of HR Manager, Maria Warlich, works part time in the mailroom during spring break.

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Stephanie* was a young woman who could only communicate with a keyboard. But her feelings were completely clear as she smiled and hit the “yes” key, over and over again. Yes as the Heffernan volunteers constructed new planter boxes, Yes as they built a wheelchair-friendly picnic table and ramp, and yes as flowers were planted in the backyard of her Albertina Kerr Centers’ group home in Portland, Oregon.

by Ann Mohler Basco

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• 1800 staff • $32 million budget • 900 volunteers • 50,000+ plus volunteer hours each year

Seeing Stephanie’s reaction is just one of the many experiences with Albertina Kerr Centers that keeps Heffernan Portland Vice President, Dawn St. Clair (and her entire family for that matter), hooked on volunteering. “I’ve got my grandchildren involved now,” she says, as she describes their annual 3 am pilgrimage to downtown Portland to volunteer for Kerr’s Race for the Roses 5K/half marathon. And that’s not all: Dawn has manned the phones for the public television telethon. She and Rick Allen, Heffernan Portland Branch Manager, volunteered together at Kerr’s Bones & Brew fundraiser and pitched in at the Kerr fall golf tournament. “When you see the looks of joy on these kids’ faces, that’s what it’s all about,” she said. “It’s hard not to raise your hand and say, ‘I’ll help!’ ”

KERR’S HISTORY OF GIVINGIf Dawn sounds busy with “Kerr,” as it is known in Oregon, there’s a good reason. Kerr is one of the oldest and largest nonprofi ts in Oregon. It has been offering services to those in need for over 100 years, and has been a Heffernan client since 2003. It is the largest provider of services to people with developmental disabilities or mental health challenges in Oregon, with roughly 150 residents in group homes throughout the state. These are people who need help. They have either lost contact with family, have been institutionalized or have become wards of the state.

Kerr’s programs offer a wide range of intensive treatment services for children with emotional or mental health challenges as well as support and skills training for youth and adults with developmental disabilities. From total 24-hour care to counseling and guidance, Kerr offers it. And its programs are

popular—it runs at 100% capacity, and always has a waiting list. A complex operation, Kerr boasts a complex fundraising and awareness arm to match. What started as a shelter for homeless men in 1907 has evolved into the largest provider for developmental disabilities in Oregon, with 1800 staff, 900 of whom are volunteers. Kerr operates four businesses, a restaurant, a gift shop, a thrift shop and an antique shop, staffed by 500 volunteers. With fundraising an ongoing goal, Kerr relies a lot on its volunteers.

EVENTS OF ALL FLAVORSSays Annie Gannon, Kerr Communications Manager, “My job is great—I get to tell everyone what great work we do.” And she does it well through a packed calendar of well-publicized events, including the Race for the Roses 5K/half marathon, a spring gala and auction, a fall golf tournament, and more.

Even with all these high-profi le community events, Chris Krenk, Executive Director of Kerr, says Kerr’s biggest hurdle is still fundraising. “Resources are our biggest challenge,” he says.

Part of the fundamental challenge for Kerr, he says, is that the people Kerr serves is an entirely different group than the people who help bring money into the organization. Therefore, an ongoing challenge is raising awareness of all of the good things Kerr does for a virtually voiceless group. “We try to broaden support with advocacy and awareness,” he says.

Advocacy and awareness happens when Kerr partners with private businesses to adopt group homes. Private businesses like Heffernan Insurance Brokers. Two years ago, Heffernan’s

September 17, 200816th Annual Albertina Kerr Centers Foundation Classic at Langdon Farms Golf Club

October 30, 2008101st Board of Directors Annual Meeting& Community Awards

April 5, 2009Portland’s Largest Half-Marathon & 5K Run/Walk

Albertina Kerr Snapshot:

Albertina Kerr CentersC 2008 – 2009 Event Calendar2008 2009 Event Calendar

• 1800 staff • $32 million budget • 900 volunteers • 50,000+ plus volunteer hours each year

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Heffernan Portland staff members Michal Mathews and Cindy Cromwell with Rhone Street residents.

Portland Branch adopted Kerr’s Rhone Street home, where staff members painted, gardened, cleaned up the yard, built outdoor furniture, and held picnics and BBQs to spend time and get to know the residents.

PAYING IT FORWARD – ANOTHER HUNDRED YEARSHeffernan staff member Judy Cluster refers to the experience as a really special time. To be able to see immediate rewards of one’s volunteer efforts is like no other experience. She says modestly, she “just likes to pay it forward.” And it’s not just Judy who enjoyed giving back. Her husband, Tim, not even a Heffernan employee, got in on the action. When Judy came home and told Tim that they needed to design a wheelchair-friendly picnic table, Tim simply pulled out a tablet and began sketching. The rest is history. Judy says, “We are just happy to contribute.”

When asked which of the programs he is most proud, Krenk says, “It’s hard to choose.” He’s been in the nonprofi t world for 36 years, and when he speaks about Kerr his passion and commitment are obvious. He’s particularly enthusiastic about a new direction Kerr is taking with one of its youth programs, an early intervention program for children, which is enjoying an impressive 85% success rate. It’s “a comprehensive approach to in-home therapy, called a Wraparound direction, affecting behavioral, parenting, school and mental health together.”

With the spirit of giving alive and well in Portland, Kerr, withits talented team of caregivers, counselors, therapists and volunteers, is sure to continue on for another 100 years. If you are interested in helping, or wish to make a

donation, please call Annie Gannon, Kerr Communications Manager, at 503.408.4721, or visit Kerr on the web at albertinakerr.org.

LIFE IN A GROUP HOMECandy*: A Melody of Coping and Growing Candy, a talented 48-year-old woman, lives in one of Albertina Kerr Centers’ group homes. She has an extremely severe seizure disorder and mental retardation. Earlier in her life, she lived in and out of institutions. She moved into a group home because she was unable to live on her own. The dedicated Kerr staff, who now care for Candy, nurture and support her to enjoy her interests and relationships outside of the home. Candy is a musician. She took piano lessons as a child and has always enjoyed playing music. Because of the generous donation of a beautiful piano by an Albertina Kerr Center board member, Candy began playing again—for her housemates—on her very own piano! *Stephanie and Candy’s names were changed to protect their identity.

• 1,000 + plus people served each year

• 100 years of service to Oregon

• 4 CEO/Presidents since 1907

• 1,000 + plus people served each year

• 100 years of service to Oregon

• 4 CEO/Presidents since 1907

May 29, 2009 (Tentative)“Our annual gala, dinner and auction.

For more information call Albertina Kerr Centers’Director of Annual Giving,Lee Carson Effmann at 503-239-8101.

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A Family Affair by Gregg Hibbeler

When you speak to a Heffernan employee, it’s not uncommon to hear, “My family comes

fi rst.” With Heffernan’s liberal employment policy, which encourages family members

to work together, these family-fi rst employees can have unlimited success in their

careers while maintaining close familial ties in the workplace.

Chris Watkins, LuAnn Watkins and Matt Johnson

John Prichard Jr., Yvette Prichard and John Prichard Sr.

Christina Fairchild and Joanne Larson

Cindy Batterson and Kayla Strang

Jenni Beals and Jayme Beals

Kelly Spragueand Amy Farr

Brian Dantzig and Kerry Dantzig

Julianna Raceand Michelle Race

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The Sister Act (Palo Alto)This isn’t the fi rst time sisters Crystal Laliberte and Micheal Hawkinson, account managers in the Palo Alto offi ce, have worked together. In fact, both found a common workplace in a rest home as high school students.

Crystal was the fi rst to take a position at Heffernan. But Micheal joined her nearly two years ago when her agency, All West Insurance, was acquired by Heffernan.

“Crystal was a great support to me after the acquisition,” says Micheal. “Everyone at the offi ce was very helpful, but knowing that she was there for me was very benefi cial. We joke about it now, but it was like having my own ‘personal trainer.’” For Micheal, it was a comfortable transition since she had met so many Palo Alto associates at Heffernan events as Crystal’s guest.

Although both sisters now have similar areas of responsibility, their work with different sales people and clients limit their daily interaction. Yet, with work stations nearly side by side, Crystal takes comfort in knowing she can ask her sister for advice, since Micheal has more account management experience under her belt.

“Because of our relationship, I think she’s much more tolerant of my questions. She’s been a great industry resource for me in my current role,” said Crystal.

Of special interest to the sisters is Heffernan’s volunteer program, offering paid time off for charitable work outside the offi ce. “Crystal and I have both worked at the Second Harvest Food Bank, sorting canned goods for distribution to the less fortunate. Being able to share that time together, as co-workers and family

members, was really special to us,” said Micheal.

Chips off the Old Block(Walnut Creek/San Francisco)Dan Mahoney, a producer in the Walnut Creek offi ce, takes great pride in his daughters’ accomplishments. Jennifer Mahoney, executive assistant to Mike Heffernan, and Shannon Mahoney, business development manager for Socius, have both succeeded in fi nding their place within Heffernan.

“It was Mike Heffernan who encouraged Jen to come on board,” said Dan. “With our families living so close, he’s known the girls since they were both children. I’m just proud to see them both doing so well in their positions, knowing that the opportunities now coming their way are based on the merits of their work.

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Crystal Laliberte Micheal Hawkinson

Plus, with Jen’s help, I can always track Mike down wherever he might be.”Jen said she and her sister have benefi ted from their father’s advice. “It’s especially satisfying knowing that we all work for the same company,” said Jen.“I enjoy hearing good things about each other’s business accomplishments that we might not hear otherwise.”

It Runs In the Family (San Francisco)The insurance business and the Williams family go way back — nearly 150 years. It all started with Emil Garnsberger, who opened his fi rst insurance agency back in the 1860s. Several generations later, Don Williams joined the family business in 1968 (which through a merger became Picetti and Williams) and eventually joined Heffernan in 1997.

Steve Williams, Don’s nephew, worked part

time in the offi ce while attending college, then accepted a position upon graduation. “Over the years, I’ve worked with my grandfather, father, brothers and just about everyone named Picetti or Williams in this city,” said Don.

He’s continuing that tradition as Heffernan’s vice president in the San Francisco offi ce, working alongside Steve, who is now the San Francisco branch manager and president of Heffernan Financial Services. As a descendant from such a lengthy family insurance tradition, Steve admits “It takes quite a bit of effort and determination to carry on the success of the family. With family members to guide you, it can be very helpful in the beginning when you’re just starting out, but it’s eventually up to you to build upon that and create your own successes.”

Don jokes that it can be confusing for people to have two Williams family members in the same offi ce.“It’s true. I’m quite a bit older than Steve, but when people see the difference in our hairline they sometimes question who is the uncle and who is the nephew.”

It’s All In the Family (Portland) Mark Herring, Laurie Kelley and Laurie’s sister Julie all knew each other in high school, but none had any idea how their lives would intertwine. Now, after 25 years of marriage to Julie, Mark is thankful to have his sister-in-law Laurie, helping him achieve success at work in the Portland offi ce. “It was Mark who fi rst brought me into the business, originally as a marketing assistant,” says Laurie. She didn’t hesitate to say yes. She had always gotten along well with her brother-in-law and was attracted to Heffernan’s fl exible work schedule.

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Patrice E. Krems, appearing as Glenda the Good Witch in a production of The Wizard of Oz at a local community theater. Patrice made the dress, crown and wand herself.

Shannon, Jen and Dan Mahoney

Mark says he wanted Laurie on his team because his business was growing quickly and he needed somebody to keep him on track. He says nobody can match Laurie when it comes to details.

“How many people do you know who alphabetize their spice racks? “ asks Mark. “Plus, she’s such a likable person and I knew she would work

well with my clients.”

Their working

relationship has continued

for nearly seven years, with Laurie moving to an account manager position this past October, and receiving the honor of Portland’s 2007 Employee of the Year.

“I took the job because I knew Mark would not let me fail,” says Laurie. “Mark is very direct and will make sure you understand and are comfortable with the situation, even if he needs to draw you a picture!”

Laurie says it’s a running joke around the offi ce that when Mark pulls out his trademark yellow notebook, you know he’s going to draw you a picture. “It’s true, he will literally draw you a picture on how we should approach a situation, but that’s why he’s such a great

trainer,” says Laurie.

Laurie says she and Mark have made a conscious effort to defi ne the line between family chatter at work and business talk outside the offi ce. “We decided long ago that anything related to family stays with the family and anything about the offi ce stays at the offi ce,” says Laurie. “Mark respects my boundaries on family life, and I appreciate that.” Mark acknowledges that working with a family member has been a balancing act. “It’s just natural that our conversations outside of the offi ce tend to gravitate towards business,” says Mark. “That’s when our spouses’ eyes roll. It’s important to be extra sensitive to the feelings of a family member, who is also a co-worker, since they tend to carry those feelings outside of the offi ce environment.”

There’s always a bit of the unexpected when working with family, like the time Mark’s 12-year-old son commented on his and Laurie’s twice annual business trips, “How come Auntie Laurie always goes on vacation with you?”It appears that Laurie isn’t the only one who pays attention to details.

Familiarity Breeds SuccessIn general, business experts agree that working with family members can be everything from pleasant, productive and rewarding to divisive, frustrating and decidedly unpleasant.

Laurie Kelley

Mark Herring

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Yet, these working family profi les show that trust is potentially the strongest element in a successful business relationship. It was Alex Haley, the famous Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the book Roots, who once said, “In every conceivable manner, the family is the link to our past, a bridge to our future.”

At Heffernan Insurance Brokers, the strength of the family bond is an integral part of the company’s past and the foundation of its future. There are many quotes regarding the importance of family, but to turn a phrase, it appears that at Heffernan Insurance the employees have mastered treating family as co-workers and clients like family.

Don Williams

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Steve Williams

Community Volunteer Programs: Walnut Creek and We Care Services/Family Stress Center

Heffernan fi rst became involved with We Care Services for Children in 2006, after Melani Conti, Senior Vice President, attended a board meeting. “I was really touched by the many

services they were providing for the children in our community, “Melani remembers. Barbara Langsdale, Vice President of Development for We Care, says Heffernan’s employee volunteer program is a shining example of what all communities should do. “No matter the job, their enthusiastic employees will be here to help,” says Barbara. “Over the past few years, they’ve painted doors and hallways, stuffed envelopes, prepared gift baskets and tended to our gardens and playgrounds. With nearly 10 acres to maintain, and with buildings almost 40 years old, there’s always something they can help us clean, repair or paint. What’s most heartwarming about having the Heffernan employees on site is that they’re all so cheerful. They interact with each other more as friends,

rather than co-workers.” Barbara says that aside from the center’s ongoing maintenance program, We Care will attempt to rebuild their outdoor playhouse and develop a tranquility garden this year, and she’s hopeful that Heffernan employees will support these efforts as they have in the past. “As I speak to other area businesses about our projects, I typically use Heffernan as an example of what can be accomplished,” says Barbara. “Just imagine, if every organization did what Heffernan and their employees do for their communities, what a wonderful world this would be.”

Community Volunteer Programs: Orange and Habitat for Humanity Elena Quiroz, Administrative Assistant in the Orange regional offi ce, said, “I had no idea what I was in for.” But on a bright, warm day last May, Elena and her Heffernan co-workers arrived on the Habitat for Humanity job site in Fullerton. What waited was six hours of hard labor, hauling scrap wood, pulling cable and digging a three-foot-deep drainage ditch for the new single-family home under construction. Elena says “I like to consider myself an outdoorswoman, but I was not accustomed to this type of work. I’m not really even a gardener, so digging a drainage ditch really gave me an appreciation for what is all involved in home construction.” Aside from a few blisters on her hands, Elena remembers a few odd looks she received from her fellow ditch-digger, Ellen Schmid. “I was jumping up and down on the dirt pile to stamp the ground after fi lling the ditch with drainage pipe and fi ll dirt. The heat was taking its toll on us and the shovels began to get a bit heavy, but I’ll do it again—no problem! I was exhausted, but I felt a lot of pride for my community that day, especially knowing that I helped a young family start off in a nice home.”

Community Volunteer Programs: Palo Alto and the Second Harvest Food Bank

“When we were at our best, it was like an assembly line in a big factory,” says Laura Miller, Executive Administrator from Palo Alto. Sorting canned goods, packing boxes and loading pallets was the order of the day for Laura and her fi ve Heffernan co-workers at the Second Harvest Food Bank in San Jose. For Art Adams, Vice President, volunteering didn’t go quite as smoothly. “We had to laugh,” says Laura, “Art was the only one of us sorting apples.

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Since its formation in 1988, Heffernan Insurance Brokers has been giving back to the communities in which it does business. Heffernan believes in investing time, money and the unique talents of its employees in their nearby communities. By doing so, the company hopes to ensure the long-term viability of area nonprofi ts and better the quality of life for the residents they serve.

Heffernan employees volunteer more than 900 hours a year outside the workplace, says Michelle Lonaker, Heffernan’s web and philanthropy manager. Employees participate in food drives with local food banks, home-building projects with Habitat for Humanity, and a variety of other local, school and community service activities. “What inspires us most are the hard-working, dedicated people we meet through these activities,” says Michelle.

A Look at Heffernan’sCharitable Giving Program

We Care Services for Children

We Care is a private, nonprofi t agency devoted to serving children from birth to age fi ve and their families. Its unique approach emphasizes the development of the “whole child” by providing a variety of programs in Contra Costa County for special needs and typically developing children.Since 1960, We Care has provided professional licensed therapists, teachers and associates that specialize in early childhood emotional and physical development, focusing on each child’s individual needs while delivering therapeutic intervention and early childhood education in a warm and caring environment.

Habitat for Humanity

Since its founding in 1976, Habitat for Humanity and its domestic and international affi liates have built and rehabilitated more than 200,000 homes for families in need, becoming a true world leader in addressing the issues of poverty housing.

Through the work of Habitat in Southern California, thousands of low-income families have found new hope in the form of affordable housing. These homes allow families working in service, manufacturing, retail and other sectors to live in decent, safe, permanent homes. Habitat provides these hard-working families with an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty through an affordable homeownership program, enabling them to live in the cities where they work and to create a better future for their children.

by Gregg Hibbeler

And when the big apple crate started to get low, Art just had to jump right in to get the job done. It was kind of funny and kind of cute at the same time, seeing him inside that big crate while we were nice and comfortable on the assembly line. Of course, it could have been his hair net that got the most laughs.” Regardless of the tasks that day, Laura said helping the Food Bank made all of them feel good. “In fact, several people offered to volunteer at the Food Bank again on their weekend off,” says Laura. ”I think it’s great that Heffernan allows us this opportunity to help the nonprofi ts in our communities. I’ve never had this chance where I’ve worked before, so it’s something I’ll look forward to doing again and again.”

Heffernan’s NonProfi ts Choice Niche Practice

Heffernan’s interests in nonprofi ts are deeply rooted in its business practices. “Our involvement in serving nonprofi ts goes back as far as the founding of the company,” says Melani Conti. “We’re a unique broker that has developed an expertise in working with nonprofi ts.” Heffernan’s NonProfi ts Choice program is committed to securing the best insurance coverage at the most competitive prices for nonprofi ts of all sizes. Melani says, “We understand their needs, and we know what market to go to for the best pricing and coverage.” Melani estimates that nearly 40 Heffernan salespeople serve the agency’s 4,000 nonprofi t clients. “It’s our exclusive products, additional coverage and widespread carrier access that set us apart from the competition.” On a personal level, Melani feels rewarded by the opportunity to work with these socially conscious clients. “I love working in this area of the insurance business. I cannot express how good it makes me feel when I speak to my clients about their community services, knowing that the money I might help them save is directly benefi ting those they serve.” Melani also realizes that actions can pay great dividends to her clients. “It’s especially gratifying to me to take time off work and help these local

nonprofi ts. The appreciation their employees show towards our volunteers is amazing. It makes me feel good about myself when I participate in these projects. It’s the same feeling as when you

give a Christmas present. Now that I’ve volunteered, I will always make time to do it again.”

Brian O’Callaghan, Vice President, works closely with Melani and refl ects on his fi rst-hand experience volunteering at the Fred Finch Youth Center annual golf tournament. “It was a great opportunity to work closely with one of my business clients in their annual fundraising event. I checked in golfers and assisted with fun activities, like the ‘closest to the pin’ contest. But what meant the most to me was working with the center’s staff and hearing them talk so enthusiastically about the youth and how this event would enable them to better serve the children. I really got to know the benefi ts of their services and was proud to contribute my time to help them raise these much-needed funds.”

Heffernan’s Major Gift Program

As Heffernan Insurance Brokers has continued to grow and increase its annual contributions, it has taken a more formal approach to charitable giving and employee volunteerism. In 2001 Heffernan established its Charitable Giving Committee, which oversees the company’s donations and service projects. Working with Heffernan regional offi ces, the committee identifi es one nonprofi t per offi ce to support each year. Michelle says, “Through these relationships with our community nonprofi ts, Heffernan is proud to give staff the time to enjoy the rewarding experience of hands-on giving.” From a fi nancial standpoint, Heffernan has long been recognized as one of the top corporate

philanthropists in the Bay Area. Milly Hanley, charitable giving committee member, points out that Heffernan distributed more than $280,000 in charitable contributions to 60 charities in 2007. Donations typically range from $1,000-$10,000 and are available to any designated 501-(c)(3) charitable organization.

“These efforts are one of my biggest passions in life,” says Michelle. “My position allows me to use my brain, as well as my heart, and makes it very enjoyable to come to work each and every day.” With the multiple-level success of the Heffernan charitable giving program, it’s clear Michelle is in good company.

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• Florida – Habitat for Humanity• Orange – Habitat for Humanity• Oregon – Portland Rescue Mission• Palo Alto – San Jose Food Bank

• Petaluma – Committee on the Shelterless (COTS)• San Francisco – San Francisco Food Bank• Walnut Creek – We Care Services for Children/ Family Stress Center

2008 Heffernan Community Volunteer Programs by Regional Offi ce

Second Harvest Food Bank

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties is a private nonprofi t that collects and distributes more than 26 million pounds of food each year to low-income children, adults and seniors. The food bank currently serves an average of 167,200 individuals each month, 60% of which are families with dependent children.Volunteers can help the Food Bank sort, inspect and repackage thousands of pounds of food, in just a short, 2 hour shift!The Food Bank, Inc., of Santa Clara County was formed in 1974 by Economic and Social Opportunities, and incorporated as a non-profi t agency in 1979. In 1988, the San Mateo County Food Bank merged with The Food Bank, Inc., of Santa Clara County to become Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. In 1992, Second Harvest Food Bank moved into a n 65,00quare foot warehouse in San Jose which serves as its main food distribution center. In June of 1995, the Peninsula Distribution Center began serving San Mateo County in a newly renovated 22,000- square foot warehouse in San Carlos.

Fred Finch Youth Center

Founded in 1891, the center is one of the East Bay’s largest nonprofi ts, offering a residential program for youth diagnosed with developmental disabilities and emotional impairment, as well as a variety of community-based programs for children, adolescents and young adults, ranging from age 4 to 24. At Fred Finch, they seek to provide high-quality programs for the care and treatment of children, youth, young adults, and their families, whose changing needs can best be met by a variety of mental-health and social services.

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Interested in giving or volunteering your time? Check out any of the following nonprofi ts – and maybe you’ll be inspired to make a donation or get involved.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation6255 W. Sunset Blvd., 21st Floor Los Angeles, CA 90028www.aidshealth.orgDonation Contact: Julia Miele, Director of Fundraising, (323) 860-5240, Fundraising Development Department 6255 W. Sunset Blvd., 21st Fl. Los Angeles, CA 90028Phone: (323) 860-5200 Main Executive: Michael Weinstein, President AIDS Healthcare Foundation is the largest provider of HIV and AIDS medications, to more than 27,000 people in the US, Africa, Asia, and Central America. They are dedicated to offering “cutting-edge” medicine and advocacy, regardless of a person’s fi nancial situation.

AIDS Healthcare Network is currently operating 14 healthcare centers, 7 pharmacies, a disease management program in Florida, while also supporting the 22 Out of the Closet Thrift Stores in California. Internationally, they are bringing anti-retroviral therapy that can be lifesaving to developing and resource-poor countries like South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, India, Swaziland, China and Ukraine.

California Human Development2945 Ramco Street, Suite 195West Sacramento, CA 95691www.chdcorp.orgDonations & phone: Call offi ces for more information: Executive Offi ce: 916-371-8220 Main Executive: Michael J. Micciche, CEO Founded in 1967, CHD’s purpose is to help low-income people secure the education, training, job opportunities and improved social conditions they need to live with independence.CHD’s programs include job

training and employment, affordable housing community services, court-ordered treatment services, and job training for individuals with disabilities. These programs serve diverse clients including farm workers, recent immigrants, youth, seniors, and other low-income persons.

Casa TeresaP.O. Box 429 Orange, CA 92856www. casateresa.comDonations can be made online through their website.Phone: (714) 538- 4860Main Executive: Keith Eyrich, President Founded in 1976, Casa Teresa provides programs for homeless, pregnant women, regardless of background, race, religion, nationality, or any other factors, for women age 18 and older that are alone. Casa Teresa is home to more than 60 mothers and their babies each year, and also offers referrals or one-time counseling to over 400 women annually. Casa Teresa also offers three separate residential programs: The Parenting Program, the Adoption Program “Hannah’s House,” and the Transition Program for Single Mothers. And Casa Teresa offers prenatal healthcare, individual and group counseling, case management and life-skills education.

Community Action Marin29 Mary StreetSan Rafael, CA 94901www. camarin.orgDonations: contact Russell Hamel at: rhamel@camarin.orgPhone: (415) 485-1489Main Executive: Irving Golden, President Community Action Marin, founded in 1966, is Marin’s largest private social service orginization that is dedicated to the betterment of communities in Marin County. Today Community Action Marin serves 1,500 meals to children in Marin, provides legal activism for the mentally ill, and is the fi rst source for emergency and day-to-day fi nancial and professional help for many Marin County residents. They also operate 15 social services programs and serve as a fi scal agent for other agencies that do not have adequate administration or support. These programs include childcare and early childhood development, HIV/AIDS services, emergency family needs, energy assistance, mental health issues, employment and training, and senior citizen programs.

Children’s Council of San Francisco445 Church Street San Francisco, CA 94114 www. childrenscouncil.orgDonations: (Check or money order) Children’s Council of San Francisco, 445 Church StreetSan Francisco, CA 94114, Attn: Phyllis MasonPhone: (415) 276-2900Main Executive: Christine Cleary, President For over 30 years, the Children’s Council of San Francisco has been working to improve the well-being of children, parents, families, and child care providers. They strive to make affordable, high-quality child care a reality for all working families. The services the Children’s Council offers include, free, multilingual resources and referrals for San Francisco families seeking child care, help in paying for child care for low-income working families, training and professional support to child care providers. They also provide nutritional services and food subsidies to providers who care for children from low-income families and child mental health and development consultation to childcare centers and family childcare homes. And they also help with childcare support to families of children with special needs, and childcare support to families that are homeless, in transition or crisis, or whose children are in foster care. And they are also dedicated to public policy making for childcare, advocacy for children and families, and information to strengthen the child care community.

EMQ Children andFamily ServicesEMQ Children and Family Services251 Llewellyn AvenueCampbell, CA 95008-1940www.emq.orgDonations can be made online through their website, or by phone: (408) 364-4044, or check by mail: Donor Services Team, EMQ Children and Family Services, 251 Llewellyn Avenue, Campbell, CA 95008Phone: (408) 379-3790Main Executive: F. Jerome (Jerry) Doyle, CEO EMQ Children and Family Services provides programs that help children recover from issues such as severe depression, thoughts of suicide, or drug abuse, and aims at helping keep families together. EMQ annually helps almost 7,000 children and their family members every year

through programs like Family Finding, Wraparound, support and educational services such as art classes and tutoring. They currently offer over 17 services to children and their families, from their nine offi ces located in Los Angeles County, Santa Clara County, San Bernardino County, and Sacramento County.

Goodwill (of San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, and Long Beach)Goodwill Industries International 15810 Indianola DriveRockville, MD 20855On the web @ goodwill.orgDonations: Donations can be made online through their website.Phone: (800) 741-0186Main Executive: Jim Gibbons, President and CEO North America’s leading nonprofi t provider of education, training, and career services for people with disadvantages, such as welfare dependency, homelessness, and lack of education or work experience, as well as those with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. Last year, local Goodwills collectively provided employment and training services to more than 930,775 individuals.

Hope ServicesAdministrative Offi ce 30 Las Colinas Lane San Jose, CA 95119 www. hopeservices.orgDonations: By check can be mailed to: HOPE Services 30 Las Colinas Lane San Jose, CA 95119. Credit card donations can be made by phone at (408) 748-2850.Phone: (408) 748-2850Main Executive: Jerry Bellotti, Chair In operation since 1952, HOPE was founded to help people with development disabilities be able to live and participate in their communities.Today HOPE’s services include a range of employment and job training programs, developmental activities, professional counseling, infant services, senior services, supported and independent living services, and mobility training for approximately 3,000 children, adults and seniors. Many of HOPE’s clients work in the community at both large and small Silicon Valley companies, as well as government facilities throughout Santa Clara, San Benito, San Mateo, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.

Heffernan Giving GuideResearched by Mollie McWilliams

31

Human OptionsP.O. Box 53745 Irvine, CA 92619www.humanoptions.orgDonations can be made online through their website.Phone: (949) 737-5242Main Executive: Steve Churm, President Human Options has been in operation for over 25 years, and its mission is to help battered women, their families and our community break the cycle of domestic violence. They focus on providing safety for women and their children, long-term support to rebuild lives, and education to create a safe community. The services Human Options provides are emergency shelter for battered women and children, low-cost transitional housing and services for women for the duration of one year, community education for high school and college students, and specifi ed counseling services for different members of the community.

Institute on Aging3330 Geary Blvd, 2nd Floor WestSan Francisco, CA 94118www.ioaging.orgDonations can be made online through their website, by phone: (415) 750-4180, ext. 141, or check by mail: Development Department, Institute on Aging, 3330 Geary Blvd., 2nd Floor West, San Francisco, CA 94118Phone: (415) 750-4111Main Executive: Robert L. Sockolov, Chair IOA’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for adults as they age by enabling them to maintain their health, well-being, independence, and participation in the community. They provide diverse programs in health, social service, creative arts, spiritual support, education, and research. IOA provides information on care in the home or in the community, counseling for caregivers and seniors, fi nancial planning, resources for professionals and students in the fi eld of aging.

Lincoln Child Center4368 Lincoln Avenue,Oakland, CA 94602www. lincolncc.org For information on donating, call the Development Department at 510-531-3111Phone: (510) 531-3111 Main Executive: Chris Stoner-Mertz, President and CEO Lincoln Child Center is focused on enabling vulnerable and emotionally troubled children and their families to lead independent and fulfi lling lives. LCC’s Kinship Support Services Program (KSSP) provides services to relatives who are raising another family member’s children when the parents are absent and/or unable to raise them. Their integrated school and day treatment program provides special education and intensive mental health services to students in grades K-8. LCC’s school-based services are designed to address behaviors that are interfering with a child’s school, home or community functioning. They also run the Residential Program, which is a home for 26 children, providing 24-hour support and guidance from counselors. The multi-disciplinary program offers a range of treatment services including rehabilitative therapy, individual group and family counseling, crisis intervention and medical and psychiatric treatment. It also provides Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS), a short-term supplemental service offered in coordination with other mental health services, and also runs a “wrap service,” which is aimed at helping a child ease into life in a permanent home after being in foster care.

Mexican American Opportunity Foundation401 N. Garfi eld Avenue Montebello, CA 90640www. maof.orgMain Executive: Martin Castro, PresidentDonation Contact: donations can be made through their website. Phone: (323) 890-9600 The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation was established in 1963, and is aimed at providing better socioeconomic conditions for the Latino community of California, while maintaining the heritage of the Mexican American culture. From 40 different service locations MAOF is currently serving over 100,000 Californians, of which 95% are low–to moderate-income persons. MAOF provides 20 different free or low-cost programs and services to individuals and families who

are socially and economically disadvantaged. Some of MAOF’s programs include childcare and development programs, resource and referral services, senior and disabled services, welfare to work employment services, youth programs, a food bank, fi nancial education, and computer literacy education.

SF MOMA151 Third Street San Francisco, CA 94103www.sfmoma.orgDonations: Please visit the website for more information.Phone: (415) 357-4000Main Executive: Neal Benezra, Director San Francisco’s Museum of Modern Art hosts an array of different works and organizes a wide range of programs for audiences of all ages. They offer special exhibition-related events, such as artist talks and lectures, tours for students, adult groups, and walk-in visitors, as well as family days and monthly hands-on family studios.

Sunny Hills Children’s Center300 Sunny Hills DriveSan Anselmo, CA 94960www.sunnyhillsservices.orgDonations can be made online through their website, or by mail: Sunny Hills Services300 Sunny Hills Drive, San Anselmo, CA 94960-1995.Phone: (415) 457-3200Main Executive: Joseph M. Costa, Chief Executive Offi cer Since 1895 Sunny Hills Services has treated emotionally and behaviorally disturbed, abused, and neglected children from the Bay Area and beyond with tailored residential, educational, mental health and community-based services. Their residential, educational and community based programs are specifi cally designed to fi t the needs of children with a variety of disorders and to provide consistent treatment over time to a diversity of clients and families. Each program uses a combination of services to provide directed, individualized treatment, promote healing, and help clients overcome their limitations. Every program is headed by an experienced mental health clinician and staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of mental health professionals.

YFES Youth and familyEnrichment Services610 Elm Street, Suite 212San Carlos, CA 94070www.yfes.orgDonations by check can be mailed to 610 Elm Street, Suite 212 San Carlos, CA. 94070, donations by credit card can be made through a phone call to the Development Department: 650-591-9623 ext. 117, and fax donations can be completed by fi lling out a PDF form found on the website and sent to: 650-591-9750. The Development Department: 650-591-9623 can address all other donations.Phone: (650) 591-9623Main Executive: Linda Mann, Chairperson YFES provides a wide array of free and low-cost services to help children, teens and adults who are dealing with substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health, relationship and communication issues. Their services include prevention programs and hotlines, early intervention services for fi rst offenders and for children to help address psychological issues before they develop into chronic mental health problems, educational programs to community members such as law enforcement, teachers and parents. YFES also offers counseling and residential programs, with special programs geared towards adults, teens and children.

1999

Employees: 107Income: $12,975,561Growth: 17.4%

2000

Employees: 130Income: $15,345,969Growth: 18.3%• Heffernan Petersen changes name to Heffernan Insurance Brokers• ECM becomes a member of the Heffernan Group

2001

Employees: 200Income: $27,148,124Growth: 76.9%• Menlo Park office established

2002

Employees: 225Income: $38,676,247Growth: 42.5%

2003

Employees: 225Income: $44,208,987Growth: 14.8%Charitable Giving: $133,000• Tangram established• Florida office established• Heffernan Named Rough Notes Marketing Agency of the Year by Rough Notes Magazine• Heffernan Ranked 48th of the 100 Largest Brokers of U.S. Business by Business Insurance Magazine• Heffernan Named One of the Best Places To Work in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times, Silicon Valley Business Journal, and East Bay Business Times• Heffernan Ranked 1st Property/Casualty Broker in the East Bay, by East Bay Business Times

2004

Employees: 233Income: $50,352,000Growth: 13.4%Charitable Giving: $197,000• Sonoma office moved to Petaluma• Heffernan Ranked 45th of the 100 Largest Brokers of U.S. Business by Business Insurance Magazine• Heffernan Ranked the 9th Best Place To Work in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times, Silicon Valley Business Journal, and East Bay Business Times• Heffernan Ranked 1st Property/Casualty Broker in the East Bay, by East Bay Business Times

2005

Employees: 287Income: $53,873,187Growth: 7%Charitable Giving: $237,000• Los Angeles office established• Heffernan Ranked 43rd of the 100 Largest Brokers of U.S. Business by Business Insurance Magazine• Heffernan Ranked the 5th Best Place To Work in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times, Silicon Valley Business Journal, and East Bay Business Times• Heffernan Ranked 20th Largest Independant Broker in the U.S. Business by Insurance Journal Magazine• Heffernan Ranked 58th of the Top 60 Corporate Philanthropists in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times• Heffernan Ranked 8th of the Largest Insurance Brokers in the Bay Area by San Francisco Business Times

1993

Employees: 40Income: $3,943,949Growth: 9.5%

Mike Heffernan purchases Petersen Associates and changes the name to Heffernan Petersen Insurance Brokers

• Employees: 19

Income:

$1,024,594

32

2006

Employees: 327Income: $63,281,774Growth: 17.5%Charitable Giving: $284,000• Orange office established• ECM becomes Socius Insurance Services, Inc.• Heffernan Ranked 41st of the 100 Largest Brokers of U.S. Business by Business Insurance Magazine• Heffernan Ranked 3rd Best Place To Work in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times, Silicon Valley Business Journal, and East Bay Business Times• Heffernan Ranked 11th Largest Independent Broker in the U.S. by Insurance Journal Magazine • Heffernan Ranked 56th of the Top Corporate Philanthropists in the Bay Area by San Francisco Business Times• Heffernan Ranked 6th Largest Insurance Broker in the Bay Area by San Francisco Business Times

2007

Employees: 389Income: $70,025,000Growth: 10.7%Charitable Giving: $337,000• Heffernan Ranked 37th Largest Broker of U.S. Business by Business Insurance Magazine• Heffernan Ranked 3rd Best Place To Work in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times, Silicon Valley Business Journal, and East Bay Business Times• Heffernan Ranked 9th Largest Independent Broker in the U.S. by Insurance Journal Magazine• Heffernan Ranked 58th of the Top Corporate Philanthropists by San Francisco Business Times• Heffernan Named Best Place to Work by North Bay Business Journal

2008

Employees: 416Income: TBDGrowth: TBDCharitable Giving: TBD • 20th Year Anniversary• Missouri and Illinois offices established• 2nd Best Place To Work in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times, Silicon Valley Business Journal, and East Bay Business Times • Heffernan Ranked 9th Largest Independent Broker in the U.S. by Insurance Journal Magazine• Heffernan Ranked 56th of the Top Corporate Philanthropists by San Francisco Business Times• Heffernan Named Top 50 Companies to Work For by Oregon Business Magazine• Heffernan Named Best Place to Work by North Bay Business Journal

1997

Employees: 90Income: $8,835,987Growth: 30.5%

• ECM Insurance established, Heffernan Petersen is an investor

Income:

$8,835,987

1994

Employees: 48Income: $5,050,501Growth: 28.1%

1995

Employees: 56Income: $5,404,191Growth: 7%

1996

Employees: 60Income: $6,772,772Growth: 25.3%

1989

Employees: 22Income: $1,264,785Growth: 23.4%

1990

Employees: 24Income: $1,655,750Growth: 31.7%• Oregon office established

1991

Employees: 29Income: $2,628,518Growth: 57.8%• Sonoma and San Francisco offices established

1992

Employees: 36Income: $3,600,927Growth: 37%

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Volunteer time from employees last year averaged out to about 900 hours.

We adopted 14 Families During the Holidays.

We donated clothes and toys from employees once per quarter to Hawthorne Elementary School in Oakland, California.

We gave $219,500 in large grants and employee matching.

Average Annual Giving amount peremployee: $897.

6 Garee Lee Smith Scholarships for $5,000 each.

2002 2003

MGA

Heffernan

• Employee Matching Program• Large Grant Committee• Active Local Involvement in our Communities• Garee Lee Smith Foundation

Comparing Annual Organic Growth: Heffernan Compared to Industry (Independent Brokers and Public Brokers) Data courtesy of CIAB.

Heffernan Revenue by Divisionas of 2007

Heffernan Revenue By Division

How We Give Back Annual Organic Growth

• Heffernan • Public US Broker Average • Independent US Broker Average

Corporate Giving Quick Facts

$300,000.00

$250,000.00

$200,000.00

$150,000.00

$100,000.00

$50,000.00

32%

28%

24%

20%

16%

12%

8%

4%

t Christmastime, she wallpapered her entire cube with wrapping paper and then added angels, Santa Clauses, twinkling lights, tinsel, reindeer and ornaments. Her Christmas decorations were as sparkling as her personality. Both took your breath away. Garee Lee Smith passed away four years ago at the age of 62. She left us too soon, but she will never be forgotten. The Oakland, California, native got her start in the insurance industry working as a secretary for Meyer and Lightner Company in 1959 and moved her way up through the ranks to become a successful insurance agent. She eventually found herself at Heffernan where she was a producer, an account manager, a mentor, a friend, and even a surrogate mother to many. Brant Watson, a producer in Heffernan’s Walnut Creek offi ce, remembers when he fi rst met Garee. “My fi rst impression of her was that there was no way a lady could be so nice, so larger than life, with that big bouffant hair and so many compliments for everyone. I thought she must be putting on a show. I soon found it was no show,” he said. Garee took Brant under her wing. He recalls one of his fi rst business trips with her to Palm Springs for a skilled nursing conference. “People would just gravitate to the booth to talk to her,” he said. “She had a way of making every person she talked to feel like the most important person in the world.” After she passed away, Heffernan founded the Garee Lee Scholarship Fund to benefi t children and school-aged relatives of Heffernan employees for tuition for grammar school, high school, college or vocational school.

Six scholarships of $5000 are awarded annually, as determined by essays and committee interviews. The award recipients celebrate in true Garee style, at a big banquet dinner together with family and friends. Jennifer Christensen, a senior account manager in the Walnut Creek offi ce, was a 2008 scholarship winner, and is using her grant to help with her tuition at Cal State University East Bay, Concord. She says, “I was thrilled to receive the Garee Lee Smith Scholarship Award. With a son in his junior year in college and a teenage daughter, I feel guilty spending money on myself. It was quite a relief to receive the scholarship. It enabled me to enroll without feeling like I was taking away from the rest of the family.” Garee ‘s many friends at Heffernan realized that the only proper way to honor a woman who was always thinking of others before herself was to give to others in her name.

Brant said he’ll never forget Garee’s giving spirit. “I remember she would do little things for me all the time. Once, when I was just starting out, she gave me $40 and told me to take my wife to dinner.” No one had ever done that for him before. Garee’s daughter, Kristal Smith, said if her Mom knew Heffernan had founded a scholarship in her name she would have loved it. “It would have just touched her so deeply,” said Kristal. Garee Lee Smith was a powerful lady and her power was in what she gave away.

A

35

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Heffernan is headquartered in one of the most scenic regions of California and we want to keep it that way. Over the coming months, we’re launching a major green initiative. We’ve already begun taking small steps, recycling cans, bottles and paper and buying locally grown food for Heffernan gatherings. We know it’s just a start. Jen Mahoney, who’s heading up our effort, says that on the top of the green to-do list is retrofi tting Heffernan’s Walnut Creek headquarters with solar heat. Eventually, we would like to see every one of our offi ces off the power grid.

Much of our green inspiration comes from our employees. Their commitment to the environment has inspired us. We thought you might like to meet them.

The building blocks of green Account Executive Stephanie Reilly and her husband, Steve, were living green back when green was still just a color. Their home is surrounded with native California plants, which thrive in the warm climate and don’t tax the water supply. They air-dry their laundry on a retractable clothes line to reduce energy consumption. Plus they are trying to teach their two children, 5 and 7, to choose toys without batteries. “They just end up in a landfi ll,” said Stephanie. “Landfi lls depress me.”

Stephanie credits Steve with teaching her much of what she knows about the environment. He’s a home builder with a degree in renewable resources. He brings that knowledge to every job site. “The last job he had, the countertops were made from recycled glass,” says Stephanie. “They are just beautiful.”

Stephanie says she always tries to tell people that becoming more green doesn’t have to require major changes in your life. Some steps are simple, such as installing natural fi ber carpets, using fl ourescent bulbs or even having your kids use both sides of the paper when they color. “People forget that it’s not just one thing that makes you green,” says Stephanie. “It’s lots of little tiny steps.”

“The rule around our house is if you don’t have long sleeves on, don’t turn up the heat,” says John.

by Linda Wagar

36

The green commuterJohn Vipiana has fi gured out how to beat Bay Area traffi c. He bicycles the 45 miles from his home in San Anselmo to his offi ce in San Francisco. Okay, maybe not every day. But when John isn’t on his bike, he’s driving his biodiesel car. It runs on vegetable or soybean oil instead of gasoline.

John said he bought the car because, as a senior vice president and real estate practice leader at Heffernan, he spends a fair amount of time on the road. His biodiesel VW Golf gets 40 miles to the gallon and emits 78 percent less carbon.

Plus for every unit of fossil energy it takes to make biodiesel, three and a half units of energy are gained. The fuel can sometimes cost John 10 or 20 cents more a gallon, but it’s money he feels good about spending. He knows he’s helping the environment and decreasing the demand for fossil fuel. But John’s efforts to conserve extend beyond his car.“The rule around our house is if you don’t have long sleeves on, don’t turn up the heat,” says John.

John said caring about the environment is something he learned from his parents.“I was raised in a home where we were taught to respect what God created,” says John. “In the 1970s, we were recycling.”Now the father of two teenagers, John says he tries to set a good example and hope his kids pay attention. The taste of greenSheila Taylor knows how good helping the enviroment can taste. “Have you ever had a homegrown potato?” she asks. “The fl avor is more intense.”

An avid gardener for 10 years, Sheila’s one-third an acre lot at her Concord home can produce bushels of lettuce, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, pumpkins, corn and herbs. Taylor said she got hooked on gardening after taking a class with a friend and discovered what she once thought of as work was a lot of fun.

Because she eats everything she grows, Sheila won’t use pesticides or chemicals. A compost bin in her backyard provides her with all the fertilizer she needs and provides her with a recycling source for her table scraps and yard waste.She now plans her menus exclusively around food she knows is in season. That way, even when it’s not out of her own garden, she’s still getting something fresh.

When she does have to go to the grocery store, Sheila either grabs her big straw basket or a used paper bag. “I just reuse them and reuse them and reuse them, the stores don’t seem to mind,” said Sheila.The California native said she didn’t grow up thinking green. It’s something she’s learned along the way. But it’s been a delicious trip for everybody, including coworkers. She regularly shares her garden’s bounty. “The avocados are always a big hit,” she says.

Salvaging greenSome might call it clutter, but Kelly Sprague knows all those spare parts around her Sonoma home are doing a world of good.

“It’s ridiculous to buy something brand new,” says Kelly. That’s a philosophy Kelly says she learned from her husband, Eric, whose favorite hangout is the salvage yard. “He has a natural thriftiness,” she says. “Plus he hates to see waste.”An abandoned engine ended up in a golf cart. Old tools are lovingly restored. Windows and doors left over from a remodeling job are saved for the future.“You never know when you are going to need it,” Kelly says.

If Kelly’s’ husband must part with something, he fi rst strips it of any aluminum and copper, which he recycles.Even what he drives is on its second life. He restored a ‘56 Chevy truck and fi lls it up with (you guessed it ) biodiesel. Kelly acknowledges that her husband’s admiration of used parts can make him a pack rat, but she says after 15 years of living together he’s now an organized pack rat.

When it comes to telling you what Heffernan employees are doing to help the environment, we could go on and on. There’s Lauri Benefi el, who heats her pool with solar panels, Josh Fagin, who switched from driving an SUV to a Prius and Dave Hoffmire, Patrick Joyce and Nick Dealtry, who carpool from San Francisco to Walnut Creek every day. They are just some of the many here who have begun taking small steps to improve the world we live in. As Stephanie Reilly pointed out, if we can all just start taking more small steps, collectively we might make a difference.

37

Despite the inevitable tears, I survived that fi rst day for two reasons. The fi rst was that I had a ton of work to do; and the second was because I knew if I really needed to, I could bring my little guy into the offi ce with me, thanks to a family— and pet-friendly culture at Heffernan. Hanging onto that thought is solely what comforted me as I was abruptly jolted from my idyllic summer at home back into the fast-paced world of emails, meetings, contracts and deadlines.

That fi rst Friday back Zander and I had a pediatrician’s appointment, so I brought his Pack and Play and set it up in my offi ce so we would just fi nish out the afternoon together. It went where my dog used to sleep when she used to join me at work. (Another adjustment for our family: our dog Abby used to be #1, now she’s last in the pecking order.)

Zander and I had the expected stream of visitors, and the afternoon fl ew by. But my emails piled up, and it didn’t take long to realize that it’s hard to get your work done when you are showing off your baby. This concept is better in theory than in practice, I thought. The following Monday, back to daycare he went. I missed him terribly, but slowly but surely, I got my groove back.

Prior to the baby, I had a routine of bringing in my dog on Friday afternoons. I thought maybe I’d do the same with the baby, but it just never happened. I got busy, began to feel productive and needed again, and regained my professional ego more and more with each project I completed. Friday afternoons became more of a time when I could jam out work, so I could get to daycare that evening, pick up my sweet baby, smell him and cuddle him and forget about work for the

weekend, knowing I had left my desk in good shape. Since that fi rst week back, I’ve brought Zander into the offi ce with me a few times, but mostly just for social visits, or en route to or from a pediatrician’s appointment. He’s made the rounds at our Walnut Creek headquarters, and our biggest social event of the fall was our annual Halloween Party in Walnut Creek, which we attended along with other Heffernan families and their children.

I’m new at this working mom thing. It’s wonderful, challenging, rewarding and exhausting. Thanks to Heffernan, just knowing it’s okay if Zander joins me in the offi ce every once in a while is such a relief. It reduces my stress and allows me to focus, guilt-free, on my job. My day job, that is.

By Ann Mohler Basco

I took almost five months off for maternity leave, and like many new working moms, I had anxiety about that first day back. Would I be in tears on my way to work? Would my baby be okay all day in the hands of strangers at daycare? What had piled up on my desk while I was gone? Was I missed, or is it true that everybody’s replaceable? Not to mention, how in the world do you go about using a breast pump in the office discreetly? (Answer: You put a photo of a dairy cow on your door when pumping.)

From Dogs to Babies, and Being a Working Mom

38

Ann Mohler Basco withher son Zander Basco and their dog Abby.

Stephanie ReillyAccount Executive, Walnut Creek

Stephanie is seen here with her husband, Steve, son Jackson and daughter Lia in their 24-foot 1964 Lapworth Gladiator, a sailboat they’ve enjoyed together for four years. Berthed in Point Richmond, their regular course is over to the San Francisco waterfront, around Angel Island and through Raccoon Straits then back into Point Richmond. Stephanie has always loved sailing, and learned how at the OCSC in Berkeley. “It’s such a wonderful thing to do with family. Both of our kids are very boat savvy, and Jackson is better at handling the tiller than I am, ”she says. Stephanie is especially fond of this picture, taken by her sister-in-law Dianne, an artist, who was along for the ride that day. Dianne did an oil painting of this photograph, “which hangs over our fi replace,” says Stephanie.

Earl VanBuskirk Jr. Assistant Vice President, Walnut Creek

Earl, AKA “Choze,” is seen here in 2007 at The Mix, a youth concert he puts on for a nonprofi t benefi ting the remodel of the Pittsburg High School Creative Arts Building in Earl’s hometown of Pittsburg, California. An all ages concert, The Mix promotes a fun and positive way for youth in troubled areas to have a great time, while helping to raise money for a positive cause. “Choze” was the event’s headliner, and is seen giving away CDs, autographed posters and apparel.

Debra CostaVice President, Petaluma

Deb is seen here snorkeling in the open ocean on a family vacation in Tulum, Mexico. Proving to her son Antonio that there was nothing to be afraid of, Deb (though scared herself ), jumped in the water for a photo. “It was an incredible snorkeling experience, but I don’t think I’d ever do it again. We saw sting rays that were huge! I’d rather snorkel where there were pretty, little fi sh.“ After Mom set the example, brave Antonio, age 8, jumped in.

Lisa WrightSpecial Accounts Producer, Walnut Creek

Lisa is seen here celebrating her Bear River High School graduation by jumping out of a plane above Ogden, Utah. “I was really nervous. It was really spontaneous - I went with a random friend from high school; it was totally fun. We did back fl ips - it was totally a rush! We talked the guy into 50% off a second jump,” she said. The second jump, however was in the dark. “We could see the lights of the city!” On the second jump, Lisa pulled the chute herself, a skill she learned on the plane, a few minutes before she jumped. Lisa, ever the insurance professional, later questioned that decision, but only for a second. She says: “Game on! My next project is base jumping!”

39

ON OUR OWN TIME

Meet Adam Cox. He’s Heffernan’s new Wellness Director. We also like to think of him as our fi tness guru. Adam graduated with a degree in athletic training from Washington State University and spent the last 10 years as a professional trainer before joining Heffernan. Since joining our team last year, he’s already convinced many of us to give up the fried food, strap on the sneakers and start leading healthier lives.

40

What is it about your background that got

you hooked on fi tness? Tell the truth, were

you a chubby kid?

No I was a really small, skinny kid. I didn’t

break 100 pounds until I was 14 and was

one of the three shortest boys in junior high

school. There are many factors of why I got

hooked on fi tness. I’m from a big family, and

sports and physical activity are the only way

to keep everyone from killing each other. But

my mom is the foremost reason. She got hit

by a drunk driver when she was 19 and the

accident blew out her ankle. She has had

over a dozen surgeries. I always thought

there should have been a better way to help

her and others like her.

What’s the biggest mistake

many people make when they decide

they want to start getting in shape?

Matching expectations with reality. When

you start, keep it as simple as possible

and set yourself up for success. The more

complicated it is, the easier it is to fall off

again. Start with the simple goals fi rst to gain

momentum. I tell people to approach getting

into shape like a business. Set up a schedule

and goals. Schedule your workouts like you

would a meeting. And set goals: Daily, weekly,

and monthly. To lose 15 pounds (the magic

amount of weight loss for many women) you

have to lose one pound, then two, and down

the line before you get to 15. So 15 pounds

isn’t your fi rst goal, one pound is.

You can’t eat healthy all the time. What is

your secret junk food indulgence?

Not at all, nobody can. I recommend to people

80/20. Eighty percent of the food you eat

should be healthy. The other 20 percent of

the time you can be human and have fun.

My indulgences, and they are not secret, are

beer and potato chips and red wine and dark

chocolate. For some reason, it’s the combos

that get me.

If you could create a

worldwide ban on one food,

what would it be?

It would actually be corn additives: High

fructose corn syrup, modifi ed and unmodifi ed

starch, glucose syrup and maltodextrin,

crystalline fructose, asorbic acid, and others.

They are the building blocks of processed

foods. Processed foods have stopped being

real food a long time ago and are now just

different ways to package the manipulated

corn molecule. Those corn molecules are

creating a world with an insatiable sweet

tooth and an ever-increasing battle with

obesity.

What do you say to inspire

people when they just want to buy a

bigger pair of pants and give up?

Actually, I don’t know a single person who

wants to really do that. And that has been the

start of many of my one-on-one meetings.

“I’m getting close to the next size up, what

do I do?” The answer is easy: Nutrition and

exercise. We set up a plan together with goals,

a schedule, exercise routine and nutrition plan.

I encourage participation by offering support,

follow through, and accountability and that

gets results. It feels good to feel good. Once

you get the ball rolling, motivation takes care

of itself.

Have people started living healthier

since you joined the staff?

A good example of the change is my fi rst day

there was a box of doughnuts on my desk

with a note “Good luck, this is Heffernan!”

There were also weekly announcements

about doughnuts in the kitchens. Now we

order shipments of fruit and it disappears in

an hour! Not bad for a doughnut crowd.

I’ve met with about 150 people for one-on-

one sessions in the fi rst four months since I’ve

been here and have had 100 attend one of

my seminars. Of course there is some overlap,

but that’s good participation. From a team

standpoint, there are two basketball teams of

10 guys each and two softball teams with 35

people on them. For the Avon Breast Cancer

Walk there were more than 20 women from

the different branches. Those are the best

turnouts we’ve ever had. We are also starting

a Heff Group cycling team to participate

in charity events. But the real differences

are the little conversations I have. People

checking in before workouts. Friends sharing

their workout programs with each other

and asking me questions, or talking about

nutrition and sharing recipes. I also get a lot

of emails asking about different products,

methods or activities to try.

Who’s more likely to seek

out your advice,

men or women?

Defi nitely women. They are more open about

getting advice. The old bit about men not

asking for directions is true with exercise as

well. There is also a large number of women

who have children and want to get their

bodies back. Men never experience that

radical of a change, so there is a different

motivation, attitude and process behind it for

women.

So how do you get men to listen? Reveal that

secret and women will admire you the world

over.

For most guys motivation to exercise comes

from one (or a combination) of three things:

1) vanity, 2) humility or 3) performance. With

men most of my conversations start with “I

can’t do this like I used to,” or “that hurts too

much to do anymore.” Take JT (John Tallarida)

for example. I trained his wife for eight

months before he got on board. The whole

time he was thinking he was already in good

shape. He didn’t need help. Then he saw the

progress that Louisa was making. He only

started training because she was going to be

stronger than him, if he didn’t start. Now they

are both in great shape, another win-win.

How often do you workout?

I separate my year into cycles to keep it fun

and prevent over-training. Right now it’s ski

season, so I am working out fi ve days a week

and trying to ski as much as possible on the

weekends. But it’s not as easy as it used to be

with a one-year-old to look after!

What’s a typical workout for you?

It varies on the day and time of year, but there

are themes to it. I do dynamic warm up and

stretching/recovery at every workout. Right

now I do cardio three times a week. One day

I’ll spin, one day jump rope and go running

another day. Yoga 2-3 times a week and two

days of strength training.

What do you hope to accomplish over the

next year as Wellness Director for Heffernan?

I hope to integrate wellness into the business

philosophy and culture at Heffernan. We

all want to do well and feel well. If I can

provide an environment that encourages and

motivates people within Heffernan to thrive,

it’s a win-win.

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Walnut Creek Maria Mariamariamariarestaurants.comWalnut Creek, CA925.946.1010

Palo AltoPalo Alto has happy hour right in the offi ce.Contact John Tallarida, Branch Manager, for more info and drink specials atjt@heffgroup.com

PetalumaGraffi tigraffi tipetaluma.comPetaluma, CA707.765.4567

San Francisco Cosmopolitanthecosmopolitancafe.comSan Francisco, CA415.543.4001

Los AngelesThe Standardstandardhotels.comLos Angeles, CA 213.892.8080

OrangeJT Schmid’sjtschmids.comAnaheim, CA 714.634.9200

While the good old days of the three martini lunch have been replaced by

a lunchtime yoga session, the insurance industry is still no stranger to the

occasional adult beverage after work. We’ve compiled a list of Heffernan’s

top picks for each of our offi ces.

42

Chicago, IllinoisThe Tasting Room tlcwine.com Chicago, IL 312.942.1212

Chesterfi eld, MissouriHarpo’s Chesterfi eld harposchesterfield.comChesterfi eld, MO636.537.1970

Portland, OregonMacadam’s Bar and Grill macadamsbarand-grill.comPortland, OR503.246.MACS

West Palm Beach, FloridaBlue Martinibluemartinilounge.comWest Palm Beach, FL561.835.8601

Plantation, FloridaSmokey Bones BBQ & Grillsmokeybones.comPlantation, FL954.474.3833

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44

CONNECT! A Benefi t for 13 Nonprofi ts

It was all in the name of charity for the 1,800 guests at CONNECT!, a benefi t for 13 nonprofi ts, held at San Francisco City Hall on Friday, May 2, 2008. Heffernan celebrated its 20th anniversary as the signature sponsor for CONNECT! The event’s sponsorships, silent and live auctions, and, raffl e for a Toyota Prius generated over $130,000, shared by the nonprofi ts. Guests enjoyed fi ne food served by Paula LeDuc and danced to music provided by Dunlap and Wilson—Dueling Pianos from Las Vegas and a Bay Area favorite,

Dave Martin’s House Party. Theme rooms and a swanky casino lounge highlighted live and silent auctions ranging from great wines to vacation getaways. For that “only in San Francisco” fl avor, CONNECT! offered a “green” raffl e prize, a Toyota Prius. Heffernan Insurance Brokers teamed with Friends of Infant-Parent Program in San Francisco to organize this huge event. Sponsors at the $25,000 level included CompWest Insurance, The Hartford Financial Services Group, and OneBeacon Insurance, with over 30 additional fi rms providing additional sponsorship funds.

Committee members from Heffernan Insurance Brokers selected the nonprofi ts to be supported by the event, including: Bay Area Youth Centers, Christian Church Homes, Collective Impact (Opportunity Impact and Cultivating Impact), Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose—Vision of Hope, EMQ Children and Family Services, Goodwill of Silicon Valley, Jewish Family and Children Services, Lincoln Child Center, Presbyterian Churches of California, St. Anthony Foundation, St. Mary’s College of California, and Teen Challenge of Southern California.

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Answer the phone and have fun.

www.heffgroup.com

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