For Immediate Release
WARWICK, NY - On Friday, October 8th from 4-7 pm, Seely & Durland Insurance, 13 Oakland Ave., Warwick, NY, will commemorate their 75th Anniversary with an “Under the Tent Celebration” expressing their gratitude for 75 years of service to their clients and the community. The catered event will feature live music and a special presentation at 5:30 pm.
Keeping with their philosophy of “from our family to yours” through three generations, Seely & Durland Insurance has provided protection to the community since 1934. Founding principal, Harry S. Seely, was born in Goshen, NY. He began his career with the Travelers Insurance Company in Manhattan in 1912. After a successful career with Travelers, he returned to Orange County in 1934, establishing residency with his wife and children in Warwick, NY. With a typewriter, desk and file cabinet, he opened his insurance agency at 13 Grand Street and built his business on personal (auto & fire) and commercial insurance (primarily farms in Pine Island and Florida). Seely, along with other business owners, founded the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce in 1939 and became its first president serving until 1948.
Seely’s son-in-law, Kenneth L. Durland, joined the firm in 1958 and became a partner in 1962 when the firm incorporated as Seely & Durland, Inc. Seely died in 1966 after an auto accident, at which point Ken Durland took over, carrying on Mr. Seely’s vision and legacy of providing protection and servant leadership to the community of Warwick, for which that legacy continues to this day three-quarters of a century later. Under Ken Durland’s leadership, the business prospered and, in 1980 his son, Garrett Durland, joined the firm. Garrett’s initial responsibilities were to computerize workflows and procedures in an effort to continually support responsiveness to the customer – this initiative was virtually unheard of at that time. He also took over handling of claims, the very essence of why an independent insurance agency thrives in our communities. In 1980 the firm moved to its current location on 13 Oakland Ave occupying a Village of Warwick historic Victorian.
In 1990, Stuart Durland, Ken’s oldest son, left the Travelers Insurance Company to join the firm, focusing on marketing, operations and technology, allowing Garrett to concentrate on sales. From 1990 to 1997 the firm more than doubled its revenues. In January 1997, after 39 years, Ken retired and sold the business to his sons.
Page 2 Seely &Durland Celebrate 75th
In 2004 Stuart, Garrett and Ken undertook a gut renovation of their Village Victorian headquarters, at 13 Oakland Avenue, renovating the entire first and second floors. Included in the renovation was an exterior facelift bringing the building back to its original grandeur. In 2005 the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce awarded Seely & Durland Insurance with the Building Renovation of the Year award.
Keeping with their grandfathers’ original vision and legacy, Garrett and Stuart, along with their staff, continue to be an active part of the community. Garrett, a Certified Insurance Counselor designee, has been actively involved in the Chamber of Commerce, serving as president twice, the second go around this year, is a board member of the Warwick Soccer Club, served as the president of the Independent Agents & Brokers Association of Orange County and subsequently awarded the Outstanding Local Board President at the state’s annual meeting, and has been involved in youth sports for many years. Garrett resides in Warwick with his wife, Rachel, and two sons, Benjamin and Lucas.
Stuart has held many national level automation and technology leadership positions, being recognized for his contributions to the industry. His is a past treasurer of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Orange County organization, and a member of the Warwick Lions Club. Stuart resides in Warwick with his wife, Cal, and three sons, Brian, Eric, and Justin.
Of course, their father Ken, carried the torch prior to his boys, having served as a member of the school board, two terms as president of the Warwick Valley Chamber, 10 years as president of Albert Wisner Library, and prior member of the Warwick Rotary and Lions. With five boys between Garrett and Stuart and a niece from their sister, Beth, is there a 4th generation on the horizon?
As longtime supporters of community fundraising efforts, Seely & Durland’s Anniversary initiative is to recognize and raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Garrett and Stuart announce that for every person that becomes a Face book Fan of their firm, $3 will be donated to Jodi’s Drive through the Warwick Lions Club. Jodi Denmead, was a resident of Warwick, and dedicated PTA leader, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2009. Jodi’s Drive was established in her “memory”. To become a fan log on to www.facebook.com/seelydurlandinsurance and click “LIKE’.
Ken, Garrett and Stuart invite their clients, community, and friends to the “Under the Tent Celebration” on Friday October 8, anytime between 4-7 pm. RSVP required at 986-1177 or by emailing kscarcella@seely-durland.com.
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Contacts: Garrett Durland / Stuart Durland – Seely & Durland Insurance – 845-986-1177
