Smith Bros.-McAndrews Insurance Agency Celebrates 130 Years of Serving Northern Berkshire County
ADAMS, Mass. — Smith Bros.-McAndrews Insurance Agency, a cornerstone of the Adams community, is celebrating 130 years in business. The agency has continuously operated on Park Street in Adams since its founding in 1896.
A Legacy Rooted in Local Service
“Smith Bros.-McAndrews Insurance Agency has been operating here on Park Street in Adams, Massachusetts, literally, since 1896,” said owner and President David Bissaillon. “In fact, our current office at 69 Park St. Is our fourth location, not only on Park Street, but on this side of Park Street. So we’ve literally been up and down the block for the last 130 years.”
The agency provides a wide range of insurance options to individuals, families, and businesses, helping customers find the coverage that best suits their needs by comparing rates and coverage options. Smith Bros.-McAndrews represents multiple insurance companies, allowing for customized policies.
From Brothers to a Merger and Beyond
The business began as Smith Brothers in 1896, founded by Fred and Peter Smith, who both served as postmasters for the town, despite differing political affiliations. In 1937, James McAndrews established his own insurance agency. The two agencies merged in 1962, forming Smith Bros.-McAndrews Insurance Agency.
Bernie Pinsonnault joined the agency in 1990 and became the owner in 2007. David Bissaillon, a certified insurance counselor with 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, purchased the agency from Pinsonnault in January 2019, upon his retirement. Smith Brothers-McAndrews Insurance Agency, Inc. partners with MAPFRE, a leading auto and home insurer in Massachusetts.
Adapting to a Changing Landscape
Bissaillon previously worked for Coakley Pierpan Dolan &. Collins Insurance and served as head of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. He noted the significant technological advancements in the insurance industry during his tenure. Long-time employee Pat Dean, with over 50 years of service, has witnessed this evolution firsthand.
“Pat will tell you that when they used to get a quote on your auto insurance or your home insurance, they literally had to proceed into a book and operate out the rate manually,” Bissaillon explained. “And everything was done so much differently back then, but it was still with the intent of providing people with the protection that they needed.”
While acknowledging the growing role of artificial intelligence in insurance, Bissaillon believes the human element remains crucial. “Although what’s nice about insurance is that when it matters, like if you have a claim or if you have a billing problem or question, we’re still here as human beings in real in real time, where people come in to see us, or they want to talk to us,” he said. “That’s something that I don’t recognize that AI will ever be able to replace.”
A Commitment to Community
Smith Bros.-McAndrews Insurance Agency is deeply involved in the local community, supporting organizations such as Little League, Lions Clubs, and the Adams Theater. Bissaillon likewise sits on the Plunkett Memorial Hospital Trust Committee, and his son, Tyler, is involved with the Northern Berkshire United Way.
“I’ve always been involved in many community events and organizations,” Bissaillon said. “There’s a great spirit in this office about wanting to aid.”
Looking Ahead
Bissaillon emphasized that the agency’s focus remains on providing value to its customers and maintaining its role as a trusted local resource. “Bigger is not always better. Like better is better,” he stated. “Just as long as we continue to be a value to our customers…that, to me, is remarkably satisfying.”
He expressed his commitment to ensuring clients are well-protected and thanked the community for its continued support. “On behalf of all of us here at Smith Bros.-McAndrews, as we get into our 130th year, we’re thankful for every single one of the customers and clients that we’ve had through all of these years.”