History

Fulfilling the Promise Since 1946

The company now known as Alvarado Pacific Insurance Services was founded in 1946 in San Diego by Gene and Betty Engel. Starting off as a “mom and pop” operation, the agency became established as a small business and personal insurance provider. Upon the retirement of Gene and Betty in 1977, John Buchanan and Jim Graham became the agency principals. Under John Buchanan’s direction and foresight, the agency evolved and grew over the years with the gradual addition of new partners and agency acquisitions, including Durham Insurance Agency, Coiner, Fellows & Charlesbois Insurance and Patz & Nepote Insurance.

In 1976, two important additions who would have great impact on the company’s future came on board: Gayle L. Bailey and Rachelle N. Bernard. Both women became minority owners in 1987. They were granted increasing authority over the firm’s operations upon the retirement of Jim Graham in 1991 and ultimately purchased the agency outright in 1999 from John Buchanan.

The company has retained the same focus on property and casualty insurance built upon from the very beginning and today specializes in such hard to place risks as manufactured home communities, contractors, apartments, small businesses as well as all facets of personal insurance.

In addition, in recent years the firm has expanded its role from a strictly commercial and personal lines agency by expanding their focus to include life, health, employee benefits and long-term care coverages. Alvarado Pacific Insurance Services is moving into the future with the goal of offering its clients a “one-stop” insurance purchasing experience.