About Us
Our People
David J. Burns, President - Commercial Agent
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Dave has been with The Burns Agency since 1977, when he joined his father in the family business of Real Estate, Tax Preparation, and Insurance. When he became an owner in 1984, the focus of the office changed to insurance. As a commercial lines agent, Dave handles the insurance needs of our business, municipal, and non-profit customers. Dave lives in the Village of Clinton with his wife, Lisa, and son, David. |
Wendy P. Lawlor, CISR, CIC - Commercial Agent
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An employee since January 1988, Wendy is currently an agent for commercial lines of insurance, and is the office manager. She earned her Certified Insurance Service Representative designation and then attained the Certified Insurance Counselor designation in 2004. Wendy resides in Clinton with her husband, Mark, and children, Erin, Colleen, and Jerry. |
Julie A. Freemire, CISR - Personal Agent
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As a personal lines agent, Julie has been serving the insurance needs of individuals and families since she was hired in December 1994. She has also earned the Certified Insurance Service Representative designation and is working on her CIC. Julie, her husband, Jim, and sons, Zachary, Curtis, and Benjamin live in Chadwicks. |
Mary J. Wilson, CISR - Personal Agent
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Since January 1997, Mary has been with The Burns Agency as an agent for personal lines of insurance. She earned the Certified Insurance Service Representative designation in 2002. Mary and her daughter, Jasmine, reside in Oriskany. |
Lisa B. Farmer - Bookkeepermailto: lfarmer@burnsagency.com / Phone Ext. 225 |
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Lisa rejoined The Burns Agency in June 2011. She has over 20 years of experience in accounting and customer service. Lisa lives in New Hartford with her husband, Paul, and sons, Noah and Joshua. |
Our Agency
From 1919 to Today
The Burns Agency was founded in 1919 by O. Gregory Burns, a prominent Clinton attorney, it began as an ancillary business providing car and fire insurance to Mr. Burns' legal clients. The agency grew as O. Gregory's son Nicholas K. Burns, Sr. joined in the early 1950's. Nick Sr. capitalized on the good Burns name in Clinton (established by his father; and grandfather, O.J. Burns, who operated a successful grocery in town) by successfully becoming "The" real estate agent in Clinton. Nick Sr. provided car and homeowners insurance to his real estate clients and was a one man welcome wagon to people who settled in the community he loved. During his 30 years in the insurance business, Nick Sr. gained a reputation for excellence and professionalism.
Nicholas K. Burns, Jr. and David J. Burns both joined the business in 1977 as customer service representatives in personal lines. As time went on Nick Jr., who has since left the agency to pursue a career in publishing, copywriting and marketing, and Dave began to build the commercial lines division. The brothers purchased the business in 1984 from their father's estate and worked to make sure that the primary focus of the business would be providing insurance services. The "small town" character of the agency with a focus on insurance sales and service is still the rule. Marketing strategies have expanded the agency's territory but do not compromise its honest, caring, customer first, small town roots.
Today, Dave Burns heads an agency which is continuously striving to improve itself. With the vision and determination of its staff, The Burns Agency will work diligently to achieve its goals. Staff members are: Wendy P. Lawlor, Manager / Commercial Lines Customer Service Agent; Julie A. Freemire, Personal Lines Customer Service Agent; Mary J. Wilson, Personal Lines Customer Service Agent; and Lisa Farmer, Bookkeeper. The Burns Agency’s staff members will continue the agency's long tradition of personal customer service as we move into the future.
Our Affiliations
Proud to be a member of:
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Our Community
We are located in the historic village of Clinton, just west of the city of Utica, New York. Our office is situated on the village green amid many small shops, offices, and restaurants.
Clinton
Clinton Chamber of Commerce
Oneida County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Village of Clinton
Town of Kirkland
Oneida County
Clinton Central School
Hamilton College
Kirkland Town Library
Kirkland Art Center
Clinton Historical Society
Clinton Fire Department
Clark Mills Fire Department
Clinton Hockey
Clinton Figure Skating Club
AYSO (Local Soccer - Includes Clinton Schedules)
School Sports Schedules
Boy Scout Council
Clark Mills Cub Scouts / Boy Scouts
Clinton Cub Scouts
Clinton Boy Scouts
Girl Scout Council
Testimonials
Here's what our clients have to say about us. We LOVE our clients and THANK them for their comments!!
Frank & Faye Cittadino: “Burns Agency has a reputation for being a small town icon. We would recommend this agency to all our friends and family. We worked with Dave, Julie, Wendy and Mary who were all a huge help. Their customer service is beyond what anyone can imagine. They are timely and punctual!”
Charles and Cynthia Kershner, Courier Enterprises, Inc.: “We heard about The Burns Agency when we purchased our business, a local newspaper, 19 years ago. We have both Commercial and Personal policies with this outstanding agency. If we had to rate their service, it would be a perfect 10! And you know, when you find good service, you just stick with it!”
Chris and Barbara Blatz, Clinton Agway: “In 1976 I moved to Clinton NY, and started Car Insurance with The Burns Agency. I don’t bother comparing companies, The Burns Agency is the best for me and that’s what matters.”
MaryLisa Nolan: “My father was with The Burns agency for years. It’s tradition, my husband and I have also been with The Burns Agency for years. This is generations of families dealing with David Burns’ father. It’s like family, there is no comparison!”
Ralph B. regarding a homeowners policy claim: “This proves that, when dealing with a small, local insurance company, adjustments and necessary actions are handled in a very prompt manner. My wife and I were also impressed with Julie’s follow-up which resulted in a satisfactory conclusion.”
Susan B. regarding an auto claim: “Mary was so helpful to me. I appreciate her patience with me and her help in explaining things to me. Karen Murphy at Mercury was also very helpful in guiding me through the necessary steps.”
Alan P. regarding an auto claim: “I feel that Julie did a great job in dealing with the problems that came up with the insurance company. This is one reason that I like staying with The Burns Agency.”
Doug S. after an antique auto claim: “Whenever I talk with my agency they’re very courteous. That’s the great thing about a small town business, everyone knows each other!”
Susan K. regarding a homeowners claim: “I have had nothing but positive experiences with Travelers and with The Burns Agency staff.”
Joe & Mary after a theft claim: “Julie is exceptional to work with.”
Wayne & Margaret after hail damage: “I no sooner called and you were right on the case. I had my check within a week!”
William & Esther regarding an auto claim: “Anytime I called or came in with questions people were very professional and helpful. The claims process was made much easier with your guidance and expertise.”
Jaclyn T. regarding an auto claim: “I called Safeco on a Friday evening and they filed my claim, set me up with a rental car, and were very helpful! The Burns Agency also followed up the following week with paperwork. Overall, very pleased.
Mary M. after an accident: “Everything went very smoothly. The service made the process of recovering from the accident a lot easier.”
Douglas G. regarding an auto claim: “Everyone I talked with was very courteous and my claim was handled promptly.”
Hazel H. regarding a property loss: “Thank you for all your help.”
Stephen K. after a homeowners claim: “Claims and other dealings with The Burns Agency have always been satisfactory. Mary has always been courteous, prompt, and acting in our best interest.”
David T. after an auto claim: “I am very happy doing business with The Burns Agency.”
Patricia P. regarding an auto claim: “A good experience out of a bad situation anytime you have an accident. Julie was great as always!”
Doris W. regarding a homeowners claim: “I was very satisfied with the way my claim was handled. They were very timely.”
William C. regarding an auto claim: “Everyone we spoke with was very eager to help. They were also very polite.”
Alan S. regarding a homeowners claim: “We appreciated the followup call from The Burns Agency to make sure our needs were being met.”
Gaylord T. after a fire loss: “The Burns Agency is always competent and courteous. The claims adjuster found damage that neither the contractor nor I had previously seen.”
Wayne S. after an auto claim: “It was a pleasure to do business with The Burns Agency and New York Central Mutual. Mary followed up later to see if the work was done to my satisfaction, which it was.”
James R. regarding an auto claim: “The help at The Burns Agency made a very emotional day turn around somewhat. Thanks.”
James C. after an auto loss: “The claim was handled smoothly and fast. Thank you for the quick response.”
Edwin P. after an auto claim: “Your services were outstanding.”
David D. after a claim: “Julie is the best! She deals with all of our issues and calls in a prompt and courteous manner.”
Diana M. regarding an auto claim: “I am happy with your service, especially Julie's. She is always helpful and knowledgeable.”
Molly M. after an auto claim: "Julie is awesome & so helpful. Once the car was looked at by NYCM I received my claim check the same day / next day I received the figures."
Lidia K. after a property claim: "We are always treated courteously & competently at The Burns Agency."
Pat P. regarding an auto claim: "Julie is great and I would like you to know that I would definitely recommend The Burns Agency to anyone in need of an insurance agency."
Carol K. after an auto claim: "I am always comfortable calling or stopping by your office with questions or in need of your assistance. The owner of the other vehicle was impressed as well with how comfortable & prompt Travelers was to deal with in what could have been a stressful situation. Thank you."
Paul S. regarding a home claim: "I feel there is no other way you can improve your agency, you people did 100% at the job. Thank you very much."
Roger P. after a home claim: "Service was very good! The people at The Burns Agency were very courteous and prompt. The adjuster from The Hartford was very professional and prompt."
Donna K. after a homeowners claim: "Mary was wonderful."
Ken & Pamela after a homeowners claim: "It took ten days to get an adjuster to my house. However it is understandable considering how much damage there was from two major storms in the northeast. Thanks for all your help!"
William W. after a homeowners claim: "I was very pleased with how everything was handled. Things were settled in a very professional and timely manner."
Cheryl P. regarding a homeowners claim: "I am very happy with the help to me during this time. Your office staff I feel went beyond to help me receive some form of compensation for water damage caused by Tropical Storm Lee. With much gratitude, thank you."
L.P. & K. S. regarding an auto claim: “Mary Wilson is my rep and has always provided superb service. This was a fairly straightforward claim but nonetheless was processed as expeditiously and professionally as I could have expected. Thank you!”
Bob B. regarding a glass loss: "The company claims adjuster seemed to have dropped the ball, but with one call Julie took care of the situation. Like always, everyone at The Burns Agency is very professional. I like very much all the personnel at The Burns Agency. Thank you Julie & Mary."
Rodney & Charlene after a homeowners claim: "Mary was a big help... (she) did several follow-up calls to keep me informed. (The company's) claim representative was very professional and answered all my questions. Very fast claim adjustment."
Donald & Shirley after an auto claim: "I was treated well by all involved."
Kathleen B. after a glass loss: "I think you are very understanding. The Burns Agency is very helpful."
Brian O. regarding a comprehensive claim: "Thank you to everyone at The Burns Agency."
Lisa F. after an auto claim: "Thank you for everything!!"
Mike & Nancy regarding an auto claim: "Mary Wilson went out of her way to get me a copy of my insurance card. Mary was great! Utica National people were also very good. Couldn't have asked for more. Dave, I wish I'd transferred my insurance business years ago. Mary was the best! Please double her pay."
James M. after a collision claim: "The Burns Agency was a great deal of help. Thank you."
Tom D. after a towing claim: "Very easy, pleased with service."
Rosemarie B. regarding an auto claim: "I was treated wonderfully and contacted by Vicki (at the insurance company) who was very nice."
William & Esther after an auto claim: "Very good service all around."
Pam V. just because: "Dear 'Burns Agency' You're the best! Happy Valentine's Day! Love, Aunt Pam" Thank you, for the goodies!
Carl & Lidia after an auto loss: "I began the claim dealing directly with the insurance company and was having difficulty connecting with a person. When I reported the claim to The Burns Agency I felt the process went smoothly and the service was competent, courteous and prompt."
Frank & Rita regarding a collision claim: "You were very prompt! The service so far has been very good. We are bringing the car to be fixed soon. Hopefully everything will continue to go well."
Howard Q after a fire loss: "Keep doing what you are doing. Thank you."
Comments date back as far as February 2011.
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