In 1919, T.E. McCullough opened his insurance business in the building that now houses Babbitt’s Backcountry Outfitters on the corner of Aspen Avenue and San Francisco Street. Fast-forward a century, McCullough Insurance, also known now as NFP Flagstaff, continues to serve the community. In honor of its 100th anniversary, the family business is hosting the McCullough Centennial Open House Celebration, from 3-6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, at the office, located at 420 N. Humphreys.
“The business was founded on my grandfather’s honesty, integrity and stellar reputation,” said Tim McCullough. “He was a man of his word, and the family and employees have continued to operate on the same values that defined T. E.”
T.E. came to Flagstaff from Davenport, Iowa, in the early 1900s to work for the Forest Service. His job was to survey Oak Creek Canyon, which was a two-day trip from Flagstaff on horseback.
As a young man, T.E. married Margaret Babbitt, George Babbitt’s daughter. George was one of the original Babbitt brothers who came to Flagstaff from Cincinnati, Ohio, to start a cattle ranch, now known as Babbitt Ranches.
The couple’s son, George, joined the insurance company in 1950, after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II and graduating from Notre Dame. Today, George’s sons, Mark and Tim McCullough, along with Randy Evans, are leading the company and continuing the three-generation tradition.
“It makes you feel very warm and good to know that we have been providing insurance needs to families for decades, some for more than 40 years,” said Tim, who joined the business in 1985, after serving two years in the Peace Corps in the Micronesian Islands. “We like to say we take business personally and treat clients like friends, which they truly are.”
McCullough Insurance/NFP Flagstaff is second only to Babbitt Ranches as the longest running continuously operating family business in town. The company invites the public to stop in during the McCullough Centennial Open House Celebration at the end of the month.
“We are extremely grateful to be able to do business in this wonderful community,” said Mark, who spent two years in the insurance industry in New York and California before settling back in Flagstaff in 1978 and going to work with his dad. “We also want to thank all past and present employees for their dedication to McCullough Insurance in helping us reach the century mark. We look forward to the next 100 years in operation!” FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
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