Our History and Culture
1948
Hefren-Tillotson was founded in 1948 by Arthur Hefren and was originally named Arthur R. Hefren & Company.
1950s
In 1958, Willard J. Tillotson, Jr. (son-in-law of Arthur) joins the business. A few years later Willard purchases the firm from Arthur, rebranding it Hefren-Tillotson, Inc.
1960s
In 1964, Hefren-Tillotson had 19 employees and two branch offices - in Pittsburgh and Meadville.
The first annual “Hefren-Tillotson Employee Picnic” was hosted in Mr. Tillotson’s garage, on a rainy Saturday.
In 1969, Willard J. Tillotson pioneers MASTERPLAN®, a comprehensive written review of our client’s full financial picture, forever changing the company and the industry.
Too often, taxes are thought of once or twice a year, but a truly effective tax plan is year-round and on a multi-year basis.
1970s
In 1977, James Meredith joins the firm, serving as CFO, Compliance Officer, and part-time Financial Planner, later becoming the “Voice of Hefren-Tillotson” on local Pittsburgh radio.
1980s
In 1982, Craig Tillotson, son of Willard J. Tillotson, joins the firm, continuing the family legacy. Also that year, Hefren-Tillotson moves into their new Headquarters, Downtown on 7th Avenue.
In 1986, Hefren-Tillotson begins hosting “Moneyline” on KQV radio, a financial news show, later moving to KDKA radio to become a popular two-hour weekly education program – called “Your Money and You”
In 1987, Kim Tillotson Fleming, joins her father and brother at the firm.
1990s
In 1995, the next branch, in Beaver, PA, is opened. Followed shortly thereafter by our next location opening in Bethel Park, PA in 1997.
In 1996, Kim is named President of Hefren-Tillotson. Later in the year Hefren-Tillotson “goes online” for the first time to reach new clients– creating Hefren.com
In 1998, Hefren-Tillotson established HT Asset Management, formalizing their commitment to offering advisory services to our clients. Later in the year, HT celebrates 50 busy and successful years in business.
In late-1999, Hefren-Tillotson opens their first location in the Wexford area.
2000s
In 2001, Hefren-Tillotson is recognized as the #1 Best Place To Work in Pennsylvania (mid-size company category) by Pittsburgh Business Times, as well as Family Business of the Year by University of Pittsburgh’s Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence.
Also in 2001, a refreshed Mission, Vision and Values is created, crafting the firm’s path forward – with the Mission "to become and remain our client’s most trusted advisor.”
In 2003, Hefren-Tillotson, reaches 123 employees, as Kim Fleming is named Pennsylvania’s “50 Best Women in Business” by Governor, Ed Rendell.
In 2006, Hefren-Tillotson expands their operations in Downtown Pittsburgh – expanding into the Centre City Tower.
2010s
In 2010, our beloved Willard J. Tillotson, passes away at age 82 – still an active member of the firm.
In 2012, Hefren-Tillotson expands to the east, opening a new office in Greensburg, PA, followed by an office expansion in the south – moving into a new office in Southpointe, PA.
Hefren-Tillotson is inducted into the United Way Hall of Fame, after raising donations of over $1.8 Million during the prior five years and receiving the United Way’s Outstanding Campaign Awards eight years in a row.
In 2016, Hefren-Tillotson opens their newly constructed 40,000 square-foot Wexford Office, where nearly 100 employees currently work.
2020
As of 2021, Hefren-Tillotson operated as one of the oldest and largest full-service wealth management firms headquartered in Pittsburgh with six offices, over 90 Financial Advisors and over 250 employees.
2022
In early-2022, after nearly a 75-year history, Hefren-Tillotson excitedly announced that we will be merging with our long-time friend in the industry - Baird.
Later in the year, in October 2022, Hefren-Tillotson clients officially become clients of Baird Private Wealth Management.