Who We Are
The Agency was founded in 1960 by Robert B. Pierson and Ralph D. Scott.
L. Raymond Pierson, II joined them in 1965. Since that time, the size of our professional staff increased steadily and became known in Southwestern Pennsylvania for our high commitment to providing quality products and services for more than 3,000 individuals and families and 500+ businesses. In 2005, the Agency brought in the staff and policyholders of Polachek Company, a third-generation agency, that carried the same background and service philosophies of “Insuring Excellence” since 1932.
Today, the Agency is committed to the highest standards of excellence. We assure each of those who entrust the protection of their assets to us, that they will receive the finest in insurance counseling and service. We still rely upon our Agency forefathers for their background, values, and advice while the current officers and staff continually seek new products and training to best serve your growing needs. Your accounts are currently written and watched over by:
L. Raymond Pierson, II "Ray"
Currently serving as President of Pierson and Scott, Inc., I began my career in the insurance industry in 1961. Upon graduation from Westminster College, I began training as an insurance company marketing representative where I received in-depth training in coverage and risk analysis from home office training schools. I joined my brother, Bob, and Ralph Scott in the early years of Pierson and Scott in 1965. I maintain licensing in Property/Casualty as well as Life/Accident & Health. While most of my time is spent in counseling business insurance clients and prospects, I continue to believe in the personal approach to the sale of homeowners, automobile and life insurance. Proper evaluation of a client’s insurance needs (whether that takes place across a desk or a kitchen table) continues to be the first step in providing proper coverage for both business and personal lines clients.
Bruce D. Thomas, CIC
I was born and raised in New Jersey until I discovered Pittsburgh in 1975 when I attended Westminster College. I graduated in 1979 and my wife, Debbie, and I were married in 1980. We briefly lived in New Jersey until 1982 when I had the opportunity to join Pierson and Scott at the staff level. Over the years, I have worked in every aspect of the agency and became a partner in 2000 with my management role being Director of the Commercial Lines Department. I have had the good fortune to learn the business from Bob Pierson, whom I still use as a valuable resource today. I am a firm believer that I must continue to learn and study if I am going to offer the best service to my customers and their needs. I have studied and passed the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation which has been a tremendous help in studying the various insurance coverages for my clients’ needs. Away from work, I maintain a busy schedule with my two children and their activities. We attend Beverly Heights Church and I sit on many non-profit boards.
Matthew D. Scott, CIC
I am very proud to be following in my father, Ralph’s, footsteps. I have been around the insurance industry since I was born and love being able to help protect people and their assets. I was born in Pittsburgh and have lived most of my life in Bethel Park where I currently reside. My wife, Chris, and I have three young children and we are very involved with our school, John McMillan Presbyterian Church, the South Hills YMCA, and various community sports programs. I began my insurance career with Aetna and was trained as a personal lines underwriter. After a couple of years with Aetna, I joined Pierson and Scott as an agent in 1990 and I am now one of the active partners. My management role in the agency is Director of the Personal Lines Department. I look forward to being able to serve you and your business or family’s insurance needs.
Rebecca Polachek Wanovich, CLU, ChFC
While finishing my BA degree at Westminster College in 1987, I underwent an internship with my father, Bill Polachek Jr., and have been in the business ever since. I maintain licenses in Life/Accident/Health, Property/Casualty and Series 7/63 Securities. I have also earned two professional designations from The American College: Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant. Following the death of my father, I merged our third-generation agency (Polachek Co) with Pierson & Scott in January 2005. One of my specialties is insuring rental and rehab properties. In addition to sales and the servicing of my accounts, my management role in the agency is Director of Marketing. I have been married to Steve since 1995. We have one son, Will. I spend my spare time gardening, skiing, fly fishing, and doing various types of crafts and cooking. I am a member of Southminster Presbyterian Church, the W. PA Real Estate Investors Assn., the South Hills chapter of Women’s Business Network, Family Tyes fly fishing club, and a book club. We live in Mt. Lebanon.
Stephen M. Wanovich
Currently serving as the Financial Manager at Pierson and Scott, Inc., I began my career as an Information Technology Professional after graduating from Duquesne University with a B.S. in Management Information Systems. After working at the Pittsburgh High Technology Council for two years, I took a position with Grubb & Ellis Company. I spent sixteen years at Grubb and Ellis rising to the position of regional IT supervisor for all Grubb & Ellis offices on the East Coast. This position was responsible for overseeing all computer personnel and activities in these locations. My initial entry into the insurance business began in 2002 when I was the part-time Financial Manager for Polachek Company. During that time, I migrated the accounting to an online system and revolutionized many of their accounting procedures. My work there and involvement in the agency sparked my interest in a career in insurance. Eventually I studied and passed my insurance producers exam. In the winter of 2010, I decided it was time for a career change. I began working at Pierson and Scott in 2010 to help in a computer transition and start my career in insurance sales. Because of my technology background, I will be specializing in insurance for technology companies and businesses. I have been married to Rebecca since 1995 and have one son, Will. We fly fish with Family Tyes; I am on the board of Three Rivers Adaptive Sports, and am a disabled snow ski instructor.
Scott J. Krieger
As the newest team member at Pierson & Scott, I am currently serving as an insurance producer. After graduating from The Pennsylvania State University in 1987 with a B.S. degree in Business Logistics, I initially began my career in the leasing and trucking industry, specializing in operations/dispatch, and achieved a management position. In 1997, I transitioned into the insurance industry. I began as a marketing representative with Federated Insurance and more recently with Single Source Benefits. I am licensed to provide Property/Casualty and Life/Health insurance, with extensive knowledge in medical insurance. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, I have been married to my wife, Judy, since 1989, have two sons, Ryan and Kevin, and reside in Bethel Park for the last 23 years. We are members of John McMillan Presbyterian Church and in my free time I enjoy landscaping, coaching our son’s sports teams, and golfing. I look forward to serving your business and personal needs in the near future