Our History & Culture
The History of Hefren-Tillotson
1940s – 1950s: The Foundation of a Family Legacy
- 1948: Arthur Hefren establishes the firm in Pittsburgh, originally named Arthur R. Hefren & Company.
1958: The family legacy begins as Willard J. Tillotson, Jr. (Arthur’s son-in-law) joins the business. He soon purchases the firm and rebrands it as Hefren-Tillotson, Inc.
1960s – 1970s: Innovation & The "Voice" of the Firm
- 1964: The firm grows to 19 employees with offices in Pittsburgh and Meadville. The first annual employee picnic is held—fittingly—in Mr. Tillotson’s garage on a rainy afternoon.
- 1969: Willard J. Tillotson pioneers MASTERPLAN®. This comprehensive financial review becomes the firm’s "North Star" and a benchmark for the entire industry.
- 1977: James Meredith joins as CFO and Compliance Officer. He eventually becomes the “Voice of Hefren-Tillotson” on local radio, beginning a long tradition of community education.
1980s: Growth & Public Education
1928: Craig Tillotson joins his father, and the firm moves its headquarters to 7th Avenue in Downtown Pittsburgh.
1986: The firm launches "Moneyline" on KQV radio, which later evolves into the popular weekly educational program "Your Money and You" on KDKA.
1987: Kim Tillotson Fleming joins her father and brother, further solidifying the family-led mission.
1990s: Expansion & Digital Transformation
1993: Craig joins the team, adding fresh energy to the firm’s mission.
1995 – 1999: Rapid regional growth leads to new offices in Beaver, Bethel Park, and Wexford.
1996: Kim Fleming is named President. The firm "goes online" for the first time with the launch of Hefren.com.
1998: To formalize their commitment to fiduciary care, the firm establishes HT Asset Management and celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
2000s: Excellence & Values
2001: The firm is recognized as the #1 Best Place to Work in Pennsylvania and the Family Business of the Year. A refreshed Mission is drafted: "To become and remain our client’s most trusted advisor."
2003: With 123 employees, Kim Fleming is named one of Pennsylvania’s “50 Best Women in Business.”
2006: Craig begins his tenure as co-host of the firm’s signature radio program, a role he would hold for the next 11 years (through 2017). Downtown operations also expand into the Centre City Tower.
2007: Dan joins the firm, strengthening the advisory team.
2010s: Community & Stewardship
2010: The firm mourns the passing of Willard J. Tillotson at age 82, who remained an active and beloved member of the firm until his final days.
2012: Regional footprints expand into Greensburg and Southpointe.
Community Impact: The firm is inducted into the United Way Hall of Fame after raising over $1.8 million and winning the Outstanding Campaign Award eight years running.
2016: A new 40,000-square-foot flagship office opens in Wexford, housing nearly 100 employees.
2019: Sean joins the team, continuing the firm's growth trajectory.
2020s: The Next Chapter
2021: Hefren-Tillotson stands as one of Pittsburgh’s largest full-service wealth management firms, with 6 offices and over 250 employees.
2022: After 75 years of independent success, the firm announces a merger with its long-time industry peer, Baird. In October, Hefren-Tillotson clients officially join Baird Private Wealth Management.
2026: Ben joins Baird, marking the newest chapter of professional excellence and collaborative partnership for the team.
The History of Baird
Baird’s founder, Robert Wilson Baird, established a culture defined by “integrity in everything we do,” guiding the firm through its first 40 years with a relentless focus on character. This philosophy perfectly mirrors the values that defined Hefren-Tillotson for decades in Western Pennsylvania: "To become and remain our clients' most trusted advisor" and "Integrity in thought and action."
Because of these shared cultural roots—a client-first mentality and a deep-seated commitment to community—our merger was more than a business decision; it was a natural alignment of two like-minded legacies.
A Caring Community Partner
Baird associates (much like our legacy Hefren-Tillotson associates) have a long tradition of giving back to the communities where we live and work - generously giving time, talents, and personal resources to our local organizations. Our ongoing commitment to giving back and building relationships in the community is central to our culture. Giving back can ignite significant and positive change!
We seek to become and remain our client’s most trusted advisor. 