MANAYUNK

Originally Published in Manayunk.com Magazine

By Shannon Geddes & Leo Dillinger

Manayunk is known for its small businesses. Besides our owner-operated retail stores and restaurants, Manayunk is also home to many small service businesses who are doing big things.  This series will introduce you to the many service business professionals who call Manayyunk home. We'll learn about their stories, their experience in the field and why they love servicing Manayunk residents and other local businesses. For this issue, we spoke with realtor Jennifer ColahanMcIlhennyfrom Re/Max Eastern, Inc. and insurance agent Brian McCollum of McCollum Insurance Agency.

Realtor 

Jennifer Colahan McIlhenny

Re/Max Eastern, Inc.

jencolahan.remaxagent.com

Jennifer Colahan McIlhenny has worked as a realtor in Manayunk for the past 12 years after her family, friends, and clients brought her here. After learning all that Manayunk had to offer, she decided to move here herself 11 years ago and has been in love with the community she calls home ever since. "That was 11 years ago and I still love this local community just as much as I did the first day I moved here," Jen said.

A native of Philadelphia, Jen found an interest in real estate from her father, Jim Colahan, who was a realtor for as long as she can remember. After graduating from Bloomsburg University with a business degree, she decided to get involved with the family business at Re/Max Eastern, Inc. because it seemed like the perfect fit for her. Jen now has her certifications in CRS and GRI and has hit many real estate milestones including being in the Re/Max Hall of Fame, Re/Max 100% Club and Re/Max Million Dollar Club.

As a realtor, Jen has worked with people of all trades, including mortgage lenders, bankers, insurance agencies, construction companies, interior designers, landscapers, home staging companies and more. She offers her home buying services to young professionals, families, empty nesters and young families who are just starting out.

"While I work with clients all over the region, I find that Manayunk attracts all different types of people varying in age, profession and lifestyle," Jen said. "One thing we all have in common is that we love the location and all that is has to offer."

Jen started the website RealEstateAroundPhilly.comto educate the community about the intricacies of the real estate process. The conversation continues on their Facebook page at Real Estate Around Philly and on Twitter at @REaourndPhilly.

“Whether you are a first time buyer or an experienced seller, I have the knowledge and expertise to get the job done,” Jen said.“Many times buyers and sellers need help more than one time in their lives. I want to work with clients now and for the next five, ten, 15 and 20 plus years down the road.”

Jen chose Manayunk for her business because of the incredible location, the neighborly environment, and the variety of communal amenities. Jen particularly loves that everything is walk able, and for her, it makes a great location for business because she can get to clients located in all sections of the city and the surrounding counties.

“One of the reason I love selling homes in this area is the history and architecture, which have always been very special to me,” Jen said.“After touring many, many homes over the years, I love that each home is unique and different. Walking through homes in Manayunk is always a fun experience. Each home has its own character and charm."

Insurance Agent

Brian McCollum

McCollum Insurance Agency

mccollumagency.com

Brian McCollum has worked in the insurance industry for the last 17 years, startinghis own agency in Manayunk in 2002.

McCollum Insurance Agency primarily works with families looking for insurance protection for their automobiles, homes and investment properties. They also work with many local young professionals who may be purchasing insurance for the first time. And when it comes to other small businesses, they love working with new and established businesses in their community including doctors, accountants, restaurants, retail stores, bakeries, contractors, plumbers and more. Brian’s team is dedicated to finding above-average home insurance, auto insurance, business insurance and investment property protection for their clients.

Brian became interested in insurance while studying at Temple University, where he studied risk management and insurance. He held several field-related jobs during his time in college and found that he really enjoyed sales, meeting new people, and helping them find the best coverage available. Brian quickly knew that opening an independent insurance agency was the best path for him. " As an Independent Agency, we partner with a few carefully selected insurance companies to provide our clients with the best coverage options, service, and price," Brian said.

Several years later and Brian has obtained a Certified Insurance Counselor (CID) Designation and is a Licensed Agent in lines of authority-property, casualty and live, and accident and health.

There are numerous reasons Brian chose Manayunk for his business. The location is perfect for an agency that caters to not only this community, but Center City and the neighboring suburbs as well. "We do a fair amount of business in Manayunk," Brian said. "But we are also only a short ride away, when we need to meet clients in Center City, Delaware County, Montgomery County, or Chester County."

Manayunk’s variety of restaurants, retail shops, and parks along the Schuylkill River all add to the neighborhood’s small town charm. Brian’s agency even deals with some local shops like Style of Man, Sweet Elizabeth’s Cakes, Sardine Clothing Company, NorthGreen Associates, and Michael’s California Detail.

“The staff at McCollum Insurance lives in and supports the local community,” Brian said.“We understand the needs of our neighbors and local small businesses. We know how strong word of mouth advertising is, that is why we focus on pleasing our customers, one at a time.