Staff Biographies
Shareholders

Greg Christie, CIC, LIC, CRM
Account Executive, counsels companies on their Commercial Insurance plans and Employee Benefit programs
  • Joined Agency: January, 1992
  • Priority Health Key Agent
  • Certified Insurance Counselor (C.I.C)
  • Licensed Insurance Counselor (L.I.C.)
  • Certified Risk Manager (C.R.M)
  • Community Activities:
  • Past Board Member of the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Former co-chair of A.C.S. lock- up
  • Member of the Steering Committee for Literacy in the Workplace
  • Current board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland
  • Lives in the Holland area with his wife and three children
  • Enjoys coaching and traveling
Greg's Team:
  • Kimberly Book, Account Manager
  • Becky MacGraw, Health Benefits Account Manager
  • Cindy Spratling, Large Account Coordinator
  • Denise Beyers, Technical Assistant

Greg Heeres, CIC, LIC, CWCC
Sales Manager, Non-Profit Solutions
  • Specializes in Non-Profit
  • Joined Agency: January 2000
  • Certified Insurance Counselor (C.I.C.)
  • Licensed Insurance Counselor (L.I.C.)
  • Certified Work Comp Counselor ( CWCC)
  • B.S. in Psychology and B.A. in Marketing, Hope College
  • Community Activities:
  • Founder of an urban youth center in Grand Rapids
  • Served the Grand Rapids Public Schools as a chairperson
       of their Student Advancement program
  • Participant and graduate of Leadership Grand Rapids
  • Coaches high school football and League baseball
  • Junior Achievement volunteer
  • Active in his church
  • Lives in Grandville with his wife and three children
Greg's Team:
  • Jessica Sanders, Account Manager
  • Dawn VandenBosch, Account Manager
  • Darla Houck, Technical Assistant
  • Christine Ensley, Claims Manager
  • Kevin Roehling, Safety & Loss Prevention Specialist
Jerry Niewiek, CIC, LIC, CRM
Shares the management of the Commercial Lines Department, handles a large book of both Property and Casualty and Group Benefits business
  • Joined Agency: 1988
  • Certified Insurance Counselor (C.I.C.)
  • Licensed Insurance Counselor (L.I.C.)
  • Certified Risk Manager (C.R.M.)
  • B.S. in Business Administration, Ferris State University
  • Community Activities:
  • Active member of his church where he has served as deacon and church treasurer
  • Active in Legacy Christian School and has served as the chairman of the major donor drive, board member and Board President
  • Lives in Byron Center with his wife and three children
  • Enjoys snow skiing, traveling and boating
Jerry's Team:
  • Sharon Steere, Account Manager
  • Marty Smith, Technical Assistant
  • Christine Ensley, Claims Manager
  • Kevin Roehling, Safety & Loss Prevention Specialist
Steven Olson, CIC, LIC
Director of Employee Benefits as well as handles a large book of group health insurance
  • Joined agency in 1993 and became a stockholder
        on January 1, 2000
  • Certified Insurance Counselor (C.I.C.)
  • Licensed Insurance Counselor (L.I.C.)
  • B.A. in Business, Michigan State University
  • Community Activities:
  • Serves on West Michigan Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of Michigan Advisory Committee
  • Member of the Key Producers Club with Priority Health and serves on their Agent Advisory Board
  • Past officer of the Northview Education Foundation
  • Active member of his church
  • Lives in Rockford with his wife and his triplets and their older brother
  • Enjoys reading and playing tennis
Steve's Team:
  • Karen Hoogerhyde, Account Manager
  • Becky Hefflebower, Account Manager
  • Terri Austin, Account Manager
  • Debbie Joynt, Enrollment, Legislative Compliance and Wellness
Jim Ryskamp, CPCU
Sales Manager, Commercial Account Executive
  • Specializes in Property & Casualty Insurance and Group Benefits
  • Joined Agency: May, 1995
  • Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (C.P.C.U.)
  • Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Calvin College
  • Community Activities:
  • Served as Treasurer and Board Member of the Kent County Association of Independent Agents
  • Member of the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents F.A.C.T.S Committee
Jim's Team:
  • Sue Bouwhuis, Account Manager
  • Sandy Liu, Technical Assistant
  • Christine Ensley, Claims Manager
  • Kevin Roehling, Safety & Loss Prevention Specialist
Thomas L. Stuit, LIC, CPA
Principal stockholder and serves clients in needs for property,
casualty and group benefits insurance
  • Joined Agency: 1977
  • Licensed Insurance Counselor (L.I.C.)
  • CPA certificate
  • B.A. in Business and Psychology, Hope College
  • MBA, Michigan State University
  • Community Activities:
  • Served on the Michigan Association of Independent Insurance Agents, Great Lakes Casualty, Citizens, Accident Fund, The Hartford and Secura
  • Active in his church and community through Christian Schools International, Camp Roger, Little League, Boys Scouts and church council
  • Lives in Grand Rapids with his wife and four grown children
Tom's Team:
  • Kelli Hull, Account Manager
  • Christine Ensley, Claims Manager
  • Kevin Roehling, Safety & Lost Prevention Specialist
Zack VandenBerg, CIC
Commercial Lines Account Executive
  • Joined Agency: October, 2002
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Agent
  • Bachelors in Accounting, Hope College
  • Community Activities:
  • Active in his church
  • Lives in Grand Rapids with his wife and two daughters
  • Enjoys golfing, scuba diving and skiing
Zack's Team:
  • Elissa Weaver, Account Manager
  • Darla Houck, Technical Assistant
  • Christine Ensley, Claims Manger
  • Kevin Roehling, Safety & Loss Prevention Specialist
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Our Producers

Phil Arndt
Account Executive
  • Specializes in employee benefit plans
  • Joined Agency: May, 2002
  • Licensed Life and Health Agent
  • Major in Business and Accounting,
        Grand Rapids Junior College and Grand Valley State University
  • Community Activities:
  • Serves on the Kent/ Allegan Employment
        Assistance Group (EAG) Committee
  • Served on the first board of the
        West Michigan Association of Health Underwriters
  • Serves on the Hopkins Youth Sports
         Organization Basketball Committee
  • Coaches youth basketball and football
  • Lives in Hopkins with his wife and three children
  • Enjoys spending time on the lake with his family, going for     motorcycle and bike rides, playing golf, basketball and gardening
Phil's Team
  • Brenda Becksford, Account Manager
Mark Bergsma, CWCC
Sales Manager, Property & Casualty Account Executive
  • Specializes in workers compensation
  • Joined Agency: 1996
  • Certified Work Comp Counselor (CWCC)
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Agent
  • B.A. in Telecommunications, Calvin College
  • Masters in Mass Communications, Drake University
  • Community Activities:
  • Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
  • Grand Rapids Rotary Club
  • Workforce Development Board
  • Downtown YMCA Board
  • BNI (Business Network International)
  • His church
  • Lives in Grandville with wife and six children
  • Enjoys hiking, camping and sports
Mark's Team
  • Jessica Sanders, Account Manager
  • Darla Houck, Technical Assistant
  • Christine Ensley, Claims Manager
  • Kevin Roehling, Safety & Loss Prevention Specialist
Travis Buth,
Property & Casualty Account Executive
  • Joined Agency: 2008
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Agent
  • Degree in Business, Hope College
  • Community Activities:
  • East Grand Rapids Community Foundation Board
  • His church
  • Lives in Grand Rapids with wife and daughter
  • Enjoys being with friends and family, golfing and boating
Travis's Team
  • Kelli Hull, Account Manager
  • Christine Ensley, Claims Manager
  • Kevin Roehling, Safety & Loss Prevention Specialist
Melodie Clausen
Sales Manager, Health and Benefits Account Executive
  • Specializes in self-funded health insurance
  • Joined Agency: March, 2001
  • Licensed Health Agent
  • Community Activities:
  • Member of The West Michigan Association of Health     Underwriters and Society of Human Resource Management
Melodie's Team:
  • Terri Austin, Account Manager
Pat Dalton, HIA, RHU, CBC
Sales Manager, Group Benefits and 401 (K)
  • Specializes in Group Benefits and 401 (K)
  • Joined Agency: July, 2002
  • Licensed Life and Health Agent
  • Health Insurance Associate ( HIA)
  • Chattered Banefit Consultant (CBC)
  • NASd Series 6, 63 licensed
  • B.A. in Business Administration, Hope College
  • Community Activities:
  • Serves on the Health Underwriters Board
  • Member of Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Health Care & Human Resources Committee and Obesity Task Force
  • Lives in Rockford with his wife and four children
  • Enjoys golfing, fly fishing, boating
Pat's Team:
  • Becky MacGraw, Account Manager
  • Cindy Spratling, Account Manager
Rob Dykstra, CLCS
Commercial Property and Casualty Account Executive
  • Specializes in Commercial Lines Coverage
  • Joined Agency in April, 2006
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Agent
  • Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS)
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Calvin College
  • Community Activities:
  • Serves on the Grand Rapids Chapter
  • Alumni Association for Calvin College
  • Board of Directors for the Tri-Unity Christian School Foundation
  • Lives in Wyoming with his wife
  • Enjoys tennis, working out and movies
Rob's Team:
  • Sandy Liu, Account Manager
  • Christine Ensley, Claims Manager
  • Kevin Roehling, Safety & Loss Prevention Specialist
Dennis Hendricks, LIC, AAI
Commercial Lines Account Executive
  • Joined Agency: May, 1972
  • Accredited Advisor in Insurance (A.A.I.)
  • Licensed Insurance Counselor (L.I.C.)
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Agent
  • Bachelors in Business Administration with a Secondary Teaching     Certificate, Hope College
  • Past president of the Kent County Independent Insurance Agents
  • Has served on the Agency Advisor Committees for Citizens and     Secura Insurances Companies
  • Community Activities:
  • Past member of Wyoming Chamber
        of Commerce Foundation Board
  • Camp Geneva’s Board of Directors
  • Active member of his church
  • Lives in Holland with wife
  • Enjoys golfing, backpacking and travel
Dennis' Team
  • Kelli Hull, Account Manager
  • Sharon Owen, Technical Assistant
  • Christine Ensley, Claims Manger
  • Kevin Roehling, Safety & Loss Prevention Specialist
Dan Jablonski, LIC
Sales Manager, Property & Casualty Account Executive
  • Specializes in manufacturing, hospitality and wholesale distribution
  • Joined Agency: January, 2000
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Agent
  • Licensed Insurance Counselor (L.I.C.)
  • B.A. in Sociology, Aquinas College
  • Community Activities:
  • Junior Achievement teaching business to 8th graders
  • Big Brothers/ Big Sister
  • Serves on the Kent County Conservation League
  • Lives in Grandville with his wife and two daughters
  • Enjoys outdoors, hunting, camping, fishing, Civil War history, birding and photography
Dan's Team:
  • Carol VanSolkema, Account Manager
  • Christine Ensley, Claims Manager
  • Kevin Roehling, Safety & Loss Prevention Specialist
Ted Kuzma
Business Development Manager
  • Focusing on:
    • Carrier Relations
    • Program Development
    • Sales Management
  • Joined: September, 2010
  • Earned a B.A. from Ferris State University
  • Coaches elementary, junior high and AAU sports
  • Lives in Rockford with his wife
  • Enjoys camping, traveling and enjoying the occasional wine tours
Kevin Lawrence
Sales Manager, Employee Benefits Department Account Executive
  • Specializes in Employee Benefits
  • Joined: October, 2006
  • Licensed Accident, Health and Life Agent
  • Community Activities:
  • Active in his church community
  • Lives in Holland with his wife
  • Enjoys golfing, fishing and cooking
Kevin's Team:
  • Julie Woodwyck, Account Manager
Judie Miljan, CPCU, CPD, CIC, LIC
Sales Manager, Public Entity Division
  • Specializes in Public Entity Division
  • Joined Agency: August, 2003
  • Licensed Property  and Casualty
  • Certified Insurance Counselor (C.I.C)
  • Licensed Insurance Counselor (L.I.C)
  • Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter
  • Continuing Professional Development Designee
  • Community Activities:
  • Former Board Officer of the Western Michigan
        Chapter of CPCU
  • Serves on the Board of Directors for the West Michigan     Association of Insurance Agents
  • Active member of Michigan Public Risk Management     Association
  • Serves on Spring Lake Township Planning Commission where     she is Secretary
  • Zoning Board of Appeals
  • Lives in Spring Lake with her husband
  • Enjoys bowling, skiing and bicycling
Judie's Team:
  • Tami Solorzano, Account Manager
  • Christine Ensley, Claims Manager
  • Kevin Roehling, Safety & Loss Prevention Specialist
Ryan Root
Account Executive
  • Specializes in employee benefit plans,
        focusing on consumer-driven healthcare & wellness
  • Joined Agency: October, 2009
  • Licensed Life & Health Agent
  • 8 years of insurance experience
  • Attended Grand Rapids Community College
  •  
  • Member of West Michigan Association of Health Underwriters
  • Enjoys fishing, hunting, & exercising
Ryan's Team:
  • Becky McGraw, Account Manager
  • Jenny VandeBunte, Account Manager
  • Christine Ensley, Claims Manager
  • Kevin Roehling, Safety & Loss Prevention Specialist
Libby Stuit
Account Executive
  • Specialized in Employee Benefit plans & Wellness Coordinator
  • Joined Agency: August, 2008
  • Licensed Accident, Life & Health Agent
  • Over 5 years of insurance experience
  • Graduate of Aquinas College
  • Community Activities:
    • Grand Rapids Young Professionals
    • Aquinas Alumni Association
  • Lives in Grand Rapids
  • Enjoys skiing, boating, and cooking
John Teerman
Commercial Lines Account Executive
  • Specializes in manufacturing, machine shops, wholesale    distributors, restaurants, hotel/motels and agribusiness
  • Joined Agency: May, 2004
  • Licensed Property & Casualty and Life & Health Agent
  • Community Activities:
  • Active member of Rotary
  • On the board of several local companies
  • Lives in Ada with his wife
  • Enjoys golfing, gardening, and yard work
John's Team:
  • Bev Venema, Account Manager
  • Jodi Matson, Account Manager
  • Christine Ensley, Claims Manager
  • Kevin Roehling, Safety & Loss Prevention Specialist
Don VanderKuyl
Commercial Lines & Employee Benefits Account Executive
in Hudsonville Branch
  • Joined Agency: July, 2010
  • Licensed Property & Casualty and Life & Health Agent
  • Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)
  • Community Activities:
  • Treasurer of Blendon Township
  • Public Policy Committee for the
        Holland Chamber of Commercial
  • Lives in Blendon Township with his wife
John's Team:
  • Bev Venema, Account Manager
  • Jodi Matson, Account Manager
  • Christine Ensley, Claims Manager
  • Kevin Roehling, Safety & Loss Prevention Specialist
Sharon VanLoon, CPCU, LIC
Commercial Lines Account Executive
  • Specializes in risk management and insurance for non-profit     organizations, cultural institutions, public gardens and     manufacturers
  • Joined Agency in January, 1999
  • Licensed Insurance Counselor (L.I.C.)
  • Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (C.P.C.U.)
  • B.A. in Business Administration, Aquinas College
  • Enjoys reading and gardening
Sharon's Team:
  • Brenda Schaub, Account Manager
  • Heidi Hofstra, Account Manager
  • Christine Ensley, Claims Manager
  • Kevin Roehling, Safety & Loss Prevention Specialist
Rob Visser
Account Executive
  • Joined Agency in August, 2007
  • B.A. in Marketing and Management, Cornerstone University
  • Community Activities:
  • Active in his church
  • Teaches kindergarten Sunday School at his church
  • Live in Jamestown with his wife and two sons
  • Enjoys softball, waterskiing and volleyball
Rob's Team:
  • Bev Venema, Account Manager
  • Jodi Matson, Account Manager
  • Christine Ensley, Claims Manager
  • Kevin Roehling, Safety & Loss Prevention Specialist
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Claims, Safety & Loss Prevention Department

Christine Ensley, CIC, CISR, CWCP
Workers' Compensation Specialist
  • Joined Agency: July 2004
  • Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
  • Certified Insurance Service Representative (CIRS)
  • Certified Workers’ Compensation Professional (CWCP)
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent
  • Lives in Grand Rapids
  • Enjoys golfing, snowmobiling and music
Jill LaMar
Claims Assistant
  • Joined Agency: September 2006
  • Worked in insurance for over 14 years
  • Community Activities:
  • Volunteer at LOVE, Inc.
  • Lives in Hamilton with her husband
  • Enjoys collecting Antiques, going to Flea
        Markets and Garage Sale
Kelly Perez, ARM, CIC
Account Coordination, focusing on risk transfer, claims management, loss control and risk management
  • Joined Agency: 2003
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Agent
  • Designation of Associate in Risk Management ( ARM)
  • Over 30 years of experience
  • Lives in Wyoming
  • Enjoys traveling and exercising
Kevin Roehling
Safety and Loss Prevention Associate
  • Specializes in Safety and Loss Prevention
  • Joined Agency: 2004
  • B.S. in Occupational Safety and Health, Grand Valley
         State University
  • Lives in Hudsonville with his wife, and two children
  • Enjoys hunting, fly fishing and woodworking

Marketing & MyWave Department
Kristi Floriana
Marketing & Communications Specialist
  • Joined Agency: March, 2001
  • B.A. in Political Science and Classical Studies, Hope College
  • Community Activities:
  • Pine Ridge Bible Camp
  • American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life
  • Ottawa County Republican Party
  • Sunday School Teacher
  • Lives in Jenison with her husband and son
  • Enjoys golfing, playing volleyball and scrapbooking
Denise Neuhaus
Human Resources Specialist and MyWave Specialist
  • Joined Agency: April 2005
  • Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
  • Community Activities:
  • Member of the Society for Human Resource Management
    • The Association for Human Resource Management
    • Involved in her church
  • Lives in Grand Rapids with her husband and two sons
  • Enjoys reading, making card and taking walks with her sons


Jenny VandeBunte
Marketing Specialist

  • Joined Agency: February 2008
  • Background in hospitality industry
  • B.A. in Marketing, Central Michigan University
  • Lives in Martin with husband
  • Enjoys scrapbooking and shopping


Amy Jo Klapmust
Administrative Support

  • Joined Agency: 2010
  • Degree in Marketing with Advertising Minor,
        Central Michigan University
  • Community Activities:
    • Volunteers at her church
  • Lives in Alto with her husband and puppy
  • Enjoys reading, golfing, and hanging out
        with Family & Friends

Business Insurance Department

Denise Beyer, CISR
Technical Assistant
  • Joined Agency: June, 2002
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent
  • Certified Insurance Service Representative
  • Over 14 years of insurance experience
  • Community Activities:
  • Volunteer at Hospice with her husband
  • Lives in Holland with her husband and Golden Retriever
  • Enjoys working in the yard, reading, golfing, and spending
        time at Sandy Pines
Kimberly Book, CISR
Account Manager for Greg Christie
  • Joined Agency: 2005
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent
  • Certified Insurance Service Representative (C.I.S.R.)
  • Over 18 years of experience
  • Community Activities:
  • Volunteers at her church
  • Lives in Holland with her husband and four children
  • Enjoys singing and gardening
Sue Bouwhuis, CISR
Account Manager for Jim Ryskamp
  • Joined Agency: July, 2001
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent
  • Certified Insurance Service representative (C.I.S.R.)
  • Lives in Grand Rapids with her children
  • Enjoys playing tennis, gardening and going to the beach
Christine Fleser, CIC
Account Manager for Select Lines
  • Joined Agency: 2002
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent
  • B.S. in Psychology, Grand Valley State University
  • Lives in Jenison with her husband and 3 children
  • Enjoys running, shopping and watching her boys play sports.
Rebecca Hart
Account Manager for Select Lines
  • Joined Agency: March 2006
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • B.A. in Finance, Western Michigan University
  • Lives in Grandville
  • Enjoys reading and boating at her cottage
Kelli Hull
Account Manager for Dennis Hendricks & Tom Stuit
  • Joined Agency: August 2009
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Over 25 years of insurance experience
  • Associates degrees in Business
        Administration / Secretary & Word Processing
  • Community Activites:
    • Children's Schools
    • Various Church Ministries

Lori Heemstra
Commercial Lines Counselor

  • Joined Agency: 2005
  • Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Agent
  • Over 17 years of insurance experience
  • Community Activities:
  • Volunteer at her church
  • Lives in Kentwood
  • Enjoys playing the flute, piano and reading

Heidi Hofstra
Account Manager for Sharon VanLoon

  • Joined Agency: May 2006
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Agent
  • Certified Insurance SErvice Representative (CISR)
  • B.A. in Business , Calvin College
  • Lives in Grand Rapids  with her husband
  • Enjoys reading, biking and being in the outdoors

Darla Houck
Account Manager for Steve Olson and Dan Jablonski

  • Joined Agency: March 2000
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Agent
  • Community Activities:
  • Active with the Outreach Bible Study through her church
  • Lives in Cutlerville
  • Enjoys rubber stamping, walking, camping, flowers, reading
Sandy Liu
Account Manager for Jim Ryskamp & Rob Dykstra
  • Joined Agency: August 2008
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Over 23 years of insurance experience
  • Bachelor of Arts, Eastern Michigan University
  • Associates in Accounting Jackson Community College
  • Co-Chair of Lowell CROP walk
  • Lives in Lowell with her husband & children/li>
  • Enjoys gardening, remodeling & watching her
        children's sporting events
  • Lives in Byron Center with her husband & 3 Teenagers
  • Enjoys camping, hiking snowmobiling & traveling
Jodi Matson, CISR
Account Manager for John Teerman and Rob Visser
  • Joined Agency: 2007
  • Certified Insurance Service Representative, CISR
  • Lives in Holland with her husband
  • Enjoys reading and playing with her two dogs
Sharon Owen, CISR
Technical Assistant
  • Joined Agency: November 2001
  • Certified Insurance Service Representative, CISR
  • Has had 29 years of insurance experience
  • Community Activities:
  • Volunteer at her local church
  • Lives in Byron Center with her husband
  • Enjoys golfing, playing volleyball, reading and traveling
Jessica Sanders, CISR
Account Manager for Mark Bergsma and Greg Heeres
  • Joined Agency: 1998
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Agent
  • Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR)
  • B.A. in Marketing and Management, Grand Valley State University
  • Community Activities:
  • Kids Hope USA
  • Lives in Cutlerville
  • Enjoys golfing and reading
Brenda Schaub, AIM, CRM
Account Manager for Sharon VanLoon
  • Joined Agency: March, 2008
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Agent
  • Associate in Management (AIM)
  • Certified Risk Manager (CRM)
  • B.S. in Business Administration - Education,
        Western Michigan University
  • Lives in Kentwood with Husband
  • Enjoys reading, gardening and golfing.
Pat Seeley, CIC
Account Manager
  • Joined Agency: 1996
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent
  • Designation of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
  • Over 30 years of experience
  • Lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter
  • Enjoys people, gardening, biking, walking and being outdoors
Marty Smith, CISR
Technical Assistant
  • Joined Agency: 2000
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent
  • Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR)
  • CISR Designation
  • 20 years of insurance experience
  • Community Activities:
  • Circle Theatre
  • Actor’s Theatre
  • Breast Cancer Prevention
  • Lives in Grand Rapids with her husband
  • Enjoys live theater, her two nieces, cross country skiing and her two cats
Tami Solorzano, CISR
Account Manager for Judie Miljan
  • Joined Agency in 2006
  • Certified Insurance Service Representative, CISR
  • Has over 13 years of experience
  • Community Activities:
  • Volunteer at her children's school
  • Lives in Holland with her husband and three children
  • Enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family
Sharon Steere, CIC, ARM, LIC
Account Manager for Jerry Niewiek
  • Joined Agency: July, 2001
  • Licensed Property and Casualty insurance agent
  • Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
  • Associate in Risk Management (ARM)
  • Licensed Insurance Counselor (LIC)
  • Lives in Kentwood with her husband
  • Enjoys reading, “recreational eating”, traveling
         and activities with her family and church
Emily Shatto
Technical Assistant
  • Joined Agency: January, 2010
  • Bachelors, Business and German from Calving College
  • Livens in Grand Rapids
  • Enjoys traveling and art
Jeanne Stockmeyer, CPCU
Account Manager for Select Accounts
  • Joined Agency: 1989
  • Licensed Property and Casualty insurance agent
  • Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)
  • B.A. in Management, Western Michigan University
  • Lives in Caledonia
  • Enjoys Zumba classes, taking care of her mother and reading
Lenore Tinney, CPCU, AU
Account Manager for Don VanderKuyl
  • Licensed Property and Casualty insurance agent
  • Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)
  • Associate in Commercial Underwriting
  • Lives in Byron Center with her son
  • Enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and the outdoors
Dawn VandenBosch, CIC
Account Manager for BHS Non-Profit Solutions
  • Joined Agency: July 2005
  • Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
  • Completed the IIA Property Course
  • Over 30 years of insurance experience
  • Community Activities:
  • Volunteers at her Church
  • Lives in Zeeland with her husband, Jim
  • Enjoys golfing, going to Detroit Tiger’s games,
        collecting Longaberger baskets and gardening
Carol VanSolkema
Account Manager for Sharon VanLoon
  • Joined Agency: 2004
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Agent
  • Over 10 years of insurance experience
  • B.A., Michigan State University
  • Community Activities:
  • Volunteers at children's school
  • Active in her church’s children ministries
  • Lives in Hudsonville with her husband and two children
  • Enjoys reading, biking and gardening
Bev Venema, CISR
Account Manager for John Teerman and Rob Visser
  • Joined Agency: 2004
  • Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR)
  • With 7 years of experience
  • B.A. in Business Administration, Grand Valley State University
  • Lives in Holland with her husband and daughter
  • Enjoys shopping and reading
Amy Volkers
Technical Assistant in Select Lines Department
  • Re-Joined Agency: April 2007
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Agent
  • Bachelors in Education, Calvin College
  • Community Activities:
  • Local and out-of-state service projects
  • Tutoring
  • Leading small groups at her church
  • Lives in Kentwood with her husband, Steve.
  • Enjoys hiking, landscaping, kayaking, education
        and doing things for others
Elissa Weaver, CISR
Account Manager for Zack VandenBerg
  • Joined Agency: June, 2005
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent
  • Certified Insurance Service Representative (C.I.S.R.)
  • B.A. in Business, Calvin College
  • Lives in Grand Rapids with her husband
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Employee Benefits Department

Terri Austin
Account Manager
  • Joined Agency: 2000
  • Licensed Health and Life Agent
  • Community Activities:
  • Active volunteer in church/ community
  • Lives in Plainwell
  • Enjoys collecting/ restoring antiques and gardening
Melissa Bachman
Account Manager for Pat Dalton
  • Joined Agency: June 2004
  • Studied insurance and real estate at Ferris State University
  • Over eight years of experience in employee benefits
  • Community Activities:
  • Coaches AAU Volleyball
  • Volunteers at her children's school
  • Lives in Zeeland with her husband and three children
  • Enjoy watching my children's sporting events,
       biking, camping and playing volleyball
Brenda Becksford
Account Manager for Phil Arndt
  • Joined Agency: January, 2003
  • Licensed Health and Life Agent
  • Over 10 years of insurance experience
  • Associates Degree in Legal Assisting, Ferris State University
  • Lives in Hamilton with her husband and two sons
  • Enjoys traveling
Judy Blanchard
Account Manager for the Hudsonville Branch
  • Joined Agency: July, 2001
  • Licensed Health and Life Agent
  • Over 27 Years of Insurance experience
  • Lives in Kentwood with her husband
  • Active volunteer with the Down Syndrome Association
        of West Michigan’s Buddy Walk
  • Enjoys quilting, scrapbooking, and sleepovers
        with her grandchildren
Joanne Duthler
Individual Life and Health Customer Service Representative
  • Joined Agency: February, 2002
  • Licensed Life and Health Insurance Agent
  • B.A. in Education, Calvin College
  • Lives in Caledonia with her husband and two daughters.
  • Enjoys cooking, attending her daughter’s golf matches, traveling     and golfing
Becky Heffelbower
Account Manager
  • Joined Agency: October, 2002
  • Licensed Life and Health Agent
  • Lives in Hudsonville with her husband and daughter
  • Enjoys exercising, shopping, cooking, and watching movies
Karen Hoogerhyde
Account Manager
  • Joined Agency: 1995
  • Licensed Health and Life Agent
  • Associates Degree in Sales & Marketing, Davenport College
  • Lives in Sparta with her husband and their two sons
  • Enjoys reading and boating
Becky MacGraw
Account Manager for Greg Christie and Kevin Lawrence
  • Joined Agency: April 2007
  • Licensed Life and Health Agent
  • Bachelor of Social Work, Dordt College
  • Lives in Grandville
  • Enjoys reading, playing games, running, hiking and swimming
Heidi Nienhuis
Select Lines Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: 2008
  • Licensed Life and Health Agent
  • Business Management Degree, Baker College
  • Lives in Grandville
  • Enjoys reading and going to the movies
Cindy Spratling
Account Manager
  • Joined Agency: 2009
  • Licensed Life and Health Agent
  • Active in her church
  • Lives in Wyoming
  • Plays golf and loves to travel
Jenny VandeBunte
Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: February 2008
  • Background in hospitality industry
  • B.A. in Marketing, Central Michigan University
  • Lives in Martin with husband
  • Enjoys scrapbooking and shopping
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Personal Lines Customer Service Representatives

Christy Allen, CISR
Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: July 2006
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Licensed Life and Health Agent
  • Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR)
  • Over 9 years of Insurance experience
  • Attended Davenport University
  • Community Activities:
  • Volunteer work at her church
  • Lives in Zeeland with her husband and two sons
  • Enjoys volunteering and mentoring
Gloria Berens
Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: 1988
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Over 25 years of Insurance experience
  • Community Activities:
  • Volunteer work at her church
  • Lives in Grandville with her husband
  • Enjoys traveling, boating, camping & spending
        time with her grandchildren.
Tammy Clementz
Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: 1998
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Community Activities:
  • Tutor at her local elementary school
  • Active in her church’s children’s ministries and youth group
  • Lives in Grand Rapids with husband and daughter
  • Teaches Childrens Church, Works with youth group and outreach     ministries at Church
Emily Duimstra
Customer Service Agent
  • Works in our Byron Center Office
  • Joined Agency in 2005
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Lives in Hudsonville with her husband, daughter and son
  • Enjoys water recreation, shopping and playing with her kids
Diane Fargo, CISR, CIC
Personal Lines Coordinator
  • Joined Agency: September 2000
  • Property & Casualty Agent
  • Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR)
  • Certified Insurance Counselor ( CIC)
  • Lives in Ada with husband and three sons
  • Enjoys sports, gardening and relaxing at home
Lynnette Gallegos
Customer Service Representative
  • Joined Agency: June 2004
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Over 23 years of experience
  • Community Activities:
  • Volunteering at her church
  • Lives in Dorr with her husband
  • Enjoys traveling and spending time at the lake
Bev Grasman
Customer Service Representative
  • Joined Agency: July1986
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
Mary Harrington, CISR
Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: August 2005
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Degree form Davenport University
Mary Hebron
Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: 2008
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Lives in Kentwood with her husband, daughter &
        Evangelism program student
  • Enjoys volunteering at her daughter’s school and church
Nancy Horton
Customer Service Agent
  • 40 years of experience in the insurance industry
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Lives in Marne with her husband
  • Enjoys enjoys their cabin on the river, reading, traveling &
        having fun with her grandchildren
Al Kramer, LUTC
Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: June, 2002
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Licensed Life & Health Agent
  • Holds Life Underwriter Training Council designation (LUTC)
  • BBA in Business Administration, Western Michigan University
  • Community Activities:
  • Active at his church
  • Lives in Jenison with wife and daughter
  • Enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, hunting, symphony
        orchestra, & camping
Laura Matthews
Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: July 2003
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Community Activities:
  • Involved with MAIA
  • Involved with Young Agents Council
  • Involved with Grand Rapids Young Professionals
  • Lives in Wyoming
  • Enjoys the outdoors, animals and hockey
Christine Otto
Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: 2003
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Lives in Jenison with Husband and 3 children
  • Enjoys hanging by the pool, gardening and cooking.
Dawn Parr
Technical Assistant
  • Joined Agency: May 2007
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • BBA in Marketing and Minors in Public Relationships/ Advertising and Hospitality/ Tourism Management, Grand Valley State University
  • Community Activities:
  • Odyssey of the Mind Coach for Grandville Teams
  • Taught “Project Charlie” curriculum to 5th graders
  • Lives in Standale with her husband two children
  • Enjoys reading, gardening, going for walks with their miniature schnauzer
Angela Spitters
Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: January 2008
  • 2 years of insurance experience
  • B.A. in Business Communications, Calvin College
  • Lives in East Grand Rapids
  • Enjoys skiing, biking and playing soccer
Mary Stuit
Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: November 1976
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • BA,  Hope College
  • Community Activities:
  • Tutoring kids HOPE
  • Involved at her church
  • Lives in Grand Rapids with her husband
  • Enjoys reading and traveling
Jamie Timmer, CISR
Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: August 2004
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR)
  • Over nine years of experience
  • Community Activities:
  • Member of the Young Agents Council (YAC)
  • Volunteer with Tulip Time
  • Lives in Zeeland
  • Enjoys reading, scrapbooking and shopping
Crystal Trevino
Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: November, 2009
  • Licensed Property and Casualty insurance agent
  • 15 years of insurance experience
  • Lives in Zeeland with husband and 3 children
  • Enjoys attending children's sporting event,
        reading and family time
Lenora Vander Kolk
Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: 2007
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Lives in Grand Rapids with her parents
  • Enjoys spending time with her family & friends,
        being at the cottage, boating & scrapbooking.
Sara Vander Woude
Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: March 2005
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • BBA in Marketing, Grand Valley State University
  • Community Activities:
  • Involved with the Grand Rapids Young Professionals
  • MAIA
  • Member of the Young Agents Council
  • Lives in Grand Rapids
  • Enjoys running and shopping
Lori VanderZouwen
Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: 1979
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Lives in Byron Center with her husband and two children
Joy Visser
Customer Service Agent
  • Joined Agency: 1988
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Licensed Life & Health Agent
  • Community Activities:
  • Active in her Church
  • Lives in Zeeland with her husband
  • Enjoys camping, yard work, flying, and spending time with her grandkids
Diane Wierenga
Customer Service Agent
  • Works at Byron Center Office
  • Joined Agency: January 1996
  • Licensed Property & Casualty Agent
  • Community Activities:
  • Serves on the CPA Board of South Christian High School
  • Service Leader at her church
  • Lives in Gaines Township with her husband
  • Enjoys creative memories, camping and football games
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Accounting and Administration

Lennie Brown
Systems Administrator
  • Joined Agency: December 2005
  • CNA (Certified Novell Administrator)
  • MCSA (Microsoft Certified Systems Administer) Certified
Rick Brown
System Support Tech
  • Joined Agency: August, 2010
  • AAS in Computer Netwroking
  • Lives in Grand Rapids with his wife and is expecting a daughter
  • Rick is also a Marine Corps. Reservist who enjoys movies, web development and sports.
Kathy Frollo
Administrative Support
  • Joined Agency: 2010
  • Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Grand Valley State University
  • Community Activities:
  • Volunteers at children's school
  • Volunteers with her church
  • Lives in Jenison with her husband and three children
  • Enjoys vacations, excercise, learning new skills
Michelle Hamberg
Administrative Assistant
  • Joined Agency in 1993
  • Attended Grand Valley State University
  • Licensed Property and Casualty Agent
  • Lives in Hudsonville with husband and 2 children
  • Enjoys spending time with her family outdoors,
       going to the beach, participating in water sports &
       watching her boys play sports
Denise Neuhaus, SPHR
Human Resources Specialist and MyWave Specialist
  • Joined Agency: April 2005
  • Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
  • Community Activities:
  • Member of the Society for Human Resource Management
  • The Association for Human Resource Management
  • Involved in her church
  • Lives in Grand Rapids with her husband and two sons
  • Enjoys reading, making card and taking walks with her sons
Cindy Palmbos
Director of First Impressions
  • Joined Agency: 2008
  • B.A. in Spanish, Grand Valley University
  • Lives in Jenison with her husband and daughter
  • Volunteers at church: youth leader and gems leader
Joanne Sanders
Director of First Impressions
  • Joined Agency: 1995
  • Associates Degree, Davenport University
  • Lives in Grand Rapids
  • Enjoys golf, bowling and running/ walking
Ann Somero
Director of First Impressions
  • Joined Agency: October, 2009
  • Associates Degree, Business
  • Bachelors Degree, Language Arts
  • Teaching Certificate, Grand Valley University
  • Enjoys reading, hiking & swimming with her family
Jill Stelwagen
Director of First Impressions
  • Joined Agency: February 1992
  • Community Activities:
  • Volunteers at her church
  • Lives in Grandville with her husband and son
  • Enjoys boating, swimming, bowling
Sue Vredevoogd
Accounting Department
  • Joined Agency in 1989
  • Community Activities:
  • Pastoral Care Provider at her church
  • Lives in Hudsonville with husband
  • Enjoys spending time with her grandchildren,
        reading, walking and camping
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