Staff

Agent Recruiters

 

Sharon Sawyer

Vice President
Recruiter, Colorado

I am the Vice President of ICA Agency Alliance, Inc. as well as the Recruiter for Colorado. I have been in the insurance industry since I was 8 years old; my mom was an agent. My experience spans from being a captive agent,

independent agency owner, as well as upper management for a large carrier. When I am not recruiting, I enjoy my husband, Harley riding and try to golf as much as we can. We have two sons, and our granddaughter just turned 12. I am an animal lover and currently own 2 small fur babies that are 15 and 14 years old. We love them and have had them since they were puppies.

 

Eve Hsiang

Director of Business Development, California

I started my insurance / financial profession since 2006; I started as a life insurance agent. I was doing well as an agent, so the company I worked with, New York Life sent me to management training. 2012, I got hired as the District Recruiting Manager

for Farmers to recruit P&C agent. Then I got offered a position at AIG as Recruiting Director of the Western Region.

I started my career with ICA in 2017; I am proud to represent the nation’s largest alliance group, SIAA. Now having both P&C and L&H licenses and practice on my own during my spare time, I understand the challenges that agents are going through when they build their book of business. I enjoy being a recruiter for my company as we offer the opportunity for agents to become independent and truly owning the book of business from day one!

During my spare time, I like to do hot yoga, hiking with my friends, catching the latest movies, or trying the newest restaurant in the area. Milk tea with boba is one of my favorite beverages, which now is popular around the world, and it came from my homeland, Taiwan. I moved to San Francisco when I was 13. Growing up in both eastern and western culture had helped me to be diversified and allowing me to speak, read, and write both languages of English and Chinese fluently. I love living in such a liberal place where we respect each other’s differences and build this country together as a team.

 

James Matthews

Director of Business Development, California

I have over 25 years experience in the insurance industry performing sales, marketing, training and assisting agents in growing their businesses. I enjoy traveling, golf, museums, great food and reading. I have one son working in technology

in Silicon Valley and a daughter finishing her senior year in college at San Jose State University. I look forward to assisting our ICA/SIAA Agents in getting on board and being successful in their agencies.

 

Jim Pope

Agency Development
Field Specialist

Hi! I’m Jim, a life long insurance nerd. I have a degree in risk management and insurance with experience in both corporate and agency development.

Agency Underwriting

 

Susan Chavarry

Access Plus
Manager

I have been in the insurance industry for many years. I had my own Insurance Agency for a while, but my primary goal has always been to help others and I love options.

I felt that a better way to serve would be to join a fantastic company that has numerous carriers to be able to offer everyone additional options, too. When I am not being a workaholic, you will find me hiking with my grandkids. We love our Colorado Mountains and brilliant blue skies.

 

Violet Kasa

Commercial Lines
Underwriter

I am an insurance professional with extensive experience with commercial underwriting insurance. I evaluate each risk to determine appropriate coverage and placement while maintaining a profitable book of business and

a low loss ratio. I love to spend my spare time with my hubby, kids, and grandkids, outdoors hiking, boating, fishing, and gardening.

 

Monica Lester

Commercial Lines
Underwriter

I am a Colorado Springs native married with three boys and a wacky blue heeler named Dex. I have been in the insurance industry for over 18 years.

I love being in insurance because I enjoy protecting individuals and businesses from unexpected downfalls. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, making green chili and other tasty Mexican dishes, and spending time with family and friends.

 

Jason Gallob

Personal Lines
Underwriter

As a Colorado native, I am an outdoors man. When I’m not spending time outdoors or with family, I’m working with insurance and have been for over 7 years.

 

Tisha Richardson

Personal Lines
Underwriter

I am a Texas native and have been in the insurance industry for over 5 years. My family relocated to Colorado a year and a half ago

and I have loved every minute of it. I enjoy anything outdoors with my husband and two kids and of course, I am a Dallas Cowboys fan.

 

Martin Tapiro

Member Services

I have a strong background in management and tech support, along with 2 years of insurance experience. I am A+ and Asurion certified. Proud dog owner and a nerd at heart! I’m also an avid board gamer and card game player.

 

Alicia Perry

Personal Lines
Training / Underwriting

I am a Colorado Springs native. I am married and a mom to 2 daughters. I stay busy outside of work with all my family’s sports activities. I’ve been in the insurance industry for 10 years and specialize in personal lines.

 

Steve Carlson

Commercial Lines
Underwriter

My insurance career started in 2004. I’m proud to be Colorado Native and Army Veteran and am also an alumni of University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. I have a passion for the outdoors and I enjoy mountain biking and camping with my two kids and wonderful wife.

Insurance Education

 

Barbara Ruppert, AAI

Member Training
Manager

I joined ICA Agency Alliance in 2011 as a commercial lines access plus underwriter. In 2014 I created and started the ICA Agency Alliance Education and Training Department. I have over 35 years experience in the insurance industry, and when not working, I enjoy home remodeling, cooking, reading, and gardening. My husband and I live in Colorado Springs, CO.

 

Justine Ruppert

Education and Sales Instructor

I have been in the insurance business for about two years now. I have worked for both a large company and small agency in that time and have come to find my home here at ICA. Having gone to college for graphic design, this was quite the career change. I love to help others learn in a creative way so I am grateful for the opportunity ICA has created for me. I still create art on the side with freelance fine art and graphic design, so I really feel I’m getting the best of both worlds!

 

Adam Zeidler

Commercial Lines Trainer

I joined the insurance industry back in 2007 working in a small independent agency in Woodland Park, Colorado. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my wife and two boys. I also enjoy watching the Broncos, Nuggets and Avalanche.

 

Jason Diffner

Education and Sales Instructor

I started my insurance career in 2001 underwriting medical malpractice insurance for a regional carrier headquartered in Seattle. I worked for Risk Placement Services (RPS) from 2014 to 2018, underwriting multi-lines commercial focusing on social service and non-profit exposures. During my career, one of the things I enjoyed most was educating and training co-workers and clients.

With that passion, I am excited about the opportunity here with ICA to help insurance professionals develop their insurance education.

When not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife and five children. When not spending time with family, you will probably find my nose in a book.

Corporate Office

 

Phillip Fox

President

As President of Insurance Centers of America, Inc. and its subsidiary company ICA Agency Alliance, Inc., it has been a pleasure to work with the customers, staff, and agents associated with our organization. Without the trust and support of our customers, ICA would not be the success we have enjoyed for the last 40 years

in our marketing states of Colorado and California. I would like to personally thank those long time loyal and new customers for allowing ICA to be their insurance representative.

My insurance career started in the late 1970’s first as an insurance agent and then, shortly afterword, owner of Insurance Centers. I was joined in the ownership of the company by a long time, yet very young, employee Tammy Beaudette who started with the company shortly before I bought the insurance agency. Together we have owned, managed, and operated Insurance Centers for one very long time, thanks again to our customers, staff, and agents.

The breadth and depth of ICA has changed dramatically through the years from a minimal local independent insurance agency in Colorado Springs to a multi-state operation with over 130 contracted agents and currently a staff of 27 employees with great experience and knowledge of the property and casualty insurance business. ICA is affiliated as a territorial manager of SIAA (Strategic Independent Agents Alliance), the largest independent insurance agent association in the country. This has allowed ICA and its customers to enjoy the benefits of being part of a significant industry leader, the even better benefit of a local and personally engaged independent insurance agency. ICA’s staff has been serving the Colorado and California areas for a long time with the best service, writing insurance companies and products available. We hope to continue offering those services for a long time in the future.

 

Tammy Beaudette

Executive Vice
President

My insurance career began during my senior year in high school back in 1979 working part time at a State Farm office. I became aware of an opening at, then, Al Welsh Insurance Center in 1980 and made the big move from State Farm to an Independent Agency. My mother was worried.

She wasn’t sure that an Independent Agency would be around in years to come but was certain State Farm would be. I took a chance, that was nearly 40 years ago.

The agency has evolved into a large multi department agency through the direction of Phil Fox. Phil purchased Al Welsh Insurance Center in 1981 and the journey began. He has an uncanny ability to see the potential in people and I am very grateful that he saw potential in me. I joined him in ownership of the agency many years ago and together we’ve worked to provide solutions for our customers with their insurance needs and a work atmosphere that helps us retain the best employees. We have had the great fortune of having longtime customer and employee relationships. Even after all these years, I still look forward to coming into the office to help our clients.

Life outside of the office is family oriented. I love spending time with my kids and now grandkids, camping, fishing, hunting and just about anything outdoors.

 

Charlene Whelen

Vice President/COO

ICA Agency Alliance, Inc.

I have been in the insurance industry for many years and I’m passionate about helping our agents and ICA Agency Alliance to be very successful. I enjoy fishing, camping and spending quality time with my family and friends.

Marketing Department

 

Tim Warren

Technology &
Marketing Manager

I have 20 years of insurance industry experience and the last 16 years have been here with ICA. Being a tech head opened up being the IT/marketing guy.

I spend my spare time working on computers, playing video games and working on cars.

 

Adam King

Marketing &
Media Director

You just got here! This is crazy! So call me maybe (Ext 112)

 

Sarah Bakker

Marketing &
Graphic Design

My passion has always been art, whether it is photogrpahy, designing, or music, it’s what makes me happy. I have been a graphic web designer for 10 years

and have found I really enjoy coding websites too. When I’m not working on the computer, you can find me outside walking my cats, hiking, biking and photographing the beautiful Colorado landscapes.

Insurance Centers Staff

 

Tammy Beaudette

Executive Vice
President

My insurance career began during my senior year in high school back in 1979 working part time at a State Farm office. I became aware of an opening at, then,

Al Welsh Insurance Center in 1980 and made the big move from State Farm to an Independent Agency. My mother was worried. She wasn’t sure that an Independent Agency would be around in years to come but was certain State Farm would be. I took a chance, that was nearly 40 years ago.

The agency has evolved into a large multi department agency through the direction of Phil Fox. Phil purchased Al Welsh Insurance Center in 1981 and the journey began. He has an uncanny ability to see the potential in people and I am very grateful that he saw potential in me. I joined him in ownership of the agency many years ago and together we’ve worked to provide solutions for our customers with their insurance needs and a work atmosphere that helps us retain the best employees. We have had the great fortune of having longtime customer and employee relationships. Even after all these years, I still look forward to coming into the office to help our clients.

Life outside of the office is family oriented. I love spending time with my kids and now grandkids, camping, fishing, hunting and just about anything outdoors.

 

TJ Klassen

Personal Lines
Account Executive

I have been in the industry since 1984 and have been an insurance broker selling personal lines for over 13 years. I love helping people understand their policies so they are protected.

 

Sam Beaudette

Senior Commercial Lines
Account Manager

It all started back in 2004 when I was about 15 or 16. My folks got me a car and told me it was my responsibility to pay for the gas and insurance,

so I asked my mom for a job (Tammy). I began working at Insurance Centers of America as the assistant account manager to the Commercial Lines Department. During that time I developed our organizational systems for documentation, which we still use today. Then in 2013 I decided it was probably about time I became a licensed agent. After passing the insurance exam I became an account manager, a position I still hold today, and then in 2017 took on majority of the admin responsibilities for our management systems. At 15/16 it wasn’t even a thought to make insurance a career for myself, but I’m glad that’s where life has brought me. I’m a Colorado Springs native and like most Coloradans enjoy the outdoors, micro-brews, and spending time with the people I love!”

 

Charlotte Kopera

Personal Lines
Account Manager

I started working in insurance 4 years ago, wanting to understand my own coverages. I am now licensed for property, casualty and life insurance.

I have 3 children, two being grown with their own children. I have lived in Colorado springs since I was 1 year old pretty much a native! Love the outdoors!

 

Cheryl Renteria

Commercial Lines
Account Manager

I have been at Insurance Centers of America for 8 years and been in the insurance business for 33 years.

Besides insurance, I enjoy the working out at the gym and being outdoors.

 

Jessica Holder

Commercial Lines
Account Manager

I have been in the insurance industry since 2013, and I started at ICA in June of 2017. I love working for a company that truly values

their customers and provides them with the coverage they need and coverage that they understand. In my spare time I enjoy hiking with my pup Yoshi, spending time with family and friends and reading.

 

Andrea Powell

PERSONAL LINES
ACCOUNT MANAGER

I recently joined ICA after moving from Arizona to Colorado. I’ve lived in Arizona all my life and decided I’ve had enough of the heat. I’m married,

have 4 grown children and 2 Grandchildren. I love traveling, nature walks and reading. Insurance has been my lifetime profession and passion. I understand insurance is a critical part of our lives and truly value the trust each and everyone of my customers places in me. I feel honored to be a part of the ICA team of insurance professionals and look forward to making a difference in the lives of those that I cross paths with.

 

Chris Viton

Account Executive

I have been in the insurance industry for the past seven years and worked with a local American Family Agent here in Colorado Springs. A native of Illinois I worked in Bank Management in the midwest

for many years before moving to Colorado with my wife and son in 2013. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, photography, and woodworking.

 

Shannon Scott

Personal Lines Assistant Account Manager

My husband and I are originally from Texas and moved to Nebraska for three years and were lucky enough to get relocated to Colorado,

which we now consider home. I was a hairstylist for 15 years but had to leave the industry in 2016, and that is when I started a career in insurance with a local American Family Agent. My husband and I just welcomed our first baby boy to our family on February 29th, and he has been such a joy. I love exploring this beautiful state with hiking, camping, fishing, etc. and dabble in photography in my spare time.

 

Bonnie

Administrative
Specialist

I have lived in Colorado Springs for the last 26 years with my five grown and married children and four grandchildren.

My family and I enjoy exploring the many hiking trails in Colorado Springs and around our state.

 

Glen Kasa

Agency
Operations

I moved to CO in 2004 and got married to my beautiful wife, Elena, in 2009. We’ve been blessed with two wonderful children,

Bella in 2010 and Noah in 2014. I’ve been in the insurance industry since 2013 and thoroughly enjoy every aspect of working with and helping people. One of my goals in life is to hike every 14er in CO.