OUR TEAM
Our People Are Our Brand!
Jump to a specific team with the buttons below.
Personal & Commercial Insurance Team
ERIC VANVLEET
Founder
BRAD VANVLEET
President
VALERIE HUFFMAN, CIC, AFIS
Sales Executive
BRAD CLARK
Senior Sales Agent
JEFF ECKERLE
Personal Lines Sales Agent
CAROLYN KRITSCH
Personal Lines Sales Agent
CAROL STEVENSON
Personal Lines Senior Account Manager
ALISHA TIPPETT
Personal Lines Account Manager
NOAH MULLINS
Personal Lines Account Manager
DANIELLE ONSTOTT
Commercial Lines Senior Account Manager
STACEY LAMMERS
Commercial Lines Account Manager
MICHELLE LARSH
Commercial Lines Account Assistant
MACKENZIE YATES
Personal Lines Account Assistant
Life & Individual Health Team
LONI CLARK
Individual Health & Senior Medical Plans
NATHANIEL ARNETT
Life Insurance Agent
Employee Benefits Sales & Service
KYLE ZAJDEL
Vice President of Health and Life Sales
KYLE DAFLER
Senior Employee Benefits Consultant
TIM MILLER
Benefits Consultant
KATIE EVANS
Group Health Account Manager
WENDY SHURTE
Group Health Account Manager
CHARITY HUSTON
Group Health Account Assistant
Operations
KATE CLINTON
Customer Service Agent
KELLY VANVLEET
Director of Operations
TRINITY PARKER
Claims Support
ERIC VANVLEET
Founder
Eric VanVleet has deep roots in the Richmond community. A graduate of Richmond High School and Miami University, where he played football, Eric founded VanVleet Insurance in 1981. Years later, his son Brad joined the agency, continuing the family business.
Over the years, VanVleet Insurance has grown into one of Indiana’s largest Erie Insurance agencies. Eric spent much of his career working with commercial business clients and today serves as a mentor within the agency, remaining actively involved in the office and community.
Eric has long been committed to community service, serving on numerous local boards and currently serving as on the board at Wayne Bank.
Eric has been married to his wife, Linda, for more than 50 years. They have two children, Brad and Shannon, and are proud grandparents to five grandchildren. Outside of work, he is an avid fitness enthusiast and enjoys traveling, having visited destinations around the world.
BRAD VANVLEET
President/Personal & Commercial Lines Agent
Brad VanVleet is a lifelong Richmond native and President of VanVleet Insurance. A graduate of Richmond High School and the University of Dayton, Brad played four years of collegiate football with the Dayton Flyers and served as team captain his senior year.
After earning his degree in Marketing, Brad returned home to work alongside his father, Eric VanVleet, continuing the family insurance business. Over the years, he has worked across personal, commercial, life, and health insurance, with a focus on building long-term client relationships and helping individuals and businesses understand their coverage options.
Brad takes pride in VanVleet Insurance’s deep community roots and values an advisor-based approach centered on education and service. He and his wife, Kelly, have two children, Drew and Bryn, and Brad remains actively involved in the Richmond community.
KELLY VANVLEET
Director of Operations
Kelly VanVleet is the Director of Operations at VanVleet Insurance. Originally from Fishers, Indiana, Kelly played Division I softball at the University of Dayton, where she earned a degree in Elementary Education and met her husband, Brad VanVleet.
After teaching for five years at Seton Catholic Schools in Richmond, Kelly stepped into the family business, where her role steadily expanded from part‑time support into a leadership position. Today, she oversees daily operations and helps ensure the agency runs efficiently while maintaining its commitment to service and community.
Kelly and Brad are the proud parents of two collegiate athletes—Drew, who attends the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and plays football, and Bryn, who attends Cleveland State University and plays volleyball. Most weekends, you’ll find Kelly and Brad cheering them on from the sidelines.
KYLE ZAJDEL
Vice President of Health and Life Sales
Kyle Zajdel grew up in suburban Detroit and attended Ohio Wesleyan University, where he played lacrosse. After college, he worked as an academic advisor at Indiana University East before spending five years as a Sales Manager at Ghyslain Chocolatier.
Kyle joined VanVleet Insurance in 2008 as a Personal P&C Lines Agent and soon expanded into health and life insurance. In 2015, he was named Vice President of Health & Life Sales, where he continues to lead the growth of employer-sponsored health and life insurance solutions. Kyle values helping employers and employees better understand their benefits and make informed, data-driven decisions.
Kyle and his wife, Alison, have two children, Maggie and Joel. Maggie currently attends Ohio University. Outside of work, Kyle enjoys staying active, home brewing, cooking, baking, and keeping bees with his family.
VALERIE HUFFMAN, CIC, AFIS
Sales Executive
Valerie Huffman has lived in Wayne County most of her life and is a graduate of Centerville High School. Raised on a family farm, she brings a strong work ethic and deep local ties to VanVleet Insurance, where she has been a team member since February 2010.
Valerie is licensed in property & casualty as well as life & health insurance and is committed to ongoing professional development. She holds the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS) designations.
Valerie lives in the Hagerstown area with her husband, Brian. Her daughter, Lainey, is now out of the house and recently welcomed a baby. Outside of work, Valerie enjoys caring for their hobby farm, tackling home and landscaping projects, antiquing with family, and driving her restored 1953 Chevy pickup “Ola”.
BRAD CLARK
Senior Sales Agent
Bradley Clark has lived in Wayne County most of his life and is a graduate of Hagerstown High School and Grace College, where he earned a degree in marketing. He began his insurance career at State Farm before joining VanVleet Insurance in July 2018.
At VanVleet, Bradley focuses on providing a supportive and responsive client experience, especially during stressful situations. He values building strong relationships and contributing to the agency’s collaborative, service‑driven culture.
Bradley and his wife, Katelyn, are the proud parents of two boys, Jett and Hudson. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active in his local church, golfing at Hartley Hills, and following his favorite sports teams.
JEFF ECKERLE
Personal Lines Sales Agent
Jeff Eckerle joined VanVleet Insurance in September 2020 as a Personal Lines Agent and brings more than ten years of experience in the insurance industry. A native of Connersville, Indiana, Jeff earned a degree in ministry before pursuing a career in insurance and now enjoys helping clients better understand coverage that supports them through life’s uncertainties.
Jeff lives in Richmond with his wife, Christy, and their two children. Outside of work, he serves on the board for Junior Achievement, attends Greensfork Christian Church, and enjoys following sports—especially Indiana basketball.
KYLE DAFLER
Senior Benefits Consultant
Kyle Dafler grew up in Eaton, Ohio and graduated from Eaton High School, where he played football and swam. Kyle worked for Aflac Insurance for 15 years before joining the VanVleet Insurance team in October 2018.
In his role at VanVleet, Kyle is an Employee Benefits Specialist. “I get the opportunity to work with our clients and prospects to form a benefits strategy that fulfills their immediate needs along with accomplishing strategic goals,” Kyle says. His favorite part about working at VanVleet is the incredible group of people he works with.
Kyle is a member of the LifeSpring Church Board. Kyle has been married to his beautiful wife, Laura, for 15 years, and they have two daughters named Kate and Julia.
Outside of work, Kyle loves to watch his kids, nieces, and nephews in their swim meets. In his free time, you can find Kyle working in the garden or building furniture by hand.
LONI CLARK
Individual Health & Senior Medical Plans
Loni Clark is a graduate of Hagerstown High School and Earlham College, where she set multiple school records in track and field throwing events. After college, she spent several years coaching volleyball at the collegiate and high school levels before returning to the Richmond area.
Loni joined VanVleet Insurance in 2016 and now helps clients navigate the Medicare process. Loni enjoys simplifying a complex topic so clients can feel confident in their decisions.
Outside of work, Loni spends much of her time on her family’s farm, enjoys being outdoors with her dog, and is an avid Notre Dame football and IU basketball fan.
DANIELLE ONSTOTT, CISR
Commercial Lines Senior Account Manager
Danielle Onstott is a Richmond native and graduate of Northeastern High School and Indiana University East, where she earned a degree in Elementary Education. Before joining VanVleet Insurance, she spent eight years serving local families as a Family Coach with Early Head Start.
Danielle joined VanVleet in 2018 and currently serves as Commercial Lines Senior Account Manager. She enjoys helping business clients navigate their insurance needs and supporting them through quoting, renewals, policy changes, and certificates of insurance.
Danielle lives with her husband, Eric, and their pets on the county line between Fayette and Union Counties. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, homesteading projects, cooking, crafting, and helping others in the community whenever she can.
CAROL STEVENSON
Personal Lines Senior Account Manager
Carol Stevenson was born and raised in Indianapolis and holds a degree in Business Administration from Olivet Nazarene University. She brings a diverse background in banking, financial aid, and insurance, shaped by years of adapting to new roles while balancing a busy family life.
Carol joined VanVleet Insurance in 2014 and now serves as Personal Lines Senior Account Manager. Known for her attention to detail and client-first approach, she enjoys helping customers understand their coverage options and also supports the agency through bookkeeping duties.
Carol and her husband, Adam, stay busy with their children, Addi and Cooper, attending school, sports, and church activities. In her free time, she enjoys photography, puzzles, and reading.
MICHELLE LARSH
Commercial Lines Account Assistant
Michelle Larsh is a lifelong Richmond-area resident and a graduate of Northeastern High School. She brings strong local ties and a deep understanding of the community to her role at VanVleet Insurance.
As a Commercial Account Assistant, Michelle supports the commercial team with organization, responsiveness, and a positive, steady presence. She enjoys working closely with colleagues and clients alike and values the collaborative, welcoming culture at VanVleet Insurance.
Michelle is actively involved in the Richmond community, volunteering with Help the Animals Shelter and Bridges for Life. She especially enjoys fostering puppies and kittens for the local shelter. Outside of work, Michelle spends her time boating, reading, and making memories with her family and friends.
CAROLYN KRITSCH
Personal Lines Sales Agent
Carolyn Kritsch was born in Denver, Colorado and moved to Richmond as a child. She is a graduate of Richmond High School and Indiana University and returned to Richmond in the early 2000s after living and working in St. Louis, Missouri and West Chester, Ohio.
Before joining VanVleet Insurance in 2018, Carolyn gained diverse professional experience in banking, accounting, education, funeral pre-planning, and eight years in commercial insurance. At VanVleet, she has supported both commercial and personal lines, assisting clients with coverage such as home, auto, and recreational insurance. She enjoys learning, connecting with people, and helping clients work toward their goals.
Carolyn is married with two children, stepchildren, and grandchildren. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
NATHANIEL ARNETT
Life Insurance Agent
Nathaniel Arnett, a proud member of the U.S. Army Reserve, grew up in Richmond and Brookville, Ohio. Homeschooled through high school, he developed the discipline and self-motivation that continue to serve him well.
Nathaniel began his career as an Auto Claims Adjuster with Safeco Insurance and later worked as a Claims Analyst at Garretson Resolution Group. He joined VanVleet Insurance in November 2022, assisting with claims and customer service, and transitioned into health and life insurance in 2025, where he enjoys helping clients protect what matters most.
Outside of work, Nathaniel enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, Susan, and stepson, Seth. He is active in Richmond Civic Theatre and teaches Country Western square dancing, supporting community engagement and local businesses.
NOAH MULLINS
Personal Lines Account Manager
Noah Mullins joined VanVleet Insurance at the end of 2025 and helps provide quality customer service to our personal line insurance clients. Originally from Boston, Indiana, Noah is a graduate of Liberty High School and brings a strong work ethic shaped by his background in football and wrestling, along with his previous experience working in construction.
Noah earned his Property and Casualty insurance license in 2025 while working at a State Farm agency. Noah enjoys building relationships and is always eager to help. What he appreciates most about VanVleet Insurance is the positive environment and the people, whom he describes as very enjoyable to work with.
Outside of the office, Noah stays busy helping his mom with her boutique, Olive Juice Primitives, in Liberty. He is also a proud father to his daughter, Nora. In his free time, Noah is an avid Buffalo Bills fan and a big wrestling enthusiast.
KATIE EVANS
Group Health Account Manager
Katie Evans was born and raised in Richmond and is a graduate of Richmond High School and Indiana University East, where she earned an associate degree in general studies. Before joining VanVleet Insurance, she explored both healthcare and business-focused roles, helping shape her client-centered approach.
Katie is part of VanVleet’s Group Health Department, where she enjoys building relationships and providing high-quality customer service grounded in integrity and professionalism. She values the collaborative team culture and VanVleet’s commitment to the Richmond community.
Katie has three children enrolled in Richmond Community Schools. Outside of work, she is active in Tri Kappa, enjoys baking and home improvement projects, and brings the same determination to life that once fueled her experience as a competitive powerlifter.
ALISHA TIPPETT
Personal Lines Account Manager
Alisha Tippett was born and raised in Richmond and is a graduate of Richmond High School. She began her career in the culinary field, earning an associate degree in Pastry Arts, before returning to school to complete an associate degree in accounting and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Indiana University East.
Before joining VanVleet Insurance, Alisha worked as an office manager, customer service specialist, and substitute teacher. In her role as a Customer Service Agent, she enjoys working as part of a team and takes pride in helping clients feel welcomed and valued.
Outside of work, Alisha enjoys spending time with her high school sweetheart, two adult children, and grandchildren. She loves being outdoors, traveling, attending concerts, and discovering new restaurants and bakeries. A trained pastry chef at heart, Alisha still finds joy in baking and sharing food with others.
CHARITY HUSTON
Group Health Account Assistant
Charity Huston joined VanVleet Insurance in November 2025 as a Group Health Account Assistant. Born in Hamilton, Ohio, she moved several times before settling in Eaton, where she graduated from Eaton High School. Charity went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Informatics from Indiana University East.
Before joining our team, Charity spent nine years as a stay‑at‑home mom. Once her children were school‑aged, she worked at their preschool and served as a substitute teacher, roles that strengthened her passion for helping others. She enjoys being part of a collaborative team and is eager to build meaningful relationships with clients while helping them understand their benefits. Charity shares that she has already loved the supportive atmosphere at VanVleet, noting how dedicated everyone is to providing exceptional service.
Charity is a proud mom of three active children who participate in year‑round sports. A big sports family, she has loved coaching her kids’ soccer and basketball teams over the years. Outside the gym, her family enjoys tent camping twice every summer—Red River Gorge is one of her favorite getaway spots. In quieter moments, Charity also enjoys spending time reading.
WENDY SHURTE
Group Health Account Manager
WendyS@vanvleetinsurance.com
Wendy Shurte joined the VanVleet team in the fall of 2023 as a Grouop Health Account Manager. Wendy was born in Buffalo, New York and moved to Richmond in middle school. She is a graduate of Richmond High School and has a Bachelors in Business Administration from IU East.
Prior to joining the team at VanVleet, Wendy worked for almost 8 years in Material Services at Reid Hospital.
Wendy prides herself on providing excellent customer serivce and enjoys servicing the Wayne County area.
When not working Wendy enjoys spending time with her nephews, going to Paint the Town, and bowling. She is also a huge sports fan and attends football and hockey games with her husband.
STACEY LAMMERS
Commercial Lines Account Manager
Born in Manchester, Iowa, Stacey Lammers graduated from Upper Iowa University with a BS in Business. She and her husband, Scot, moved their family to Eaton, Ohio in 2003 to pursue Scot’s career in Animal Nutrition.
Before joining VanVleet in September of 2023, Stacey worked for 14 years in commercial lines at another independent insurance agency. Stacey has always enjoyed getting to know the customers and working closely with them establisting a strong working relationship.
Stacey and her husband, Scot, have 3 kids. Griffin is a graduate of Ball State and is working for Perfect Game baseball in Kennesaw, Georgia. They also have twins, Carysn & Justin. Carysn is working towards a Zoology degree at Kent State and Justin is studying Film & Video at Ohio University.
Stacey spends her free time watching Iowa Hawkeye sports and taking day long “adventures” that lead to new brewery or bourbon tastings. She loves all things MUSIC and secretely would love to be a writer. Ask her about her blog!
TRINITY PARKER
Receptionist
Trinity Parker is a Wayne County native who was born in Richmond and returned to the area several years ago after spending time in Illinois. She brings strong local ties and a people‑focused background to her work at VanVleet Insurance.
Trinity joined VanVleet Insurance in September 2024 as a receptionist, where she quickly became a welcoming and dependable point of contact for clients. She now supports the team in a Claims Support role, continuing to build on her commitment to service in the agency’s positive, collaborative environment.
Before joining VanVleet, Trinity built a diverse skill set through roles as a hairdresser, youth minister, and Development Coordinator at Seton Catholic High School—experiences that strengthened her communication, organization, and relationship‑building abilities.
Trinity is married to Jordan Parker, and together they have a daughter, Elizabeth.
TIM MILLER
Benefits Consultant
Tim was born in Maine but raised in west central Ohio. He graduated from Mechanicsburg High School and then earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Cedarville University.
Tim had two internships in the insurance world during his time in college, including a summer spent with VanVleet Insurance, where he worked primarily with the employee benefits team.
Upon graduation, Tim entered the tech sales world. He worked in roles as an SDR, team lead, manager of sales development, head of sales development, and most recently as founding enterprise account executive at a sports technology company.
Tim returns to VanVleet to help provide unique employee benefits solutions, focusing on the Ohio market. He’s excited to rejoin a close-knit group that’s designed to make a true impact in the community.
Tim lives in Beavercreek, Ohio with his wife Emily, who serves as an elementary school intervention specialist. In their free time, they enjoy hiking, playing pickleball, going for runs, and watching Ohio State basketball games with Bambi, their cat.
Tim also spends his free time suffering through emotional whiplash with the Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds, and Ohio State Buckeyes.
He can juggle, but he cannot fold a fitted sheet.
BRYN VANVLEET
High School Intern
Bryn VanVleet is a senior at Seton Catholic High School. She joined VanVleet Insurance in August of 2024 as an intern.
Bryn is the granddaughter of founder, Eric VanVleet, and the daughter of President, Brad VanVleet. Bryn has been around the business since she was little, helping out with events or completing tasks for her mom, Kelly VanVleet. She has always enjoyed the family environment and has learned her way around the office!
Bryn is committed to Cleveland State University to continue her academic and athletic career. She is excited to continue her volleyball career at the division 1 level. She is intending to major in business and hoping to find a specific interest during her time at VanVleet Insurance.
Being at Seton Catholic all four years of high school, she is involved in the National Honor Society, yearbook, volleyball, track, and is currently running for co-president of the Student Council.
KATE CLINTON
Customer Service Agent
Born in Chicago, Kate Clinton spent most of her life in sunny Naples, Florida. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Hodges University, preparing her for a successful business career.
In 2021, Kate and her family moved to Richmond, opening a new personal and professional chapter full of fresh opportunities.
By late 2024, Kate joined VanVleet Insurance, initially working in the claims department before transitioning to a customer service agent role. Before this, she focused on raising her two children. She appreciates VanVleet’s training and enjoys delivering excellent customer service.
Kate loves spending time with her children, often visiting trampoline parks, farmer’s markets, festivals, thrift stores, and finding new eateries.
Volunteering is a passion for Kate, especially at Arbor Trace Senior Living, where she delights in spending time with residents during bingo, crafts, and chats.
MACKENZIE YATES
ASSISTANT ACCOUNT MANAGER
Mackenzie Yates joined VanVleet Insurance in early January 2026 as an Assistant Account Manager, supporting our Personal Lines team. A Richmond, Indiana native, Mackenzie is a graduate of Richmond High School and brings a strong background in customer service to her role.
Prior to joining VanVleet Insurance, Mackenzie worked as a customer service representative at Family Fitness Works, where she enjoyed meeting new people and building meaningful relationships. At VanVleet, Kenzie helps provide assistance to clients, on the phone and in-person, ensuring they feel supported.
Outside of work, Mackenzie volunteers her time at HELP The Animals Shelter. She also enjoys spending time with her family and helping out with their local businesses.