Eric has deep roots in the Richmond Community. He attended Test Middle School and was a member of the Richmond High School State Champion Football Team in 1968. Eric attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he played football and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972.

In 1981, Eric started VanVleet Insurance on his own. Two decades later, his son Brad was a graduate fresh out of University of Dayton, and looking for a job in the industry. “I was torn about whether I should hire Brad right away or encourage him to work for someone else,” Eric says. But Eric’s insurance instructor at the time counseled him in the right direction, saying: “If he is as good as you say he could be, hire him now or you will never get him back!” 

And from humble beginnings, VanVleet Insurance has grown to be one of the largest Erie Insurance agencies in the state of Indiana. “It’s been most gratifying working with my son and daughter in law along with creating opportunities for several other young people to develop careers in our business,” Eric says.

Eric is a Certified Insurance Counselor with a specialty in commercial business. These days, he plays the role of mentor in the office, working daily at the VanVleet building on East Main Street and still positively impacting the community.

Through the years, Eric has been very active in the Richmond community as a board member of the Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, YMCA, Communities in Schools, and a United Way mentor in middle school for twelve years. Eric currently serves as the Chairman of the Board at Wayne Bank.

Outside of work, Eric has been a self-proclaimed “gym rat” for 50 years. He loves to travel to see how others spend this gift of life, and has visited Africa, Europe, South America and Costa Rica.

Brad was born and raised right here in Richmond, Indiana. After graduating from Richmond High School in 1997, Brad headed to the University of Dayton, where he met his future wife, Kelly. Brad played on the Dayton Flyers football team through all four years of college, and was voted captain during his senior season. Brad was a self-proclaimed “broke college kid,” mowing lawns and doing construction in the Indiana summer sun. During his final summer in college, Brad took an internship with State Farm Insurance.

After graduating from University of Dayton with a degree in Marketing, Brad moved home with his girlfriend Kelly to Richmond and started working with his father, Eric VanVleet, founder of VanVleet Insurance. Brad and Kelly were soon married. Brad continued to grow his career working with his father, and that’s where this family business began: Brad was a personal lines producer right out of college, with his experience at State Farm under his belt, and his father Eric at his side. Over the next ten years, Brad transitioned to a personal, commercial, life & health agent, providing top-notch customer service to the Richmond community.

Shortly after Brad and Kelly had their second child, Brad needed administrative support at the office, and Kelly was eager to get back to the workforce. What started as a few days at the office turned into a next-level family business. “I love working with family,” Brad says. “I am so proud of the organization we are building together!”

Today, Brad is President of VanVleet Insurance. He takes pride in the relationships his family has built with clients. “I see myself as an insurance advisor more than a sales agent,” Brad says.  “I really enjoy helping people. That’s why we’re here: our goal is to educate clients about risk management, come to shared understanding, and create realistic solutions.”

Brad and Kelly have two children, Drew and Bryn, who are both athletic, just like their parents. Brad stays active with his kids, following their athletic careers and even volunteering for the Richmond Youth Football League. “I went from College Football to Crossfit and now, I’m at a little slower pace playing Pickle Ball,” Brad says.

A true Richmond local, Brad currently serves on the Reid Health Physician Associates (RHPA) Board Committee and Cope Facility Committee. Brad has also spent time on the Boards of Directors for the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Cope Environmental Center, YMCA, and HYPE Wayne County (Helping Young Professionals Engage).

Kelly is originally from Fishers, Indiana. She played Division I softball at the University of Dayton, where she met her husband, Brad VanVleet. Brad played football at the University. The two started dating in college. Kelly graduated with a degree in Elementary Education before moving home to save up some money. Brad started working for the VanVleet family business in Richmond, and one year later, Brad and Kelly were married. “I knew our future was in Richmond,” Kelly says now.

Kelly taught for five years at Seton Catholic Schools in Richmond. In her role as a teacher, Kelly was extremely dedicated to planning thorough curriculum and creating an inspiring space for her students to learn and grow. As Brad and Kelly started their family, Kelly did a short stint as a stay-at-home mom (for just 6 months after their second child was born). Itching to get out of the house, Kelly says, “Brad convinced me to start coming into the office a few hours a week to help him…and a few hours a week grew over the years!”

Now, Kelly is the Marketing Manager at VanVleet. Kelly works to maintaining the company’s website, managing social media accounts, encouraging customer referrals, developing and implementing marketing campaigns, facilitating community sponsorship, and hosting Customer Appreciation Events.

“I take great pride in helping Brad continue what his dad has built,” Kelly says.

With community-building at her core, Kelly spends a great deal of time volunteering in Richmond. She’s served on the Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors from 2007-2022. She’s the President of the Richmond Rose Garden Board of Directors. And she continues to use her passion for education as a regular volunteer at Seton Catholic Schools.

Brad and Kelly have two children, Drew and Bryn, who are both athletic and energetic. On an average weekend, their family bounces from volleyball courts, to the gym for basketball and out at the football fields. “All I do is drive!” Kelly says.

In (rare) free time, Kelly loves running. She’s completed more than 15 half-marathons. “I’m not out there to set any records,” Kelly says. “Just to say that I can still do it!” She and Brad also enjoy working on their home, where it always seems like they have a project in progress.

Kyle grew up in suburban Detroit. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, OH, where he played lacrosse. On an academic program in Philadelphia, Kyle met Alison Clark Zajdel, his future wife. After college, Kyle worked for one year at Indiana University East as an academic advisor to students in the Business Department. Before joining VanVleet Insurance, he indulged his sweet tooth at Ghyslain Chocolatier in Union City, Indiana as a Sales Manager for five years.

In 2008, Kyle became a Personal P&C Lines Agent with a focus on home, auto, and life insurance coverage. In 2009, he was promoted to be an All Lines Health & Life Agent with a broader umbrella of insurance including personal, life, and employer sponsored health & life insurance.

Kyle became the Vice President of Health & Life Sales in 2015. Since then, he has led the efforts to expand Employer Sponsored Health & Life Insurance. As the VanVleet agent, Kyle creates opportunities to provide clear, accessible information to employers and their employees and helps make data-driven and trackable solutions possible. “VanVleet Insurance is a great atmosphere to work in,” Kyle says, “We’re encouraged to explore unique ideas to reach long-term solutions for our clients.”

Kyle and his wife Alison have two children, Maggie and Joel. A member of the Richmond community since 2002, Kyle is the Manager of Richmond Lacrosse Club, which he helped start in 2019. He also serves as a youth wrestling and soccer coach. 

Outside of work, he stays active in what he calls “old-man sports,” including basketball, ultimate Frisbee, disc golf and pickle ball. Kyle also enjoys tasting the results of his beer brewing, cooking, and baking. He and his family recently started keeping bees in their backyard.

Valerie Huffman has lived in Wayne County most of her life, where she learned the ropes growing up on a family farm. She is a graduate of Centerville High School.

Valerie joined VanVleet Insurance Agency in February 2010. She is licensed in property and casualty and life and health insurance. Valerie is dedicated to furthering her education in the insurance industry. As recognition of her hard work, Valerie has earned the distinguished Certified Insurance Counselor, CIC, designation and the Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist, AFIS, designation.

Valerie lives in the Hagerstown area with her husband, Brian, and daughter, Lanie. Outside of work, she stays busy caring for the animals in their hobby farm, including one horse, two miniature donkeys, four cats, and two dogs! Valerie still enjoys helping out on her parents’ farm and volunteering to help with the local 4-H whenever she can. Valerie also likes doing projects around the house and yard, including landscaping projects and working to grow a garden. She loves fast cars, old cars and trucks. Always searching for unique gems, Valerie likes to go antiquing with her mother on weekends.”

Bradley has lived in Wayne County for most of his life. He graduated from Hagerstown High School in 2012, then from Grace College in 2015 with a degree in marketing.

Bradley started his career in insurance at State Farm two years before joining VanVleet in July 2018. “I built a foundation of knowledge there that I continue to develop daily,” Bradley says.

In his position at VanVleet, Bradley prides himself on providing a supportive customer experience. He strives to be responsive to client needs, offer care and support under stressful circumstances, and use his knowledge to reach solutions. To Bradley, each day of work is all about crafting the VanVleet Insurance experience; “We do that in a way that’s different from anyone else,” he says. “We’ve built an amazingly supportive culture here at VanVleet.”

Outside of work, Bradley is an active committee member of HYPE Wayne County (Helping Young Professionals Engage), and a volunteer and Board Member of the Junior Achievement program. He’s involved in his local church, and spends as much time as he can with family and friends. Bradley is a member of Highland Lake Golf Course, where he likes to hit the links with his brother (and VanVleet Insurance coworker), Jonathan.

When he’s not on the golf course, Bradley stays busy hunting, fishing, traveling, and attending sporting events for his favorite teams, including IU, Cincinnati Reds, Indianapolis Colts, and Indiana Pacers. 

jeffe@vanvleetinsurance.com

Jeff Eckerle joined VanVleet Insurance in September of 2020 as a Personal Lines Agent. Jeff brings a diverse range of experience in the insurance industry.

Jeff grew up in Connersville, Indiana, where he graduated from Connersville Senior High School. Jeff earned his degree in ministry from Sonshine School of Evangelism before choosing to pursue a career in insurance. Jeff married his wife Christy in 2013, and after the two sojourned in Montana, they decided to make Richmond their home.

Jeff has just over ten years of experience in the insurance industry.  For Jeff, the most fulfilling part about working with VanVleet customers is helping people get the correct insurance coverage that will support them through any situation. “Each step has taught me the ins and outs of this industry,” Jeff says. “I use my experience to get my customers the best coverage at the best price and make sure they have the coverage that will cover all of their needs when disaster strikes.”

Outside of work, Jeff is a board member for Junior Achievement.

Christy and Jeff have two children. Their family attends Greensfork Christian Church. When he’s not spending time with his family, Jeff enjoys watching, playing, and learning about sports. “I love the fact that I have moved back to Indiana to be immersed in our state’s culture of basketball,” Jeff says.  Jeff roots for the Indiana Hoosiers and Pacers in basketball, Notre Dame Fighting Irish in college football, the Cincinnati Reds in baseball, and the Indianapolis Colts in pro football. Jeff is also interested in water polo, curling, speedskating, and luge.

Kyle 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 14 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 graduated from Hagerstown High School, followed by Earlham College, where she still holds the school record for discus, weight throw, javelin and hammer throw. Right out of college, Loni spent five years as an assistant volleyball coach at Manchester College. Then, she moved back to Richmond to be the head volleyball coach at her alma mater for 3 years.  After spending some time in Muncie, Loni moved back to the area about 5 years ago. 

In 2016, Loni joined VanVleet’s front desk team. She quickly transitioned into her current role, helping clients navigate the Medicare process. “I am basically a moving talking encyclopedia for all things Medicare,” Loni says. “I take a very complicated subject and simplify it for our clients so that they can understand and make the best choice for them.” Loni credits her experience as a volleyball coach for her patience and flexibility in assisting clients.   

“I want my clients to leave here thinking they bought the best thing for them,” Loni says, “not that I sold them something.”

Outside of work, Loni has volunteered to help the Northeastern track and field throwers in the past. She spends most of her time on her family farm, established in the early 1900s, which keeps her busy. “I enjoy the nature,” Loni says. “It is very peaceful and seeing different animals wonder by is always a treat.” Loni has an active mixed-breed dog who she loves to spend time with. Loni is also a big sports fan and enjoys watching Notre Dame football games and IU basketball

danielleo@vanvleetinsurance.com

Danielle was born and raised in Richmond. She graduated from Northeastern High School in 2006 before heading to Indiana University East to study Elementary Education. During college, she student-taught 5th graders at Liberty Elementary School. Danielle achieved her bachelors degree in Elementary Education in 2010. 

Before joining VanVleet Insurance, Danielle spent eight years serving her community as a Family Coach for Early Head Start. “It was fulfilling to see the growth in children and families over the years,” Danielle says. “Sometimes, their accomplishments were noticeable even from week to week.” She also has experience working in retail and restaurants.

In 2018, Danielle started as a Claims Manager. She became the Commercial Account Manager in April 2020. The best part of her job? “Helping make people happy,” Danielle says. She applies her dedication to customer satisfaction to all her responsibilities. Danielle is the go-to-gal for business clients, assisting with quoting and writing new business, reviewing and processing renewal business, processing policy changes, generating and distributing certificates of insurance.

“It is great to get to help people when they are in need,” Danielle says, “And rewarding when they are doing well and look to us to help them stay on track!”

Danielle recently married her husband, Eric, and gained a beautiful daughter, Tabitha, through that union. Danielle’s family lives on the county line between Fayette and Union Counties with their fur baby Roxie and a flock of chickens. Danielle spends her days with family whenever possible, playing games, spending quiet moments in their hammock that overlooks the countryside, cooking, or just working around the house.

In her free time, Danielle is interested in more traditional hobbies and activities that help her family become more self-sufficient, including crocheting, knitting, quilting, canning, baking, and doing yard work. And those skills aren’t reserved just for Danielle’s family; “We enjoy helping others in our community when we can,” Danielle says, “Even if it’s just helping someone mow or making them a meal.”

 Carol was born and raised in Indianapolis. She graduated from Warren Central High School with Academic Honors in 2000, then moved for the first time out of Indiana to attend Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Carol achieved her BS in Business Administration with a concentration in management and an accounting focus.

Carol and her husband Adam married in 2002. Before they had kids, the couple moved around quite a bit, so Carol became accustomed to being the new gal at the office. She worked in banking for several years, in Financial Aid at her alma mater, and at an insurance agency in Kentucky before moving back to Indiana in 2013.

Carol has worked full-time while being a mom to two kids, managing her household and supporting her husband, who is a Children’s Minister. Thankfully, Carol is adaptive to new situations, and carries her attention to detail with her wherever she goes.

In 2014, Carol joined VanVleet as a member of the front desk staff, where her vast experience in business administration immediately came in handy. In her current role, Carol is responsible for all things customer service. Her best days at work involve working with clients; “I like helping folks understand the details so they can make the best decision for their situation,” Carol says. “We are not salespeople, we are here to provide information.”  She also handles the company’s bookkeeping.

Carol and her husband, Adam, juggle a robust schedule of activities for their kids, Addi and Cooper, and for themselves! They are constantly attending sporting events, school activities, and church functions.

In her sparse free time, Carol enjoys photography, puzzles, and reading (especially books for teens), including sci-fi, mystery and fiction novels. Among all that, she makes time for a side gig she calls Carol’s Glitz and Glam

michellel@vanvleetinsurance.com

  Michelle grew up in the Richmond area and has lived here all of her life. She is a graduate of Northeastern High School. 

Michelle Larsh joined as a Commercial Account Assistant with clinical needs in January of 2023. Before joining VanVleet Insurance, Michelle was most recently a stay-at-home mom with her three children. She has one son in high school and two daughters in middle school. Michelle also has a husband that runs a local business. 

Michelle came to VanVleet Insurance with the anticipation to meet new people. She says her positive experience with everyone at the office is a fulfilling part of her job; their helpful and inviting personalities create an enjoyable environment to work in. 

When it comes to our community, Michelle volunteers at the Help the Animals Shelter and Bridges for Life here in Richmond. Michelle loves dedicating her time outside of work to fostering puppies and kittens for the help shelter. 

In her free time, Michelle enjoys boating, reading, and spending time with her friends and family. 

Born in Denver, Colorado, Carolyn moved to Richmond when she was a child. She graduated from Richmond High School, then and Indiana University. After college, Carolyn lived and worked in St. Louis, Missouri and West Chester, Ohio before moving back to Richmond in the early 2000s.   

Before joining VanVleet Insurance, Carolyn has worked in banking, as a Business Group Travel Accountant, a pre-school teacher’s assistant and a Certified Pre-Planning Consultant in a funeral home. Carolyn gained 8 years of experience in commercial insurance before joining the VanVleet family in September 2018. 

Carolyn started in a part-time position at VanVleet, assisting with commercial insurance and receptionist duties. She became a full-time employee in August 2019, starting in personal lines quoting home, auto, boat, motorcycle, etc. “It’s a daily learning experience and I really enjoy talking to people and helping them reach their goals,” Carolyn says.

Carolyn is married with two children, now 28 and 26, three step-children and four grandchildren. Outside of work, Carolyn enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with friends and family – especially her grandchildren.

nathaniela@vanvleetinsurance.com

Nathaniel Arnett, proud member of the United States Army Reserve, grew up in Richmond and Brookville, Ohio. He was homeschooled from kindergarten through high school. 

Before joining VanVleet, Nathaniel gained experience as an Auto Claims Adjuster for Safeco Insurance and developed procedures for claims processes as a Claims Analyst for Garretson Resolution Group.

Nathaniel became part of the VanVleet Insurance team in November 2022 as a Claims Support Specialist. He works with customers to file claims, conducts policy review for coverage relating to losses, and is committed to providing the highest quality service possible. His favorite part of the job is helping customers understand how their insurance works for them. 

Outside of the office, Nathaniel enjoys spending time with his wife Susan and stepson Seth. They like to hike, kayak, and ride motorcycles together. Nathaniel is an active participant in shows with the Richmond Civic Theatre, both onstage and in technical support roles. In his free time, you might find Nathaniel reading or working on a project around the house, or maybe teaching a Country Western square-dancing class! After more than fourteen years teaching square-dancing, he’s a strong supporter of local businesses. 

amandaw@vanvleetinsurance.com

Amanda Wolfe, a Customer Service Representative, joined the VanVleet Insurance family in May 2022.

Amanda is a Richmond native. She attended Crestdale Elementary and Dennis Middle School before graduating from Richmond High School in 2021. Before joining VanVleet, Amanda gained experience in providing exceptional customer support at Reid Health.

At VanVleet, Amanda is one of the friendly voices greeting you in our office or over the phone. “I love meeting and working with new people and making our customers and clients feel welcomed,” Amanda says. “Every single VanVleet Insurance client is very special to us, and we work hard to make sure everyone knows and feels that.”

Outside of work, Amanda likes to hang out with friends and family, and attend her brother’s baseball games. On summer weekends, you can find Amanda playing sand volleyball or fishing with friends. She and her boyfriend also enjoy going out of town to explore new activities and restaurants.

Katie was born and raised in Richmond. She graduated from Richmond High School before attending Indiana University East, where she earned her associates degree in general studies. Katie worked at Stults Family Dentistry in high school and studied nursing initially at IU East before deciding on a path to work in business.

Anabelle is originally from South Bend, Indiana. She moved to Richmond in 2012 and is now a senior at Seton Catholic High School. After she graduates, Anabelle plans on majoring in Business Administration, Marketing, or Finance at the University of Cincinnati. She is joining our team for two semesters as an intern exploring the world of Marketing. Anabelle’s goal while interning at VanVleet Insurance is to get more heads to turn toward our company through her use of art and creativity. Anabelle hopes to leave VanVleet Insurance with more knowledge of marketing and how we, as a team, help make our clients as happy as possible. 

Lennon is originally from Richmond, Indiana.  He is now a senior at Seton Catholic High School and graduates in the spring. Lennon is on the Seton baseball team and enjoys going to the gym. After Lennon graduates, he plans on majoring in Business Management at the University of Indianapolis. Lennon will be joining our team for one semester to further his knowledge in the world of Life and Health with Kyle Dafler and Kyle Zajdel. Lennon’s goal while interning at VanVleet Insurance is to broaden his knowledge in what goes into running a business. 

Allyson Capps was born and raised in Richmond. Ally graduated from Richmond High School in 2022, and currently attends IU East to major in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing. 

Allyson joined VanVleet in March 2023 as a Group Health Sales Intern. 

Working at VanVleet Insurance, Ally says that she enjoys meeting and working with new clients to help them find the best policy that fits their needs. She says that she enjoys the positive teamwork that surrounds the office. 

Before coming to VanVleet Insurance, Ally worked as a Sales Associate at Dillard’s. She continues to help with the IU East External Affairs office, helping to put on different events throughout the community. 

In her free time, Ally enjoys running, painting, and traveling. Ally also attends spin cycle classes!