(888) 881-5765
Commercial
Cody Ritchie CIC
President
critchie@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7629 520-618-3959 View BioBiography
- Led acquisition of firm from BBVA Compass Bank and formed the Crest Insurance Group in June 2010
- Began with Crest’s predecessor firm, Mueller & Associates, in 1993
- Graduated from The University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and from the University of Arizona with a Master of Athletic Administration
- A proud father and husband, other involvements include community work and supporting Arizona Athletics.
Brad Robinson, JD
Senior Vice President and Partner
brobinson@crestins.com LinkedIn 480-689-5325 480-839-2272 View BioBiography
Brad Robinson, JDSenior Vice President and Partner
brobinson@crestins.com LinkedIn 480-689-5325 480-839-2272- Joined Crest Insurance Group as a Principal and Senior Vice-President to open Crest’s Phoenix office in January of 2011
- Formerly a partner and commercial lines insurance producer for The Mahoney Group for over 11 years.
- Graduated from The University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Business Accounting & Finance and a Juris Doctor degree from the DePaul School of Law
- Other interests include golf, watching sporting events, and spending time with his children
Brian D. Imwalle
Senior Vice President and Partner
bimwalle@crestins.com LinkedIn 480-689-5322 480-839-2272 View BioBiography
Brian D. ImwalleSenior Vice President and Partner
bimwalle@crestins.com LinkedIn 480-689-5322 480-839-2272- Joined Crest in May 2012
- Former Vice President and Partner at Lovitt & Touche, Inc. with a specialty background in national account management and marketing
- Graduated from The University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- A former college football player, other involvements include association with the Bank of Tucson and The University of Arizona
Dan Dolan CIC
Senior Vice President and Partner
ddolan@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7622 520-618-3653 View BioBiography
Dan Dolan CICSenior Vice President and Partner
ddolan@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7622 520-618-3653- Joined the firm in 1996
- Spent many years prior in the insurance industry, both as a loss control consultant and an insurance agent for other firms
- Graduated from The University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health
- Active member of many professional trade organizations and community groups; also an outdoorsman who enjoys competitive sailing, hiking and camping
Mike Mesenbrink
Senior Vice President and Partner
mmesenbrink@crestins.com LinkedIn 480-689-5353 480-391-3131 View BioBiography
Mike MesenbrinkSenior Vice President and Partner
mmesenbrink@crestins.com LinkedIn 480-689-5353 480-391-3131- Joined Crest in 2015.
- Former Secretary/Treasurer at Mahoney Group with a specialty background in construction bonds.
- Graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science in Finance.
- Personal interests include golfing, skiing and running.
Pete Couture
Senior Vice President and Partner
pcouture@crestins.com LinkedIn 480-689-5340 480-391-3131 View BioBiography
Pete CoutureSenior Vice President and Partner
pcouture@crestins.com LinkedIn 480-689-5340 480-391-3131- Joined Crest in 2016 as a partner and Senior Vice President
- Former employer was The Mahoney Group as a producer and partner for 16 plus years.
- Worked in the insurance industry since graduating from Arizona State University with a marketing degree in 1991
- Non-profit work includes:
Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Arizona (IIABA) since 2004, serving as president 2012, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Arizona,
Independent Electrical Contractors Association (IECA), Rancho Saguaro home owners association - A proud father of two and husband. Other interests include being outdoors and sports of any kind, skiing, hiking, biking, sailing, deep sea fishing, motorcycling, etc.
Tom Connell
Vice President and Partner
tconnell@crestins.com LinkedIn 480-689-5324 480-839-2272 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest as partner in the Phoenix office
- Formerly a partner and commercial lines producer at Mahoney Group for nine years
- Graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Married with two children, he enjoys golf and Ohio State sports
Bob Kurtin
Senior Vice President
bkurtin@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7625 520-618-3956 View BioBiography
- Joined the firm over 30 years ago
- Started in the insurance business in 1968 in Tucson specializing in commercial property and casualty insurance
- Graduated from the University of Arizona with Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing.
- Personal interests include golf, going to the beach, and spending time with his grandchildren
Brett Rustand, CIC
Vice President
brustand@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7660 520-618-3981 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest in 2011
- Prior to entering insurance, commanded troops, flew Blackhawk helicopters and practiced risk management for the US Army for 10 years
- Graduated from Brigham Young University with Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
- Personal interests include outdoor sports and spending time with family
Bruce Bobell CIC
Senior Vice President
bbobell@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7621 520-618-3952 View BioBiography
- Joined the firm over 30 years ago
- Owned a construction company for 8 years prior to entering the Insurance industry
- Attended The University of Arizona
- Involved with semi-pro baseball, basketball and youth football
- A member of the Pima County Sports Hall of Fame he and his wife, Melinda, are active members at Tucson Fellowship Bible Church and in a variety of community and service organizations
Denny Eggiman
Vice President
deggiman@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7614 520-885-3535 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest in March 2014
- Attended Sioux Falls College and The University of South Dakota
- Many years’ experience in Insurance including Surplus Lines Insurance, Brokering and Underwriting
- Personal interests include outdoor activities
And being involved in community organizations - Married and father
Diane Matelich
Vice President
dmatelich@crestins.com LinkedIn 480-689-5323 480-839-2272 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest in January 2012
- Prior experience spanning 30 years includes Fortune 500 clients, captive program placements, municipality insurance expertise, and business for pools, assocations and self-insured clients
- Educated at Montana State University, Completed many insurance courses including CIC designation and numerous CPCU classes.
- Personal interests include church fellowship, travel, cycling, scuba diving, and music
Drew Cottrell
Producer
dcottrell@crestins.com LinkedIn 480-689-5333 480-839-2272 View BioBiography
- Graduated from ASU with a degree in International Business
- 5 years with one of the top 10 largest private employers in the world
- Married 11 years & 5 incredible children
- Serving as Committee member in Building Owners/Managers Association
- Arizona Landscape Contractors Association,
- Young Life
- Enjoys trail running, golfing, and coaching wrestling, baseball & softball
Fili Islas
Senior Account Executive
fislas@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7664 520-618-399 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest Insurance Group in July 2013
- Graduated from the University of Arizona in Business Public Administration majoring in Finance and Real Estate
- Started in the insurance industry in July 1982
- Commercial clients are broad in scope, in particular contractors, developers, and owners
- Native Tucsonan going back 5 generations
- Active in the community serving as youth coach and past service on several Boards of Directors
Jason Prosser, CLCS
Vice President
jprosser@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-272-5923 520-618-3976 View BioBiography
- Joined the firm in 2006
- Formerly a commercial lines specialist at a large, national agency
- Graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & History and The Hartford School of Insurance
- Proud husband & father of three children, a former NCAA Arizona Lacrosse player (1990-92), member of ACT Alliance of Construction Trades, and member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity (1989-92)
Jeanette Griswold
Senior Vice President
Jgriswold@crestIns.com LinkedIn 480-689-5291 480-391-3131 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest in January, 2015
- Owner and President of Scottscom Insurance Services for 25 years
- Prior experience includes 8 years with CNA insurance, 4 in their Chicago home office
- Focused on giving back to the community through numerous volunteer activities including currently serving on 3 non-profit boards, sacristan at the Franciscan Renewal Center, former President of the Rotary Club of Scottsdale, former board member of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, former chair of the Scottsdale Airport Advisory Commission.
- Offer expert witness testimony in insurance lawsuits
- Free time is devoted to travel, entertaining and reading
Jeremy Tom, CIC
Vice President
jtom@crestins.com LinkedIn 480-689-5341 480-839-2272 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest in April 2014
- Former Producer for a national insurance agency since 2001
- Graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of
Science in Marketing - Married with two boys, his hobbies include various fundraising committees, coaching baseball, and trying to golf.
Jim Gillespie
Vice President, Property & Casualty
jgillespie@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7643 520-618-3967 View BioBiography
Jim GillespieVice President, Property & Casualty
jgillespie@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7643 520-618-3967- Joined Crest in September 2012
- Prior to joining Crest was Principal and Co-founder of Regional Commercial Real Estate Development Company for eight years and holds the CCIM designation. Also held Regional Distribution, Sales and Management roles at PepsiCo and International Paper.
- Graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Real Estate Finance, Regional Development and Communication
- Personal interests include spending time with his son and daughter, coaching, golf, and all sports related activity.
Joel Black
Vice President
jblack@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7652 520-618-3975 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest in 2006
- Former Banker at Wells Fargo
- Graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics
- Personal interests include being involved in community organizations and doing charity work
Joey Snyder III
Commercial Broker
jsnyder@crestins.com LinkedIn 480-689-5345 480-839-2272 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest in January 2015
- Graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management
- Arizona State University Men’s Golf Team 1992-1996- Two-time All- American and member of the 1996 NCAA Men’s Golf Championship Team
- PGA Tour member 2005-2014 and Professional Golfer 1996-2014
- Married with two beautiful daughters
- Personal interests- golf, fishing, and volunteer work at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona
Joseph Hickle
Commercial Broker
jhickle@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7640 520-618-3964 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest Insurance Group in July 2010
- Prior experience includes six years in the Golf Industry in various capacities
- Graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in History
- Spends free time playing golf and fulfilling his role as Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Pima Community College
Renie Ritchie
Senior Account Executive
rritchie@crestins.com LinkedIn 888-881-5765 / 619-549-3137 858-578-5699 View BioBiography
Renie RitchieSenior Account Executive
rritchie@crestins.com LinkedIn 888-881-5765 / 619-549-3137 858-578-5699- Joined Crest in 2014
- Prior experience includes working in the construction industry as the owner/president of a WOSBE-Hubzone General Contractor with a focus on the federal military construction market
- Twenty year background in development, outreach and fundraising support for several non-profit, public and private entities. Industries served included professional sports, construction and education
- Mother of two boys, one active duty USMC
- Resides in San Diego, CA with personal interests that include nutrition, fitness, and weightlifting
Ricardo Platt
Producer
rplatt@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7636 520-618-2451 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest in 2011
- Extensive experience in international business, real estate, construction, environmental remediation, and agribusiness
- Graduated from the Thunderbird School of Global Management with a Master’s in International Management, and from The University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
- Proud husband and father of four children; an avid horseman, rancher, and an accomplished musician
Robert Hawkes
Producer
Rhawkes@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7653 520-618-3988 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest in 2016
- Prior to Crest worked 20 years in law enforcement with roles including executive staff protection, command, and homicide
- Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts and currently working towards a Master’s in Education from Northern Arizona University
- Personal interests include nutrition, fitness, and weightlifting
Rosette Abud
Producer
rabud@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-618-2475 520-618-2465 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest Insurance Group in 2016
- Prior to joining Crest was the District Manager of BenefitMall Payroll & HR services
- Born and raised in Nogales, Arizona. Graduated from Salpointe Catholic High & University of Arizona with a Bachelors in Communications & minors in Spanish & Criminal Justice
- While at the University of Arizona, was a Cheerleaders & Mascots member from 2007-2011.
- Enjoys an active and healthy lifestyle while being active in community outreach as a member of the El Rio Vecinos Young Professionals Group
Scott Gee
Commercial Account Executive
sgee@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7607 520-618-3943 View BioBiography
- Joined the firm in January of 2006
- Formerly a professional in the advertising industry for thirteen years
- Graduated from The University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration
- Proud husband and father of two children, he also enjoys hiking, birding, juggling, traveling, sports, and the arts
Travis Hair
Insurance Consultant
thair@crestins.com 480-689-5335 480-839-2272 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest in June 2012
- Former President at Schaefer-Smith-Ankeney Insurance and Founder of Rimrock Insurance Consulting
- Graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Insurance in 1970.
- Personal interests include golf, reading, and spending time with his family
V.J. Lechman
Commercial Account Executive
vlechman@crestins.com LinkedIn 480-689-5327 480-839-2272 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest in June 2012
- Formally a commercial insurance sales executive at National Commercial Insurance and Lapre Scali & Company for ten years.
- Graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Science
in Business Marketing - A former college football four-year starting quarterback, V.J.’s other interest include golf, bass fishing, and hunting
William T. Gee CIC
Executive Vice President
tgee@crestins.com 520-784-7623 520-618-3954 View BioBiography
- Joined the firm in 1986
- A faculty member of the National Alliance of Insurance and a teacher of CIC Ruble seminars
- Graduated from Illinois College in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics.
- Married with 3 children and 5 grandchildren, his hobbiesinclude golf, scuba diving, travel and most spectator sports
Rudy Mathews CIC (Emeritus)
Senior Vice President
rmathews@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7626 520-618-3957 View BioBiography
Rudy Mathews CIC (Emeritus)Senior Vice President
rmathews@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7626 520-618-3957- Joined the firm in 1979
- Former 10-year career with The Hartford Insurance Group
- Graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Handles a broad spectrum of commercial clients
Employee Benefits
Jay Heydt
Vice President and Partner
jheydt@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7655 520-618-3977 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest in May 2008
- Formerly a Benefits Consultant at CBIZ
- Graduated from The University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Married with five kids, his hobbies include Scuba Diving, Golf, and Skiing
Ed Gussio
Vice President and Partner
egussio@benefitlogic.net LinkedIn 928-526-5691 928-527-8011 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest in June 2017
- Prior to joining Crest, he was President of Benefit Logic, Inc.
- Graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Minor in Business Administration
- Married with two kids, his hobbies include hiking, golf, snowboarding and traveling.
Cristina Baena
Vice-President of Business Development
cbaena@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7647 520-618-3971 View BioBiography
Cristina BaenaVice-President of Business Development
cbaena@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7647 520-618-3971- Joined Crest Insurance Group in May 2014.
- Prior to joining Crest was the Marketing and Funding Coordinator for the Tucson Conquistadores and played golf professionally for several years.
- Graduated from the University of Arizona Eller College of Management with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and General Business.
- While at the University of Arizona was a member of the NCAA Women’s Golf National Champion Team in 2000.
- Married with 2 children, enjoys sports and traveling to her native Colombia.
Adam Dubois
Employee Benefits Consultant
adubois@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7648 520-618-3972 View BioBiography
- Joined the firm in 2011
- Formerly a benefits consultant for five years
- Graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Personal interests include spending time with family and playing the guitar
Chris Gordon
Vice President
cgordon@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7651 520-618-3989 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest in August 2012
- 13 years of experience in the insurance industry specializing in employee benefits (health, life, dental, & disability), most recently with CBIZ Benefits & Insurance
- Graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- Married with 2 daughters, he is also an outdoorsman who enjoys upland bird & big game hunting, fishing, hiking, and scuba diving
Corey Williams
Vice President
cwilliams@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7670 520-618-3982 View BioBiography
- Joined the firm in 2007
- Formerly a twelve-year professional basketball player in Europe
- Educated at The University of Arizona
- Other interests include coaching basketball and providing sports commentary for Fox Sports Arizona
Jason Gard
Vice President
jgard@crestins.com 480-689-5343 480-391-3131 View BioBiography
- Jason joined the Crest team in July of 2014 and has been in the Healthcare business for 17 years.
- Specialized in group insurance as a Vice President of sales for Third Party Administrators
- Received his Associates Degree from Santa Rosa Junior College in 1991 and attended Sacramento State University from 1991 to 1994 studying Psychology.
- Played college golf and went on to play on the mini tours from 1994 until 1996.
- Jason serves on the board of ICAN, a non-profit cancer advocacy organization as well as being a member of the Redirect Health Broker Advisory Board.
- Jason is married with two daughters ages 15 and 18.
Michael Armenta
Vice President
marmenta@crestins.com 480-689-5297 480-839-2272 View BioBiography
- Joined CREST in June 2017 with a background in the Healthcare industry for over 20 years
- Formerly a Benefits Broker at Benefits Logic, Inc.
- Graduated from The University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree from the University of Phoenix in Health Care Management
- Married with four children, his hobbies include golf, scuba diving, and traveling
Wendy D. Look
Senior Vice President
wlook@crestins.com LinkedIn 480-689-5336 480-839-2272 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest in June 2012
- Formerly of Schaefer-Smith-Ankeney Insurance Agency.
- Graduated from The University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts in Merchandising and Consumer Studies with an emphasis in Marketing.
- Married with two children, her hobbies include golf, skiing and reading.
Personal Lines
Brandy Kessel
Producer Personal Lines
bkessel@crestins.com LinkedIn 480-689-5331 480-839-2272 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest in May 2015
- Over 20 years of experience managing risk; extremely mindful of providing excellence in competitive asset coverage
- Specializes in analyzing, developing, and customizing personal lines insurance programs with an emphasis on high net worth clientele
- Enjoys the many lifestyle advantages Phoenix offers
Clebern Best
Producer Personal Lines
cbest@crestins.com LinkedIn 480-689-5303 480-839-2272 View BioBiography
- Joined CREST in 2017. Formally President of Troon Insurance Services, Inc. since 1997
- Prior experience with Continental Insurance, New Hampshire Insurance, Four Corners General Agency and National Insurance Services
- Currently Chair of the Greater Phx. Big I, board member of Scottsdale Historical Society, volunteer at The Foothills Animal Rescue and VP of a local British Car Club
- Married to wife, Rene for 26 years, his interests include, classic cars, cooking, hiking, helping animals, seniors & children
Gary May
Account Manager/Producer
gmay@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7642 520-618-3966 View BioBiography
- Joined CREST Insurance Group in 2017
- 20+ years of experience in the insurance industry, including both Commercial and Personal Lines
- Has specialized in Workers’ Compensation Insurance for 15+ years
- University of Arizona graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Member of various local community groups and trade associations
- Enjoys University of Arizona Athletics and spending time with his family
Jon Beaty
V.P. Personal Lines/Producer
jbeaty@crestins.com 520-784-7626 520-618-2466 View BioBiography
- Joined Crest Insurance Group in 2017
- Ten years Personal Lines experience as former with Liberty Mutual as a Sr. Branch Mgr. in Tucson, & Producer in Phoenix
- Graduated from Grand Canyon University with a degree in Accounting & American College with a LUTCF designation
- Recipient of numerous awards at Liberty Mutual, including Top 8% Producer in the country
- Tucson native who enjoys spending time with his wife & daughter, and also playing competitive golf
Yvonne Baldwin
Producer/Personal Lines Manager
ybaldwin@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7605 520-618-3941 View BioBiography
Yvonne BaldwinProducer/Personal Lines Manager
ybaldwin@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7605 520-618-3941- Joined the firm in 1984
- Began her professional career at Mueller and Associates
- Educated at Sahuaro High School
- A native of Tucson with roots in the local schools and community, she also enjoys spending time with her family
Aviation
Denise Leskovsky
Aviation Insurance Manager/Producer
dleskovsky@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7661 520-618-3985 View BioBiography
Denise LeskovskyAviation Insurance Manager/Producer
dleskovsky@crestins.com LinkedIn 520-784-7661 520-618-3985- Tucson Semi-Native since 1969
- Licensed Property & Casualty Producer
- Been in the insurance industry since 1982,
specializing in aviation insurance since 1989. - Happily married over 25 years with two children
- Hobbies include tennis, birding, wildlife
rehabilitation and ghost-towning.
