Key Executives
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Greg Van Ness
CEO & Ventura Branch Manager
Phone: (805) 585-6723
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 Greg Van Ness is CEO of TWIW Insurance Services, LLC, the largest privately held independent insurance brokerage on the Central Coast between Los Angeles and Monterrey, based in Ventura with offices in Santa Maria, Bakersfield, and Salinas. Van Ness accepted this newly-formed position at TWIW in August, 2012 after a 25 year insurance brokerage career that included property & casualty insurance sales and consulting with privately held insurance agencies in Northern California, and for the past 13 years as Regional Managing Director for Wells Fargo Insurance Services, leading a 7 office territory in Northern and Central California and Northern Nevada that generated over $60 million in annual revenue.
Van Ness grew up in Goleta, attended Dos Pueblos High School and was named Channel League football co-MVP and All-CIF in 1972 when he led the Chargers to a league championship as quarterback. In addition to those local roots, Van Ness is a graduate of UCSB. Following graduation, he worked as Chief of Press Operations for the Olympic Village at UCSB during the 1984 Summer Olympic Games. He began his business career by working for three years as Manager of Executive Development for The Interpublic Group in New York City, one of the world’s largest advertising and marketing companies. He then returned to California and began his insurance brokerage career.
Van Ness has completed executive degree programs at New York University and The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. He lives in Ventura County with his wife and two children, and enjoys travel and a wide variety of outdoor recreation. |
Bakersfield Office
5001 California Avenue, Suite 150
Bakersfield, CA 93309
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Shaun Kelly
Managing Member
Phone: (661) 616-4712
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- Specializes in all lines of property and casualty insurance for industries including contract security firms, agriculture, construction, oil & gas
- Holds a BS in Business Administration - Finance from California State University, Fresno
- Association (CALSAGA), the Kern County Builders Exchange, and the Independent Insurance Agents of Kern County
- Prior associations: Property and casualty agent since 1993; joined TWIW Insurance Services in 2005
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Robin Carpenter
Associate
Phone: (661) 616-4741
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- Specializes in Employee Benefits
- Holds a BS in Business Administration and French (graduated Magna Cum Laude) from California State University, Bakersfield, CA
- Board Member of the Institute for Applied Meditation, Inc.; former Board Member of the Zonta Club of Bakersfield; member of the National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors, Association of Health Insurance Agents; agent advisory council member for several insurance companies and IPAs
- Prior associations: President of Clifton Carpenter Insurance Agency, Inc. in Bakersfield; International Marketing Manager for BankAmerica Corp. in San Francisco; joined TWIW Insurance Services in 2006
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Salinas Office
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Iraj Rezai
Associate
Phone: (831) 771-3622
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- Specializes in workers’ compensation, property & casualty accounts with emphasis in hotel, motel and restaurant insurance
- Educated at Anglo-World College, Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey, CA
- Prior associations: Property Manager of Verga Enterprises
- Joined InWest Insurance Services in 1995
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Santa Maria Office
1525 E Main Street
Santa Maria, CA 93456
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Robert Acquistapace
Member
Phone: (805) 361-7426
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- Specializes in manufacturing, agriculture, and workers’ compensation
- Holds a degree in History and Economics from the University of California, Davis
- Designations: Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Certified Risk Manger (CRM), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
- President of Independent Insurance Agents of San Luis Obispo County; past president of the Santa Maria Valley Insurance Agents Association; past chairman of the Hartford’s National Personal Lines Committee
- Prior associations: Owner of Acquistapace Insurance since 1982; partner at InWest Insurance Services since 1997
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Ronald Cossa
Member
Phone: (805) 361-7443
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- Specializes in the construction industry and workers’ compensation
- Holds a BS in Commerce & Marketing from Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA • Designations: Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC); Associate in Claims (AIC)
- Board Member of the Santa Maria Valley Contractors Association, the First Tee Central Coast, and the Marian Medical Foundation; associates committee of the Association of General Contractors
- Prior associations: Senior Property Claims Adjuster with Allied Insurance
- Joined InWest Insurance Services in 1998
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Tony Cossa
Member
Phone: (805) 361-7400
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- Specializes in the construction and agriculture industries
- Holds a degree in Business from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Designations: Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)
- Past Chairman of the IBA West ACORD committee; former board member of the National ACORD committee; past president of the Southern California Golf Association
- Prior associations: Owner of Tony Cossa Insurance Agency; founding member of Pollard & Cossa Insurance Brokers in 1966; founded InWest Insurance Services in 1997
- Recognitions: Santa Maria Elks Lodge “Citizen of the Year” in 1989 and Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year” in 1991
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John Feliciano
Managing Member
Phone: (805) 361-7404
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- Serves on Board of Managers and Field Sales Management in Santa Maria office
- Specializes in agriculture, construction, workers’ compensation, property and casualty
- Holds a BS in Business Administration from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
- Member of AgSafe and the Building Corporation Board of Directors of the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District
- Prior associations: Vice President of Security Pacific National Bank
- Joined InWest Insurance Services in 1981
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Joan Kirchhof
Member
Phone: (805) 361-7431
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- Specializes in agriculture, workers’ compensation, property and casualty
- Designations: Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist (AFIS)
- Member of One Beacon Insurance’s Advisory Council; Member of Wausau Insurance Advisor Council; Served on the IBA West Young Agents Insurance Council; Past President of the California Women for Agriculture Central Coast Chapter
- Licensed Property and Casualty and Life and Health Agent
- Prior associations: Personal Lines Service Representative, Commercial Insurance Service Representative, and Commercial Lines Sales Producer for Pollard & Cossa and InWest Insurance Services since 1980
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Kevin Huber
Associate
Phone: (805) 361-7456
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- Specializes in employee group benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, long-term disability & long-term care
- Member of the National Association of Health Underwriters
- Prior associations: Account Executive of Western Growers Association; Managing Producer of Service Insurance Agency; Producer of Huber/Foxley Insurance Services
- Joined InWest Insurance Services in 2000
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Jack Smith
Associate
Phone: (805) 361-7455
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- Focusing on financial & estate planning for executives, business owners and families
- Holds a BS in Finance from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, and a Masters in Financial Services from the American College, Bryn Mawr, PA
- Designations: Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Life Underwriter Training Council Senior Chairman (LUTCF)
- Past President & Member of the National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors, the Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo, Five Cities Men’s Club; past President of South County Boys & Girls Club; past President & Board Member of South County Education Foundation
- Prior associations: Owner and President of Central Financial Services, a multi-line insurance and financial services Agent
- Joined InWest Insurance Services in 2000
- Recognitions: Arroyo Grande Citizen of the Year, Rotarian of the Year, Top of the Table and Million Dollar Round Table qualifier, two Bronze Stars and two Army Commendation medals, 4th Inf. Div; Vietnam 1969-1970
- Securities and investment advisory services are offered solely through Ameritas Investment Corp. (AIC). Member FINRA/SIPC. AIC and TWIW Insurance Services are not affiliated. Additional products and services may be available through Jack R. Smith or TWIW Insurance Services that are not offered through AIC. This in not an offer of securities in any jurisdiction, nor is it specifically directed to a resident of any jurisdiction. As with any security, request a prospectus from your Registered Representative. Read it carefully before you invest or send money. A representative from TWIW Insurance Services will contact you to provide requested information. Representatives of AIC do not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding your situation. Securities products are currently limited to residents of California.
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Marcus Wilson
Associate
Phone: (805) 361-7447
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- Specializes in Employee Benefits, HSA's HRA's and other alternative Funding arrangements
- Holds a degree in Sales and Marketing from Santa Barbara Business College
- Designations: Holds a series 6 NASD (National Association of Securities Dealers) registration
- President and Board Chair of the Santa Maria Natural History Museum; Board Member and past Vice President of Education and Membership for Toastmaster International Club 80
- Prior associations: Past small business owner with 15 years of sales and marketing experience; Nationwide Provident life insurance
- Joined InWest Insurance Services in 2002
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Jeremy Moreno
Phone: (805) 361-7438
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- Specializes in workers'
compensation, property and casualty accounts with emphasis in agriculture,
construction, and real estate
- Attended University of
Southern California and Fresno State. Holds a Bachelor's in Business
Administration with a Focus in Entrepreneurship and Management
- Involved in AgSafe, SLO
Chamber of Commerce, and Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce
- Joined TWIW in 2011
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Ventura Office
196 South Fir Street
Ventura, CA 93001
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Greg Anderson
Managing Member
Phone: (805) 585-6151
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- Specializes in larger all lines commercial, manufacturing and technology accounts
- Holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education and has pursued doctoral-level studies in Human Organizational Development
- Past president of the American Heart Association Oxnard Chapter; board member of ACT Today!
- Prior associations: Principal of Nesen, Anderson and Company Insurance Services; Los Angeles Sales Manager and Regional Training Coordinator for Employers Insurance of Wausau; Casualty Underwriter and Senior Claims Representative for Aetna Life & Casualty, Buffalo, New York; Senior Claims Representative for Continental Insurance Company, Buffalo, New York
- Joined Tolman & Wiker Insurance in 1992
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Shawn Carson
Member
Phone: (805) 585-6131
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- Specializes in workers’ compensation, multimedia liability, international exposures, errors and omissions, medical & biotechnology, information technology, electronics manufacturers and industrial machinery
- Holds a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from California State University, Chico
- Prior associations: St Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, Technology Group
- Joined Tolman & Wiker Insurance in 2000
- Recognitions: Nominated twice for the St. Paul’s Chairman’s Award
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Steven Carter
Managing Member
Phone: (805) 585-6116
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- Specializes in large commercial including agriculture, construction, casualty & workers’ compensation
- Supervising Member of the TWIW Workers’ Compensation Claims Analysis Department
- Vice President Foundation for Retarded Citizens Ventura County
- Holds a degree in Finance from the University of Southern California
- Prior associations: Vice President at Frank B. Hall & Co. of Oxnard (Previously Balden, Carter & Viles); Underwriter at Aetna/Cravens Insurance Co.
- Joined Tolman & Wiker Insurance in 1988
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Ray Clem
Member
Phone: (805) 585-6722
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- Specializes in property & casualty
- Holds a degree in Business Administration from Wichita State University, Wichita, KS and a Master’s degree in Psychology from Antioch University
- Prior associations: Extensive sales and management experience in medical, golf, and import/ export businesses
- Joined Tolman & Wiker in 2004
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Dennis Corte
Managing Member / CFO
Phone: (805) 585-6130
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- Specializes in public and private schools, self-funded insurance programs, large risks, and firms with professional exposures
- Holds a BS in Business Administration with an Accounting emphasis from Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI; holds a Masters of Science in Administration from Northern Illinois University
- Designations: Chief School Business Official, State of Illinois and Michigan • Associate Member of the California Association of Joint Powers Agreements (CAJPA)
- Prior associations: Executive Director, Ventura County Schools Self Funding Authority; Director of Business Affairs, Northwest Educational Cooperative; Business Manager, West Branch-Rose City Schools in Michigan
- Joined Tolman & Wiker Insurance in 1986
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Jeff Dann
Member
Phone: (805) 585-6159
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- Specializes in commercial property & casualty and workers’ compensation
- Designations: Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
- Holds a degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Chico
- Joined Tolman and Wiker Insurance in 1990
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Judy Diaz
Managing Member
Phone: (805) 585-6162
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- Specializes in property & casualty; workers’ compensation; medical professional liability
- Holds a BS in Business Finance and Marketing from California State University, Long Beach • Designations: Associate of Risk Management (ARM)
- Board Member, CLU Center for Economic Research & Forecasting
- Board Member, Interface Children Family Services
- Former Board Member, Ventura Chamber of Commerce
- Prior associations: Beaver Insurance Company; Transport Indemnity Company; Crawford & Company Insurance Adjusters
- Joined Tolman & Wiker Insurance in 1994
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Jeff Dodds
Managing Member
Phone: (805) 585-6150
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- Generalist specializing in medium to large commercial accounts
- Past president and board member of Ventura County Insurance Agents and Brokers Association; Board Member - Work Training Programs, Inc.
- Attended Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, Business School
- Prior associations: Personal Lines Manager, Commercial Account Production at Frank B. Hall & Co.
- Joined Tolman & Wiker Insurance in 1991
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Kip Keller
Member
Phone: (805) 585-6108
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- Specializes in construction and manufacturing
- Attended the University of Iowa
- Board member of the Tri-Counties Associated General Contractors of California and the Construction Financial Management Association
- Prior associations: Underwriter, Branch Manager, Marketing Director, and Claims Manager at Lou Jones & Associates
- Joined Tolman & Wiker Insurance in 2002
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Randy Kinsling
Member Emeritus
Phone: (805) 585-6104
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- Specializes in large property lines, real estate, banking, public entities, marine & earthquake insurance
- Holds a BS in Business Administration-Finance from California State University, Northridge
- Founding director of First National Bank of Ventura and of County Commerce Bank
- Prior associations: Underwriter & Special Agent at Aetna Insurance Company
- Managing Partner of Tolman & Wiker Insurance since 1971
- Insurance company panel member for several national insurers
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John Nourse
Member Emeritus
Phone: (805) 585-6120
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- Holds a degree in Economics from Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
- Designations: Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)
- Fireman’s Fund and Safeco Agency Council participant
- Prior associations: Kindler, Laucci and Day
- Joined Tolman & Wiker Insurance in 1967
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Dave Rucker
Member
Phone: (805) 585-6728
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- Specializes in workers’ compensation, OSHA/safety compliance, and all lines within the agricultural industry
- Holds a BS in Business Administration from California State University Northridge
- Past President of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Ventura County
- Prior associations: Principal of Rucker Insurance Services in Oxnard, specializing in agribusiness coverage; started insurance career as a Personal Lines Underwriter with Chubb & Son
- Joined TWIW in 2006
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David Shore
Managing Member
Phone: (805) 585-6121
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- Specializes in commercial and residential property portfolios including workers’ compensation
- .Holds a BA in Business Communications from California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, CA
- Designations: Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
- Member of the Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA) and the Valencia Industrial Association (VIA)
- Board Member -Ventura Country Economic Development Association, Housing Advisory Committee Member - Many Mansions, a low income housing nonprofit organization
- Prior associations: Smith, Falck, Caesar & Seider Insurance; Employers of Wausau Insurance
- Joined Tolman & Wiker Insurance in 1997
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Denise Sutton
Member
Phone: (805) 585-6138
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- Specializes in commercial accounts
- Designations: Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI); Certificate in General Insurance
- Joined Tolman & Wiker in 1991
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Rick Toohey
Member
Phone: (805) 585-6105
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- Specializes in construction-related risks with emphasis on Contractor Controlled Insurance Programs and Owner Controlled Insurance Programs (WRAPS) for both residential and commercial construction
- Attended Western Michigan University Business School & Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
- Prior associations: Past Vice President of Diversified Insurance Services, East Lansing, MI; Automobile Club of Michigan
- Joined Tolman & Wiker Insurance in 1987
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Barbara Ward
Member
Phone: (805) 585-6194
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- Specializes in employee benefits
- Designations: Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC) and Registered Health Underwriter (RHU)
- Joined Tolman & Wiker Insurance in 1999 as Senior Vice President of Employee Benefits
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Paul Achee
Associate
Phone: (805) 585-6178
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- Specializes in employee benefits including group medical, HSA’s, HRA’s, fully insured and alternative funding methods
- Member of the National Association of Health Underwriters
- Prior associations: Prudential Insurance Company; Mutual Of Omaha; owner of Achee Insurance Services, Ventura
- Joined Tolman & Wiker Insurance in 2003
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Teresa DeCuir
Associate
Phone: (805) 585-6160
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- Specializes in employee benefits
- Joined Tolman & Wiker in 1982 managing Personal Lines Department
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Robert Hilgerman
Associate
Phone: (805) 585-6169
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- Specializes in employee benefits, HSA’s, HRA’s and other alternative funding arrangements
- Holds a BA in Business Administration from California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, CA
- Designations: Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU); Registered Health Underwriter (RHU)
- Member of the National Association of Health Underwriters and the Society of Financial Service Professionals
- Prior associations: Direct Producer for Blue Cross of California; Owner of Hilgerman Insurance Services Agency
- Joined Tolman & Wiker Insurance in 2000
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Mark Lyon
Associate
Phone: (805) 585-6176
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- Specializes in commercial property, casualty and workers’ compensation
- Attended College of the Canyons
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Debra Matlock
Associate
Phone: (805) 585-6727
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- Specializes in Employee Benefits
- Member of the National Human Resources Association, Ventura County chapter
- Prior associations: Management position with Blue Cross of California
- Joined Tolman & Wiker Insurance in 2003
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Jeff Viles
Associate
Phone: (805) 585-6163
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- Specializes in medical & biotechnology, manufacturing, real estate and workers’ compensation
- Attended the University of Southern California and the College of Insurance, Los Angeles
- Prior associations: Principal with Coastal Counties Insurance Broker; account executive for Frank B. Hall & Co.
- Joined Tolman & Wiker in 2000
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Tagg Baker
Associate
Phone: (805) 585-6118
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- Specializes in commercial property & casualty and workers compensation.
- Holds a BA from Southern Methodist University.
- Holds an MBA from Baylor University.
- Prior associations: RR Donnelley, Wells Fargo Bank and Alcatel-Lucent.
- Joined TWIW Insurance Services, LLC in 2011.
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Nadine Dwan
Associate
Phone: (805) 585-6197
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- Specializes in employee benefits including Medical, Dental, Life, STD, LTD, wellness programs and more, with emphasis in employers looking to expand in their industry and attract talent from their larger competitors.
- Attended University of California at Santa Barbara. Holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Life & Health license
- Involvedin National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), Santa Barbara Human Resource Association (SBHRA), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), Young Women Social Entrepreneurs (YWSE) and is a regularly requested speaker on
Employee Benefits issues for HR.com.
- Joined TWIW 2012
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