Our Team

CHRIS O’LEARY

President

Chris joined Shinberg in 2007 as managing owner. He leads the execution of the agency’s risk management strategy and has overall responsibility for the oversight of Shinberg’s Commercial, Personal, and Employee Benefits Departments. He is a graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelors of Arts in Financial Administration and a fourth-generation Lansing resident. He is married, has two very large Akitas and enjoys spending time at a second home in Florida, fishing, biking, and relaxing.

MICHAEL GUESS

Vice President of Sales

Michael joined Shinberg in 2009 as a Personal Lines agent and has since worked extensively in all three departments. As VP of Sales Michael works with the production staff to implement sales strategies and drive organic growth. He is known for “providing clients with prompt, thoughtful service.” Michael grew up in East Lansing and now lives in Okemos with his wife (whom he met when he was just eight years old), daughter, and their Jack Russell Terrier. He enjoys golfing, fly fishing, and playing music.

JAMES GRUBE

Personal Risk Manager

James holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Aquinas College.  He is licensed in Property, Casualty as well as Life Insurance.  James has over 25 years’ experience in various industries including financial banking, investing and insurance.

James enjoys spending time with his family, camping and golfing.

NICOLE WALLACE

Personal Lines Account Manager

Nicole has been with Shinberg since 2016 and holds licenses in property and casualty, as well as life insurance. Nicole comes from a big family and says Traverse City is her favorite place to visit in Michigan. She enjoys kayaking, sewing, baking, road trips, and exploring Michigan’s sites and food.

CHUCK LEVY

Client Advocate

Chuck possesses more than 40 years of insurance experience. He holds a degree in business management and is licensed in property and casualty, life, and health insurance. Chuck has been married to his wife, Bev, since 1975 and has two grown children and four grandchildren. He enjoys golf, pickleball, hiking, and camping. He grew up in East Lansing and has held positions on various community organizational board of directors including Jaycees, Lansing Area Safety Council, and the YMCA of Lansing.

MARC FEDERAU

Client Advocate

Marc has a BA from Olivet College in Insurance Risk Management. He holds the designation as a licensed Insurance Counselor and has been in insurance for 35 years.

Marc has been married to Deborah for 34 years with 3 adult children Drew, Erin and Gabrielle all also with careers in the insurance industry. Marc enjoys outdoor sports including hunting and fishing. He also enjoys watching college sports, especially football. In the summer, Marc can be found happily mowing his grass.

KAREN THOMAS

Commercial Risk Manager, Licensed Agent

Karen possesses more than 33 years in the insurance industry and has been with Shinberg since 2010. She specializes in managing large, complex commercial accounts. Karen holds two Associate’s degrees from Davenport College and is licensed in property and casualty, life, and health insurance. She enjoys working in her flower gardens, playing cards, and volunteering with Meals on Wheels.

KARLA DUDASIK

Commercial Risk Manager, Licensed Agent

Karla holds a Bachelor’s of Science from Michigan State University. In addition, she has achieved licenses for property casualty, life, and health insurance. Karla enjoys the outdoors including gardening, fishing, hiking, and running. She also coaches her daughter’s basketball team and is active in her church council.

KIM SMITH

Commercial Risk Manager, Licensed Agent

Kim holds a Bachelor’s degree in education from Central Michigan University. In addition, she holds licenses in property and casualty in both Michigan and Florida and has achieved designations as Certified Insurance Services Representative (CISR) and Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI).

Kim resides in Sheridan with her husband, Craig, and their daughter, Charli. She enjoys riding her golf cart with her family, reading, cooking, and rooting for the University of Michigan Wolverines football team. Kim volunteers her time at Central Montcalm Public Schools.

PAM CASTILLO

Commercial Risk Manager, Licensed Agent

Pam has been in the insurance industry for 25+ years and holds a Property and Casualty License with the State of Michigan.   She has worked in many areas of the industry, assisting with customer service for clients with Home, Auto and Health insurance needs. Her goal is to make the experience of insurance as painless as possible.

Pam is married to her wonderful husband of 27 years and has two wonderful children as well.  Her two philosophies in life are, “Treat people the way you wish to be treated”, and that “Every day is a Gift, what you chose to do with that Gift is up to you”.

SARAH BARBER

Commercial Risk Manager, Licensed Agent

Sarah’s career spans almost 20 years in a niche agency focused on transportation, specifically aviation and railroad. Since then, her expertise has broadened to all aspects of commercial coverage specializing in complex national accounts that include sizeable auto fleets, property, and equipment schedules. Sarah holds a Property and Casualty Producer license in both Michigan and Georgia. She is also a Certified Insurance Services Representative (CISR), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), and Associate in General Insurance (AINS). Sarah enjoys do-it-yourself projects, Mid-Century Modern design, fishing, ax throwing, traveling and supporting her son, Caimen, as he pursues his education at Michigan State University.

JANICE RICHARDS

Marketing Specialist

Janice possesses more than 30 years in the insurance industry and has been part of the Shinberg team since 2015. She is primarily responsible for setting appointments to discuss voluntary benefits, health insurance, and property and casualty. She holds a property and casualty insurance license in Michigan. Janice has lived in the Lansing area her entire life and has three children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, sewing, drawing, and hunting for treasures at yard sales.

DAVID BUEHLER

Employee Benefits Specialist

David has over 20 years of insurance experience, after having served in the U.S. Army for 21 years. Since joining Shinberg in 2008 he has specialized in Medicare and Individual health plans. David holds a degree from Vincennes University and is licensed in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio for accident and health, life, and variable annuities. He has also completed several Medicare Advantage certifications, as well as holds Health Care Marketplace privileges. Dave resides in Eaton County with his wife of 31 years, Kristie. He enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, golfing, hunting, watching college sports, and volunteering for the Association of the U.S. Army, Retired Enlisted Association, and Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund.

JULIE VOKETZ

Benefits Account Manager

Julie has been with Shinberg since 2014. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in both English and Spanish and is licensed for health and life insurance. She enjoys reading, yard work, crocheting, music, movies and spending time with her adult daughter.

MAUREEN CULHANE

Medicare Specialist

Maureen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Adelphi University and has also obtained her CMS Medicare Certification and CMS Marketplace Individual/SHOP Elite Agent designation. Maureen resides in Laingsburg with her husband, Doug, and with “way too many animals.” She is an active potter since 1991 and enjoys gardening, travel, and participating in various political and charitable organizations.

Whatever your insurance needs are, the Shinberg Insurance team can provide tailored care and solutions.