Our Team
At Shinberg Insurance our team of highly experienced, dedicated professionals are dedicated to supporting your employee benefits, business, or personal insurance needs.
Our team takes a proactive approach to ensure your strategic risk management plan provides comprehensive coverage while supporting your long-term objectives.
To find your Shinberg Insurance risk advisor, scroll to your area of coverage. Not sure who to contact? Fill out an inquiry form or call us toll free at 800-456-5305.
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.
Personal Insurance
ALEX HULL
Personal Risk Manager
Alex joined the personal lines team at Shinberg in 2019 as a Personal Risk Manager. Previously Alex was working in directive roles in both the Real Estate and Title Insurance industries. In his free time he enjoys traveling to new places, trying new foods, and spending time in Western and Northern Michigan on the lake.
JUSTIN LAMB
Personal Risk Manager
Justin is a graduate of Cornerstone University and holds a bachelors in business management. He is also an on the go father of 3 boys. He loves sports and the outdoors and hanging out with his wife and boys making memories. Justin is driven by the fact that he can show his boys that you can do anything with hard work and dedication. He has 7 plus years of experience working in the insurance industry. Justin has also spent nearly 8 years in the wireless retail industry as well. These experiences have all taught him how to best work with people from all walks of life and how to properly assist his clients to offer them the best solution for their needs.
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.
Business Insurance
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.
Employee Benefits
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.
JODY NAYLOR
Benefits Advisor
Jody holds licenses in accident and health insurance in Michigan, Florida, and North Carolina, and also life insurance in Michigan. A native of the Lansing area, she resides in Grand Ledge with her husband, Todd, and her two children, Emily and Todd. She enjoys spending time with family and volunteering at Homeless Angels.
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.
TODD NAYLOR
Benefits Advisor
Todd possesses more than 19 years in the insurance industry. Todd is a graduate of Central Michigan University and holds licenses in life, health, and property and casualty insurance. He is married with two children and enjoys sports, coaching, and says his favorite vacation spots include Ireland and Hawaii.
Whatever your insurance needs are, the Shinberg Insurance team can provide tailored care and solutions.