Valley Agencies, Inc. - Complete Insurance Services

Jim Gorder Email: jgorder@valleyagencies.com President of Valley Agencies, Jim has over 30 years of experience in insurance. Jim has earned the designation CIC Certified Insurance Councilor. A multi-line agent licensed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, Jim provides insurance counsel and service to many large businesses in the area of property and casualty programs and benefits. Jim's career began at Stillwater Insurance Agency in 1974. He joined First State Insurance in 1987 and in 1990 engineered a merger of the two to become the present Valley Agencies. In industry activity, Jim has served as president of The Independent Agents of Greater St. Paul and chair of the Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents Education Committee. In community involvement, Jim is a member of the Stillwater Lions and Elks Lodge #179, and past President of the Stillwater Optimist Club. Raised in Stillwater, Jim is a 1974 graduate of the University of Minnesota. Jim continues to live in Stillwater with his wife and three children.
	Renee Peabody, CISR Email: rpeabody@valleyagencies.com Renee's insurance career began with six years in the agency of First National Bank of New Richmond, then 1 1/2 years at Norwest Insurance Agency. She joined our Valley Agencies in March of 1988. Renee specializes in servicing business insurance, bonds, and professional liability. She is licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin Renee has earned the designation CISR: Certified Insurance Service Representative.
Teri Barnholdt, CISR Email: tbarnholdt@valleyagencies.com Teri is designated as a Customer Service Representative at our agency. Her employment history is exclusive to our agency: she has worked only for us since Stillwater High School. She started in on-the-job training at Stillwater Agency and in 1980 became full-time. Teri is a CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative) and provides sales and service in personal auto and residential property insurance.
	Brandy Sokola, CISR Email: bsokola@valleyagencies.com Brandy specializes in servicing business insurance including commercial packages, business auto, workers compensation, bonds and professional liability. Brandy joined our agency in 1988. She has earned the designation CISR: Certified Insurance Service Representative.
Rich Hanzlik Email: rhanzlik@valleyagencies.com Rich Hanzlik is our specialist in life and disability insurance. He also designs owner and executive benefit plans. He helps clients translate complex financial and insurance options into customized plans to fill their specific needs. He is licensed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin Hanzlik’s professional specialties include: term and permanent insurance, including variable life; annuities; disability insurance; executive bonus, split dollar, buy/sell and deferred compensation plans. Rich graduated with a degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota in 1981. He was employed by Cargill for nine years and advanced to the position of Regional Sales Manager. He joined our agency in 1990 after completion of the career agent training program of Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company. Involved in industry and community affairs, Rich is member of the Minnesota Association of Life Underwriters, St. Croix Valley Optimists Club, Stillwater Lions Club and Ducks Unlimited.
	Adam Pettit E-mail: adam.pettit@insuranceconnection.biz or apettit@valleyagencies.com Adam is the newest member to the Valley Agencies team. He has been in the insurance industry since he graduated from St. John’s University in 2004. Adam has worked on both sides of the insurance sales spectrum beginning his career as a direct writer before he discovered the advantages for his clients on the independent side. Adam brings a new, youthful perspective to Valley Agencies and the insurance industry. He is currently working to develop himself in the community on both a personal and business level. Adam is an active member of the YWCA, Habitat for Humanity and the Young Insurance Professionals group of the Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers. Adam handles all areas of the insurance field, beginning on the personal side, and now delving into the commercial market.
Dennis Lee Email: dlee@valleyagencies.com Since 1976, Dennis has worked in financial services. After earning a degree in accounting, he worked for 13 years as an accountant, controller and office manager. His insurance career began in 1989 and includes positions as an agent, branch manager and agency owner before joining our agency in 2003. Dennis is licensed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. His background in business and insurance is a valuable combination for counseling his clients. From experience, Dennis understands how to operate and protect a business. He specializes in business insurance needs and employee benefits.