2026 Convention- About Our Presenters

Regina Carey

Regina is an Executive Coach and Passion Instigator who has spent three decades helping high-performing professionals slow down to speed up. She specializes in working with individuals who live and lead with invisible disabilities, empowering them to leverage their brilliance rather than mask it.

Known for her infectious energy and fierce compassion, Regina creates the space and the spark for people to do the deep work of growth, decision-making, and mastering the money mind. She’s been described as “a natural antidepressant” and has the uncanny ability to light a fire in your belly in under 15 minutes.

Dan Conner

Dan, CAWC, is the second-generation owner of Conner Insurance Group, where he has spent the past 14 years helping clients navigate risk with a personal, hands-on approach. Under his leadership, the agency earned back-to-back Keystone Agency of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024.

He currently serves on the Big I Michigan Legislative & PAC Committee and the Keystone Agency Council, and previously served on the Big I Young Agents Committee. At this convention, he’ll share his perspective on leveraging AI and automation while cutting through the noise of emerging tech.

Eric Duren

Eric is a Recreational Lines Business Development Consultant with Progressive Insurance, supporting independent agents across 14 states. With 20 years of experience working with agencies, he delivers nationwide training on coverage options for boats, motorcycles, ATVs, and RVs.

Eric combines technical insight with real-world stories drawn from his own passion for boating, camping, and trail riding. His sessions highlight often-overlooked recreational risks and uncover common coverage gaps. Attendees gain practical strategies to better protect clients while identifying new growth opportunities.

Joe Elliott

Joe is an Education Specialist with AF Group who began his career with the organization in 2016 after returning to Michigan following 21 years in North Carolina. He brings extensive experience in property and casualty insurance, with a strong background in underwriting, training, and curriculum development.

Prior to joining AF Group, Joe worked as a licensed P&C agent appointed by Accident Fund, giving him valuable frontline agency perspective. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University and the Certified Authority on Workers’ Compensation (CAWC) designation, reflecting his commitment to professional excellence.

Jess Ekstrom

Jess is a Forbes Top-Rated keynote speaker, author, and entrepreneur known for helping individuals and organizations build lasting motivation and resilience. She is the founder of Headbands of Hope, a purpose-driven company that has donated millions of headbands to children with cancer worldwide.

Jess also created Mic Drop Workshop, a platform that has helped thousands of women get paid to share their stories on stage. Through research-backed insight and real-world experience, she delivers engaging presentations that inspire creativity, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership.

Jerry Fetty

Jerry is the founder of SMART IT Services, an information technology firm established in 1991 to help independent insurance agencies improve productivity and profitability through advanced technology. He is also the creator of myAgencyCloud, a platform designed to simplify and streamline agency technology operations.

With more than 30 years of experience in networking and IT, combined with real-world technical expertise, he is a practicing expert in the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and Pinnacle System and regularly consults with technology and insurance organizations to strengthen operations, alignment, and long-term growth.

Sandy Gerber

Sandy Gerber is a Communication Coach, Emotional Intelligence Trainer, and Best-Selling Author of 24x award-winning book, Emotional Magnetism. In 2026, she was named #16 on the World’s Top 30 Communication Professionals by Global Gurus and is the recipient of the 2025 Women of Influence Creative Innovator Award. A TEDx speaker and podcast host, Sandy delivers high-energy, humour-filled keynotes and experiential training that help leaders and teams communicate with confidence, clarity, and credibility. Known for her relatable style and powerful storytelling, she blends proven frameworks with practical tools people actually use, including Magnetic Communication™ and Emotional Magnetism™. With 25+ years of experience, Sandy has worked with iconic North American brands, is the visionary of Connected Conversations EQ tools and has built and scaled three companies, including growing NEXT Marketing Agency from a bedroom startup as a single mother into a Top 100 Fastest Growing Company in BC.

Kyle Hoeft

Kyle joined MarshBerry in 2011, is a shareholder within the firm and he currently serves as a Director of Investment Banking & Consulting. He focuses on sales management consulting, merger and acquisition (M&A) advisory, and valuation services. Kyle’s primary responsibilities include internal perpetuation planning, strategic planning, organizational development, deal execution, due diligence, and integration planning.

Kyle is also a facilitator for a Strategic Issues Group within MarshBerry’s executive peer exchange network, Connect. Here he frequently assists members as they work to implement best practices learned from top performing firms across the country. Kyle currently maintains the FINRA Securities Industry Essentials (SIE®) Exam, in addition to the Series 62, 79 and 63 FINRA Registrations through MarshBerry Capital, LLC.

Bobby Hoffman

Bobby Hoffman is the founder of Thought Partner Services, where he helps individuals and organizations grow through kindness, emotional intelligence, and authentic leadership. With more than two decades of experience in communications and public relations, including many years with the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Bobby brings a people-first perspective grounded in real-world leadership.

He is also a co-host of FOX 47’s Morning Blend and creator of the Good Neighbors segment. Bobby was honored as Michigan’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year and believes kindness is a powerful leadership skill, not a soft one.

Katie Janik

Katie is a senior education specialist who joined AF Group in 2017. Katie has a combination of over 15 years creating content and working with insurance professionals. She has a passion for training and facilitation and is known for always bringing positive energy. As a strategist, she keeps customer experiences top of mind while motivating and influencing her audience.

Kyle Kemp

Kyle is a consultant and educator with more than 15 years of experience in the insurance and business industries, business management, and entrepreneurship. He began his career at GEICO in leadership roles spanning customer service, training, retention, and strategy before building his own agency and later working with independent agencies, networks, and insurtechs.

Kyle brings a practical, growth-focused perspective to helping agencies adapt and thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Daniel Metcalf

Daniel is a cybersecurity expert, AI evangelist, and serial entrepreneur who’s spent the last 15 years helping small and mid-sized businesses stay secure and grow with confidence. He is also the Co-founder and CEO of CyberFin, delivering Fortune 100-level AI adoption and cybersecurity solutions to Trust Driven Main Street businesses.

Known for his high-energy, no-nonsense style, Daniel makes complex topics like cybersecurity and AI simple, practical, and even fun. When he’s not helping businesses outsmart cybercriminals or automate with AI, you can probably find him on the curling rink.

Larry Michael

Larry joined the Rummel Agency in 2003, bringing with him 18 years of experience in information systems consulting and sales. He believes that insurance, despite the growing reliance on technology, is fundamentally a people business built on strong relationships and meaningful conversations that lead to sound decisions for agency employees, clients, and carrier partners alike.

Larry is convinced that thoughtful planning, dedicated leadership, and personal accountability are what distinguishes truly successful agencies from the rest.

Trina Moulder

Trina is a seasoned Commercial Underwriter with 17 years of experience across both retail and wholesale insurance, based in Metro Detroit. She is a keynote and workshop speaker who partners with agencies to deliver practical, results-driven training tailored to today’s marketplace.

Trina brings a clear understanding of what agents need to succeed, combining technical underwriting insight with real-world application. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Management, she is especially passionate about talent development and helping insurance professionals build confidence and long-term success.

Casey Nelson

Casey is a dynamic professional with a unique background. Casey spent nine years as a high school teacher and coach before diving into the insurance world in 2015. Since then, he’s served as COO of a successful agency and even managed a roofing company.

In 2021, he founded Stakwise and now works for Catalyst, where he brings his passion for teaching, technology, and sports together to help independent agents optimize their operations through data automation.

Rick Pitts

Rick is the Vice President and General Counsel for Arlington/Roe & Co., Inc., where he advises on insurance, regulatory, and employment-related matters. He is admitted to practice before state and federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court, and brings decades of legal experience to the industry.

Rick is a frequent lecturer and panelist on insurance, construction, and compliance topics and has authored articles published in the Indiana Law Review. As general counsel to the Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana, he regularly presents at agency compliance and education seminars, translating complex legal issues into practical guidance for agents.

Lori Rummelt

Lori brings more than 30 years of insurance industry experience, with a strong background in agency operations and commercial lines. She now consults with independent agencies, focusing on workflow efficiency, technology use, and E&O loss control.

An approved CPIA, CIC and CISR instructor, Lori delivers practical, experience-based education designed to help agencies operate more effectively and confidently.

Bill Schmidt

Bill is the Regional Sales Manager for Michigan and Indiana for Progressive Insurance and brings over 20 years of experience partnering with agents to help them achieve their goals. Growing up on the water in West Michigan and being an avid outdoorsman, he has a deep passion for Recreational Lines.

Throughout his career, Bill has worked with thousands of agents across the country, including specialists in boat, motorcycle, and RV insurance. He understands that these lines of business create unique opportunities for agents to connect with customers in ways other products often cannot.

Bill is committed to sharing his enthusiasm and expertise to help agencies uncover growth opportunities and strengthen their business for the future!

Don Shampine

Don is the founder and CEO of Michigan Insurance Group, leading a West Michigan independent agency. A frequent industry speaker and risk management consultant, he focuses on practical coverage strategies and client education.

Barbara Walker

Barbara is Vice President and co-owner of Hartland Insurance Agency, a Michigan-based independent agency serving both personal and commercial clients. She brings decades of hands-on agency experience and a strong understanding of the challenges facing independent agents today.

Barbara is an Immediate Past President of Big I Michigan and has been actively involved in association leadership and advocacy. Her practical insight and collaborative leadership style make her a respected voice within the independent agency community.

Dave Walker

Dave is co-owner of Hartland Insurance Agency in Michigan, where he applies decades of independent agency experience to serving personal and commercial clients. He has held leadership roles within the agency and across the independent insurance community.

Dave is a past president of Big I Michigan and past chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the “Big I”). He has been actively involved in advocacy, association initiatives, and supporting the professional development of agents. His deep industry knowledge and commitment to collaboration make him a respected leader among his peers.