Fish Tales Fish Tales
VOL 1 - 2025
The biannual company newsletter of Bass Underwriters. With 17 growing locations nationwide, a lot can happen in six months! Keep up with the happenings of our vibrant employees.
THE EXECUTIVES
Dear Bass Underwriters Team,
As we continue to navigate an ever-evolving industry, I want to take a moment to reflect on what makes Bass Underwriters truly exceptional: our people, our shared commitment, and the energy we create when we come together in our respective offices, not remotely. There is something irreplaceable about being in the office ideas, conversations, and challenges are tackled through collaboration, and our collective drive to be the best fuels innovation. The office is more than a workplace; it’s the heart of our culture, where we build trust, strengthen relationships, and align our efforts toward a common goal: making Bass Underwriters the leader in our field.
Hard work is the cornerstone of our success. When we show up, roll up our sleeves, and commit to excellence, we don’t just meet expectations—we exceed them. Every late night, every extra effort, and every moment of perseverance contributes to our growth and sets us apart in a competitive industry. Your dedication drives our ability to deliver unparalleled service to our clients and partners, and it’s through this shared commitment that we continue to elevate our reputation and results.
Being in the office amplifies this impact. It fosters accountability, inspires creativity, and creates a sense of unity that remote work simply cannot replicate. When we’re together, we learn from one another, challenge each other to grow, and celebrate our victories as a team. These moments of connection are what transform good companies into great ones. As we look to the future, I challenge each of you to embrace the opportunity to be in the office, to work hard, and to strive for excellence in everything you do. Let’s continue to build on our momentum, knowing that every effort we make today lays the foundation for Bass Underwriters’ continued growth and success tomorrow.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission. Together, we will not only meet the challenges ahead but redefine what it means to be the best.
-Ed Jackson President, Bass Underwriters
Meet The Executives
Bill Turgeon Executive VP & Chief of Underwriting
Ed Jackson Joe Anderton
Milan Stefanovic Jim Gainey Jennifer Sanes Stephen Shea President Executive VP Chief Operations & Personal Lines Officer Chief Legal Officer Chief Financial Officer Executive Director of Underwriting Operations
WHO’S NEW TO BASS
1 / 1 - 6 / 3 0
P L A N T A T I O N
Sydney Ambroise
Jill Bennett
Alexii Burkett
Melissa Conklin
Harrison Gottlieb
Mike Greenwald
Christopher Hanna
Aaron Herwig
Karlee Hindmon
Jayden Hunter
Jeffrey Johnson
Kirstyn Kirson
Thaliane Macias
Andre Poorani
Edmon Santos
Ryan Stoutt
Max Utrias
Chelsea Wright
Catherine Zaden
Jenny Freemyer
Emre Keskin
Joseph Perbtani
Mike Robuck
Maeson Lilly
Evan Brindisi
Joshua Leins
Chase Patterson
Maddox Berkson
Elizabeth Ciezczak
Fernando De Los Rios
Perez
H O U S T O N
Samuel Gretzinger
Riley Morris
A U S T I N
William Adams
L O N G I S L A N D
Peter Hountas
Richard Kitt
Kyle O’Rourke
William Szewczuk
E N C I N O
Erick Akopian
Troy Gramont
Leo Lin
Michael Karr D A L L A S
Kolby Nawatani
Manuel Quiroz
Gabriel Sanchez
Daniel Adams
Brandon Coe
Jose Barragan
Matthew Dayao
Joseph Nidoy
Julian Nudo
Joshton Thayer
PROMOTIONS
U N D E R W R I T I N G
Kevin Dionne - Garage/Transportation Underwriting SupervisorGainesville, FL
Rachelle Garcia - Underwriter - Gainesville, FL
Brendon Barcklay - Underwriter - Sacramento, CA
Brian Merritt - Underwriter - Los Angeles, CA
Ryan Houser - Underwriter - Seven Fields, PA
Karman Dhillon - Underwriter - Long Island, NY
Kristen Garcia - Underwriter - Las Vegas, NV
Kevin Baca - Underwriter - Chandler, AZ
Dylan Harris - Underwriter - Charleston, SC
Sebastian Perez - Junior Broker - Plantation, FL
Hank Contich - Junior Broker - Plantation, FL
Melinda Barber - Junior Broker - Gainesville, FL
Andrew Hughes - Junior Broker - Sacramento, FL
Scott Nicolosi - Junior Broker - Long Island, NY
Austin Schafer - Junior Broker - Chandler, AZ
Maria Aguilera - Personal Lines Underwriter Assistant - Plantation, FL
Maddox Berkson - Underwriter Assistant - Chandler, AZ
U W A D M I N
Laura Cowher - Senior Broker - St. Pete, FL
Daniel Graham - Associate Broker II - Plantation, FL
Nathalie Coste - Property Specialist - Plantation, FL
Johnny Guerrier - General Casualty Specialist - Plantation, FL
Blerina Berisha - Brokerage Operations Specialist - Plantation, FL
Aleks Clark - Personal Lines Marketing Liaison - Plantation, FL 1 / 1 - 6 / 3 0
O P E R A T I O N S
LaToya Wilson - Underwriting Operations Manager - Plantation, FL
Timothy Reyes - Ops Support Team Lead - Plantation, FL
Chelsea Wright - Operations Specialist - Plantation, FL
Carolina Seville - Personal Lines Loss Control Associate IIPlantation, FL
Emileysha Diaz - Ops Support Associate II - Plantation, FL
H R / A C C O U N T I N G
Sarah Rodriguez - Director of Human Resources - Plantation, FL
Natalie Raymond - Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistPlantation, FL
Irene Claudio - Sr. A/R Agent Liaison - Plantation, FL
DESIGNATIONS
Waed Azzeh - AINS
Ashley Galin - AINS
Daniel Graham - AINS
Mike Greenwald - ARM
Caleb Harris - AINS
Kimberly Hernandez - AINS
Andrell Huertas - AINS
Shanese King - AINS
Ian Leggett - AINS
Ighor Lins - AINS
Joseph Pace - AINS
Franky Pelaez - AINS
Luke Sanchez - AINS
Karlie Schlosser - AINS
Shaye Soto - AINS
Ryan Stoutt - AINS
Catherine Zaden - AINS
Logan Nelson - AINS
Kristen DyksterhouseAINS
Jaime Johnson - AINS
Emre Keskin - AINS
Mike Robuck - AINS
Evan Brindisi - AINS
Nicholas Denfeld- AINS A
Margaret Weimer - AINS
Michael Guzman - AINS
Raymond Valdivia - AINS
Elizabeth CiezczakAINS
Timothy Williams - AINS
L o n g I s l a n d
Grace Butler - AINS & AIS
Vincent Caputo - AINS
James Crosby - AINS
Karman Dhillon - AINS
David Dragotti - AINS
Jordan Fertig - AINS
Cameron Fox - AINS
James Fox - AINS
Justin Hart - AINS
Richard Kitt - AINS
Nicholas Natale - AINS
Scott Nicolosi - AINS
Kyle O’Rourke - AINS
Scott Quiceno - ASLI & ARM
Tommy Schildknecht - ARM
James White - AINS
s
Vivian Hernandez - AINS
Daniela Pereyra - AINS
Julian Rojas - AINS
Nickolas LomonacoAINS
Jacob Bocanegra - AINS
Norman Lin - AINS
Joseph Nidoy - AINS
Edgar Portillo - AINS
Erick Akopian - ARM
Daniel Giron - AINS
BASS ANNIVERSARIES
1 / 1 - 6 / 3 0
Steven Jolley
Cody Harris
Gray Collier
Maria Trochez
Janice Cover
Craig Perloff
Sonja Watson
David Goddard
Shessy Moreno
Porfirio Bonet
Devon Schultz
Gabriel Trent
Morgan Harris
Maria Orta
Michael
Wojcicki
Joseph Good
Katie Krayssa
William Bender
Vincent Caputo
Christian Logtha
Nicholas Denfeld
Timothy Flay
Brad Banister
Marko Salazar
Jessica Alvarez
Blerina Berisha
Dylan Bosse
Yulaykis Rosas
Kifra Oziri
Regan Richert
Grant Cutler
Cody Rawson
Matthew Snage
Joseph Galang
Mark Reyes
Maria Aguilera
Sebastian Koran
Jordan Fertig
Nickolas Lomonaco
Mishael Villalvazo
Reezin Lovitt
Nathalie Coste
Jack Stasek
Sebastian Perez
Matthew Morrall
Samuel Midden
Kristine Toledo
Lily Stenild-Johansen
Brian Truong
Andrew Spahn
Stephanie Drouet
Karen Kuefler
Samuel Lennon
Alexander Mazzei
James Durda
Brady Phillips
Timothy Williams
Ted Grzeszkowiak
Jacob Schantz
Daniel Timko
Daniella Lora
Chelsea Wright
Cassandra Fields
Alec Werhane
Ramon Fierro
Antonio Ralph
Luke Sanchez
Catherine Gleason
Andrew Hughes
Jamie Buck
Austin Phelps
BASS BLESSINGS Babies
Rachel Moore (FTL) welcomed baby Leilani Stella White on 1/5/25
Bud Brandenburg (GAI) welcomed baby Vivian Hayes Brandenburg on 2/10/25
Raisa Lyons (HOU) welcomed baby Luna Arianna Lyons on 3/15/25
Janelle Mack (ORL) welcomed baby Dean Easton Mack on 3/20/25
Timothy Flay (ORL) welcomed baby Aubrey Charlotte Flay on 4/7/25
Ryan Stoutt (FTL) welcomed baby Layna Stoutt on 4/25/25
Hayley Orr (STP) is soon to be expecting her baby girl
Brides & Grooms BASS BLESSINGS
Chris Kicas (NY) got married in Peru on 1/25/25
Maria Nieto (FTL) got married in Florida on 2/21/25
Christian Palaco & Natalie Raymond (FTL) got engaged in New York on 3/25/25
Gabriel Lopez (FTL) got married in Florida on 5/23/25
Jake Seger (SC) got engaged in Michigan on 6/19/25
Ryan Houser (PA) got married in Pennsylvania on 6/21/25
BASS HAPPENINGS
Nicholas Natale, Scott Nicolosi, &, David Dragotti at the MetroRap Convention
Daniela Pereyra, Jared Herrick, & Montana Parsons at the Houston Insurance Day
David Dragotti, Jordan Fertig, & Vincent Caputo at the Big I Day NY Go Big Convention
Matt Yawn, Bragan Jackson, & Peter Malasavanh at the LA Big I 2025 IIABL Annual Convention
James Willis, Reid Schmidt, & James Campbell at the PIA FL Trade Show
Chris Ueding, James Willis, Becky Cumbaa, Cori Rascati, Aleks Clark, Philip Rizzuti, Terence Ferguson, & Noah Taylor at the FAAIA Convention
BASS HAPP Career Fairs
Connor Hennebury at the UNLV career fair
Chris Kicas & Jimmy Phelps at the St. Johns career fair
Jake Seger & Margaret Weimer at the College of Charleston career fair
Bass sponsoring the Charleston career fair
BASS HAPPENINGS
Gianluca Martinello, Zach Rosen, & Shaye Soto
Della Patron & Lee Ann Dezzutti
Victor Moreno, Nick Sumbles, Christopher Johnson, Ryan Stoutt, & Samuel Midden
BASS HAPPENINGS
Austin Phelps, Jesse Fenton, & Trent Erikson
Kay Burns & Maria Trochez
The Plantation office enjoying Gelato
BASS HAPPENINGS Corporate Run
Karen Kuefler, Mia Berndt, & Carolina Seville
The Plantation office at the corporate run
Viviana Figueroa & Alena Platonova
BASS HAPPENINGS
Noah Taylor & baby Athena
Gabe Trent, Jimmy MacGovern, Jordan Alvaranga, Garfield Lee, Jesse Fenton, & Wesley Fenton
Rachel Moore & baby Leilani
Camila Palaco, Stephanie Fleitas, & Tegan Jackson giving away Easter eggs
Leadership Retreat
BASS HAPPENINGS
Shessy Moreno, Ryan Gettler, Chris Kicas, & James Gainey building bikes
Bill Turgeon & James Gainey fishing
Andrew Lanorias, Craig Perloff, Sarah Rodriguez, Alex Buck, & Dominic Monda building bikes
Bill Turgeon & the leadership retreat crew
Bill Turgeon, Ben Lynch, Jennifer Sanes, & Eric Huntley building bikes
Kevin Cullinan, Joseph Anderton, Justin Colletti, Todd McGough, & Jake Jackson building bikes
BASS HAPPENINGS Savoring Success
Milan Stefanovic, Magda Kita, & Joe Good enjoying dinner with our London broker
Jason Clark, Chase Jackson, & Milan Stefanovic golfing with Ed Williams & Chris Elms from Guard
Alex Buck, David Corinti, Laura Cowher, John Nicholson, Nichole Morgan, Magda Kita, & Milan enjoying dinner with our Vault customers, Brett, Tommy, & Nichole
Magda Kita, Rachelle Garcia, Debbie Rascati, & Milan Stefanovic enjoying dinner with Stephen Allnutt & Jason Rhodes from Tower Hill
Business Taxes: Danier Rose, Sara Forman, Deysi Ruperti, Crystal Barreto, Heidy Rodriguez, Andrea Oken, & Melonie Neils
Business Taxes: May Zuniga, Crystal Barreto, Allyson Whitney-Caputo, & Chelsie Campbell
The St. Pete office enjoying lunch with their best agency, Purmort & Martin
The Mobile office enjoying Mardi Gras with Demetrius, Miah, & Nicole from Westchester
BASS HAPPENINGS Savoring Success
The Gainesville office enjoying happy hour with Ategrity
The Houston office enjoying happy hour with Natalie Vargas, Stephanie Gilbert, & Kylie Walker from RLI
Personal Lines enjoying brunch with Beazley
Hannah Yates, Daniela Pereyra, & Isaac Villalvazo at an Astros game with Lauren Harper & Steven Schallau from Velocity
Westchester visited the Atlanta office
Craig Perloff with super agent
Karley Laycock with Lyon Fry Cadden
The Plantation office at Top Golf with Griffin from IFG
Milan Stefanovic, Magda Kita, & Joe Good at a football game with HDI
BASS HAPPENINGS
Celebrating Jason Clark’s birthday Craig Perloff & his family on a snowy day
The HR team at the 4Kids Galentine’s event Karla Rodriguez, Ed, & James Gainey all wearing yellow coincidentally
Noah Taylor, Ian Leggett, Jesse Fenton, & Christian Gallego at the IIABC Networking Drive
Reid Schmidt honoring Michael Glick with a membership to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club for being the top producing Workers Comp underwriter at the FTL office
Celebrating Laura Cowher’s birthday Dune Buggies at the Crown Retreat
BASS HAPPENINGS
Milan Stefanovic with the Arizona office Workers Comp training with the Atlanta office
Lacy Fridley, Isaac Villalvazo, Tyler Brown, & Ben Goff, from Century
at the
Personal Lines team building at Top Golf
n Schultz, Craig Perloff, & super t Karley Laycock at Mardi Gras
Austin Phelps, Christian Gallego, James Campbell, & Luke Plumer at the UFCIC trip
Maria Trochez, Shessy Moreno, Maria Nieto, Karen Kuefler, & Sarah Rodriguez celebrating mothers day with Bundt cakes
BASS HAPPENINGS
Haddon Schlarbaum, John Nicholson, Peyton Purdy, Tanner Boley, USF Bull, James Durda, & Blake Cover at IATB Top Golf
Kurt Wells, Ben Lynch, Liam Sole, Brendan Carpenter, & Eric Abbott celebrate with Ryan & Bethany Houser at their recent wedding
Blake Cover, Joseph Galang, Peyton Purdy, Evan Wright, & Logan Nelson at a cornhole tournament
Ryder Copeland, Cory Wiggins, Teddy Williams, & Bragan Jackson at the chili cookoff
Ops celebrating Debbie Clein’s return to the office
A classy group of underwriters enjoying dinner in Denver for the Century roundtable retreat
Isaac Villalvazo, Celia Connor from Stonetrust, & Ryder Copeland at the 15 Annual Stonetrust Glen Grigsby Invitational Golf Tournament th
The Orlando office celebrating the Panthers
BASS HAPPENINGS
Austin Phelps, Caleb Harris, Ryan Licata, Victor Moreno, Mike Greenwald, & Zach Rosen celebrating fathers day with donuts
Celebrating Kay Burns’ retirement
The office services, business development, & HR team celebrating Maria Nieto’s bridal shower
Henry Lamberti’s baby wearing a Bass onesie
BASS HAPPENINGS Fun on the Green
Nick Sumbles, Philip Rizzuti, Milan Stefanovic, & Chase Jackson at the Big I Golf Tournament
Massimo Ricci, Jamie Buck, Cross Corinti, & James Durda at the Sarasota Big I Golf & Cornhole
Michael Lau, Jim Tran, Matthew Imel, & Brent Thompson at the Golf Classic in support of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Isaac Villalvazo, David Edwards Jr., the retailer, Bert Perez, & Mishael Villalvazo at the Spring Golf Classic
IN THE COMMUNITY Bass Gives
Visit the HR Intranet to revisit their stories and learn more about how you can submit a nomination for a family or person in need
Charity IN THE COMMUNITY
THE CHRONICLES
Of Bill Turgeon
Bill at dinner with the Arizona crew
Bill at lunch with the Los Angeles crew
Bill at lunch with the Orlando crew
Bill & Carmine Perez at lunch
Eric Huntley, Bill, & Kevin Cullinan
Bill, Gayle Turgeon, Andrew, & Stephanie Lanorias
Bill & the crew in Hilton Head, SC
Bill & the crew at the Panther’s game
INSURANCE TECHNOLOGIES
Alvaro Angel, Pollyana Alfonso, Brian Campozano, Jesse Peinado, Yuset Martinez, Jake Jackson, Brian Tran, Porfirio Bonet, Yainelys Rivero, Ruben Padron, Vladimir Martell, Krystal Wallace, & Yordano Martell
Krystal Wallace, Pollyana Alfonso, Yordano Martell, Yainelys Rivero, & Brian Campozano
WHAT’S NEXT Upcoming Events
August
8/4 National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
8/5-19 Open Enrollment
8/6 FSLA Annual Convention
8/13 LAAIA
September
*9/1 Labor Day
October
10/6 FSU & UGA RMI Career Fairs
10/7 IIAB Sacramento Big I Day
10/31 Halloween
November
*11/27 Thanksgiving
*11/28 Day After Thanksgiving
December
12/12 Corp Christmas Party
*12/24 Christmas Eve
*12/25 Christmas Day