| CEO: Sam GeraciSam Geraci is a 27-year veteran of the insurance industry and a recognized expert in P&C insurance, trends, and strategy. He is currently the CEO of Agents First, a group offering agents the perks they’d get if they were franchisees such as competitive intelligence, health insurance, discounts and training. Sam was the Enterprise Vice President of Strategy at American Family during a time the company more than doubled its revenue and capital. Before that he was the AVP of Strategy at Liberty Mutual and a Principal at the Boston Consulting Group. Sam lives in Madison, Wisconsin and loves learning about history. |
 | COO: Caroline GeraciCurrently based in Madison, Wisconsin, Caroline began her career as a corporate attorney, working in large firms in Philadelphia and then Chicago. Having honed her skills in business law and strategic planning, she later applied them as a serial entrepreneur, leading successful ventures and founding multiple nonprofits. In addition to her COO responsibilities, Caroline coaches select entrepreneurs to build legacy-level businesses and still runs a real estate investment business. In her free time, Caroline enjoys getting outdoors to hike and capture nature’s beauty through photography. Email: caroline@theagentsfirst.com |
| Fred HippoChief Business Development OfficerDistrict, state, and regional manager of exclusive agents (Shelter and American Family). Expert in commercial lines and non-standard auto insurance. Significant experience helping agents improve marketing and staffing. Lives in Waunakee, Wisconsin Email: fred@theagentsfirst.com |
| John FentressPartnerStarted as an agency owner, winning Conference Of Champions 22 times District, state, and regional manager of exclusive agents (Shelter) Expert in life insurance Founder of Compass Consulting Lives in Lexington, Kentucky Email: john@theagentsfirst.com |
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| Rob QuesnelPartnerRob spent more than 34 years in the insurance industry with American Family Insurance. Rob has held numerous leadership roles in several locations. Rob began his career with American Family Insurance in 1988. His first role was as an agency owner in Faribault, MN. Other roles included sales training, leadership development director, state director and vice president of Marketing. Rob has lived in several states including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oregon and Washington. Rob has been a member of several industry boards including the LIMRA, multi-line exclusive agency board. Rob served as chair of this board during his tenure. He has also served on the East King County Chambers Coalition. In this role he helped develop position papers for state legislatures regarding taxes and business development. |
| Chuck ManganelliPartnerStarted as a scratch agent, building it to 2,000 policies in five years District and state manager of exclusive agents (American Family) Strong background in commercial lines, life insurance, agency management, leadership Oversaw corporate care center sales operations driving sales and customer satisfaction Lives in suburban Chicago, Illinois Email: chuck@theagentsfirst.com |
| Carolyn GilbPartnerStarted as a scratch agent in Arizona District, state, and regional manager of exclusive agents (American Family) Expert in commercial lines overseeing commercial and farm for Amfam Lives in Scottsdale, Arizona |
Bethany JansenPartnerBethany Jansen is a distinguished leader in the IT and insurance sectors, known for her strategic vision and expertise in content strategies, generative AI (GenAI), and leveraging data-driven insights to foster growth. As a 2023 Women in Insurance Leadership NEXT Honoree by Digital Insurance, Bethany has built a reputation as a change agent, bringing innovative solutions to life within the insurance industry, particularly in the realms of small business insurance and Excess & Surplus (E&S) lines. Bethany holds a B.A. in Political Science and Public Administration from Winona State University and an MPA in Financial Management from Northern Illinois University. Outside of her professional work, she is an active community member, leading the selection team for the Lino Lakes Ambassador Program and mentoring local candidates. |
