Sage Insurance Team
Robert L. Johnson, President
After graduating from Wright State University with an Accounting and Finance degree in 1989, I started my career as an Accountant for a bank in Cincinnati, Ohio. Very quickly I came to the conclusion, I cannot stand being behind a desk, so I took my insurance license. After passing the license exam, I started selling life Insurance and mutual funds for a broker in Columbus, Ohio. Go Buckeye!!!! I still like to fly back to Ohio and watch the Buckeyes play football with old friends and family in Columbus.
In 1996 I moved to Las Vegas, and I passed the property and casualty exam. I started my career as a captive agent for seven years. In 2003, I was activated by the U.S.A.F. to serve for one year on active duty when the Iraqi war started. After returning to Las Vegas I realize the enormous opportunity you could have to build a business as an independent agent. I was hired to manage and develop a start-up agency. After growing the agency for several years the management moved their operations to Texas, and I had to take a long hard look at my career. I decided it was time for me to manage and operate my own agency. After some searching I had the opportunity to buy into AGS Insurance. The building of AGS has been interesting and fun for the last few years. However, just when I thought I have climbed to the top of the mountain, I look ahead and saw Mount Everest or Sage Insurance. I look at the past 39 years of my career as training for the next 39 years building Sage insurance. FYI, my first job was a paper route at the age of eight, and I been working full-time ever since. I just wished I had someone back then to teach me the Rule of 72, and the magic of compounding interest!
Linda and Jim have given me this awesome opportunity and responsibility to take Sage Insurance to the next level. With the help of my family, and a lot of good people’s support and dedication we will get the job done. Every day I wake up excited about the opportunity, and having the chance to take a few good people with me to the top, because winning is only fun if you have someone to share it with!!!!
You can reach Robert by e-mail at: robertj@sageinsurance.com
Or by phone at (702) 547-1900 ext. 103
Allen J. Stout, Director of Sales & Marketing
In December 1996 I moved to Las Vegas from Denver to finish my education and be closer to family. Being born and raised in southern Utah I was familiar with Las Vegas but didn't realize what an adventure I was about to begin.
In 2000, I graduated from UNLV with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I began working as a sales rep at Competitive Components, an electronic components distributor and contract manufacturer selling electronics and manufacturing PC boards. Being a small fish in a very large pond taught me that true success only comes when you treat clients as you would wish to be treated. What do you know? There is something to that thing they call The Golden Rule after all!
In August 2004, my wife Gloria started AGS Insurance Services from scratch. After a few years of hard work on her own she built a profitable company for me to take over when she was unable carry on. A short time later I met Robert Johnson. Rob could see that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with me, or perhaps it was the other way around, so we joined forces and for the next few years had quite an adventure building AGS Insurance Services.
When Rob and I met Jim and Linda Valkenburg, it was obvious that we all shared the same core values. It was immediately apparent that adding to what they had built over the past 13 years would not only be a successful business decision but an honor to be a part of carrying on what Sage has stood for all these years. It is the best run agency in town with respect to its clients and employees. I am truly blessed to be where I am today because of Gloria, Rob, Jim, and Linda.
The most rewarding part of each day is working directly with people and helping protect them from events that could have catastrophic implications for many years. We have witnessed many instances where families’ assets are kept intact because they had the right coverage when the wrong things happen.
Each one of us at Sage understand the importance of what we do every day. I am very proud of this company and am looking forward to being a part of it for many years.
You can reach Allen by e-mail at: allens@sageinsurance.com
Or by phone at (702) 547-1900 ext. 105
Linda Valkenburg, Executive Vice President
Linda is the original founder of Sage Insurance and has graciously moved aside to give Bob Johnson and Allen Stout an opportunity to take the agency to a new level in Nevada. However, she remains the mainstay of the personal lines sales team and will be here for many years to come.
Linda has been involved in the insurance business almost since birth! Her Dad was an independent life insurance agent in Greensboro, North Carolina and Linda, literally, grew up in the business. While at Florida State University, Linda decided to pursue Risk Management & Insurance as her profession and proceeded to get both a Bachelor’s and MBA degree with an insurance emphasis.
Upon graduation, Linda followed her husband while he served in the US Air Force and she kept her fingers in the industry as much as possible. While in Hawaii for 5 years, Linda was the Assistant Dean and Admissions Counselor in the Travel Industry Management School at the University of Hawaii. She kept in touch with the insurance industry by teaching insurance classes in the College of Business on the Manoa campus. When the Air Force transferred them to California, Jim wound up teaching at UC Berkley and Linda took a position with one of the largest international insurance brokers in the world. While there at Johnson & Higgins, Linda became one of the first female department heads the company ever had. When she moved to Las Vegas in the mid-1980’s she looked to the community insurance professionals and worked at four local agencies before she decided that ownership and control was the best way to live the remainder of he career. With as much gumption as she always demonstrated, Linda started pursuing ownership in early June, 1996 and by August of that year had the doors open at Sage Insurance. She’s never looked back. Her efforts have resulted in the professional staff you see on this website and over 3,500 satisfied clients, many of whom she knows personally. That’s because Linda considers insurance a personal decision not to be taken lightly or without advice of a professional.
Linda has also been teaching insurance at the University level, for insurance professional organizations and community service classes since 1974. If you were in the insurance business, you would undoubtedly see her in front of one of your required continuing education classes from time to time. If you’re not in the insurance profession, it will be comforting to know that we have one of the best as our principal agent here at Sage.
You can reach Linda by e-mail at: lindav@sageinsurance.com
Or by phone at (702) 547-1900 ext. 100
Jim Valkenburg, Vice President & General Manager
Jim wears many hats in the office, and his title is predictably varied. He is the Sage General Manager, Chief Information Officer, Director of Human Resources, Office Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Computer Network Administrator, Marketing Analyst, Graphic Designer and all-around office handy man. He received his insurance license in 1998 and has been learning from our experienced team ever since. He’ll make you feel welcome and put you at ease when you visit. His straightforward, no-nonsense approach to the complexities of the insurance marketplace can be found in his answers to your questions on this website. If you want a plain answer to any insurance question, you can ask Jim directly by clicking the “Ask the Staff” button on our home page. If the question is general in nature, you may find both the question and answer posted on that page. If the question is too specific, then you’ll simply get an e-mail reply. But, you will get an answer! One of Jim’s favorite phrases is: At Sage Insurance, you are just one question away from an answer.
Jim & Linda met at Florida State University while they were both earning MBA’s. Linda’s degree in Risk Management & Insurance prepared her for an insurance career, while Jim’s emphasis was business management with a minor in marketing. Jim also has an Electrical Engineering degree from Arizona State University and it’s no surprise to find him staring into the computer like he really knows what’s in there! Jim spent 21 years in the U.S. Air Force and many years in the teaching profession before joining his wife in the insurance industry. In the early 1990’s Jim believed his future to be someplace in the higher education community and therefore pursued a Doctorate in Educational Administration at UNLV. But before his dissertation was completed, Jim’s life took an unexpected turn, and the opportunity to own presented itself. Jim & Linda decided to open their own agency and take on the challenges as business owners. His teaching duties are now relegated to the office, but knowledge is still a focus in his life. He believes that an educated consumer makes the best consumer.
You can reach Jim by e-mail at: jimv@sageinsurance.com
Or by phone at (702) 547-1900 ext. 101
Freda Dana, Agent / Director of Operations
Freda is the Director of Operations here at Sage and that basically means that she knows how to do everything! She is licensed in Property & Casualty and Life insurance and can also step in to fill the receptionist or bookkeepers job when we need her. A “jack-of-all-trades” is a fitting job description, but she does not fit the rest of the common phrase (master of none) because she has mastered them. There is no describing how valuable someone is that can fill almost any position when needed.
Freda’s primary function is to sell life insurance (or help her husband Robert Johnson sell). Yes, she’s married to the company President and they have a young Son, Asher, who will someday be right here on the agent list.
Freda was born in Singapore and has been in the U.S. since 1993. She has a degree in business management and is also a licensed in cosmetology and real estate.
Freda loves the outdoors and likes hiking and camping.
Well-rounded seems like an understatement. We’re so happy she’s part of the Sage team, and you will be too.
You can reach Freda by e-mail at: fredad@sageinsurance.com
Or by phone at: (702) 547-1900 ext. 106
Michele Tanico, Agent / Commercial Lines Manager
Michele was born in Medford, Oregon and relocated to South San Francisco, CA when she was just four years old. In 2001, she decided to venture off to Las Vegas where she only knew two people that lived here. She met her dear husband about 4 months after she moved here, got engaged and married her ‘best friend’ just six months later.
Michele began her Insurance career in 2002 working with State Farm. She also worked at Allstate and AAA prior to coming to Sage. Here is what Michele thinks about the move to an independent agent (in her own words):
“What is most important and fulfilling to me is having the opportunity to educate people and provide both prospects and clients valuable knowledge on what they are purchasing. I also strive, in addition, to provide them with a pleasant experience.”
Leisure activities Michele enjoys are spending time with her husband Mike, playing softball, camping, cooking, sewing and relaxing.
Michele is personable, knowledgeable, and truly sincere in her approach to your protection. She knows that many people buy insurance because they “have’ to, but her passion is to inform you about why you really need it. Call her or send her an e-mail. You’ll be better off for the effort.
You can reach Michele by e-mail at: michelet@sageinsurance.com
Or by phone at (702) 547-1900 ext. 113
Lisa Lucero, Financial Manager / Account Manager
Lisa Lucero is the Sage Financial Manager joining our team in May, 2003. Some would call her a bookkeeper, but that is understating what she does here. Lisa is the one that insures client payments go to the right place and at the right time. Lisa is the one that pays the bills. Lisa is the one that keeps all agency finances in order. Lisa is often first in every morning … getting here as early as 6:00 AM. Lisa is a valuable asset to the agency AND she decided to pursue an insurance license in January 2008.
So, now Lisa is also an agent for the company and can answer your insurance questions as well! That is a rare combination in this industry. It simply goes to point out that we have the best here at Sage and the client is always the beneficiary. Lisa handles all clients whose last name begins with the letter L. So, if that’s you, she’s the lady to talk to.
Lisa was born in the San Joaquin Valley [French Camp, CA] and lived on a grape ranch until she was 7 when her family moved to Henderson. She has been here ever since and that makes her a true Las Vegas Valley native. She graduated from Basic High School, attended Apollo Tech for computer training and then UNLV for 2 years. With a varied background ranging from convenience store management to accounts payable clerk to human resources, Lisa adds a wealth of knowledge to our staff.
You can reach Lisa by e-mail at: lisal@sageinsurance.com
Or by phone at (702) 547-1900 ext. 110
Jean Hagen, Senior Account Manager
Jean is our most experienced agent, and has been at Sage ever since we opened our doors on August 1, 1996. She is from Washington (the state) and we suppose that someday she will go back home ... but not until she’s ready to retire ... many many years from now. She has worked in the insurance industry since 1964 - providing us with over 40 years of extremely valuable experience. Jean was first licensed in the state of Washington and worked for one of the largest personal lines agencies in the state before moving to Las Vegas in 1993. Jean also has a Johnson & Higgins background working in their commercial division from 1969 - 1972. One of Jean’s major responsibilities here at Sage is to manage all accounts in the first half of the alphabet. So, if your name begins with A through K, then Jean is your Account Manager. Contact her and you’ll find her both helpful and knowledgeable.
When not at work, you will often find Jean volunteering at Central Christian Church in Henderson or puttering around in her garden. When you come into the office, you will see several examples of her handiwork. She not only brings our live plants to life, but also does most of our silk arrangements. We’re glad she’s here... you will be too.
You can reach Jean by e-mail at: jeanh@sageinsurance.com
Or by phone at: (702) 547-1900 ext. 102
Vicky Abbey, Agent / Account Manager
Vicky joined the Sage team in August 2007. She has been licensed in the insurance industry since 1990 and worked at both GEICO and Farmers before moving into the Independent Agent arena. As an Account Manager, Vicky is responsible for activity on policies for clients whose last name starts with M-Z, so if you’re in that group this is the lady you can talk to about any issue you might have. She is knowledgeable, friendly and truly sincere about your concerns.
Vicky was born in California but moved to Las Vegas at age 10. She graduated from Chaparral High School and has virtually all of her family in town (Mom, Dad, 2 Sisters and 4 Brothers). Vicky is a Las Vegas native that knows the city and cares about the people who live here. Her Husband, Kevin, is retired Military (Air Force) and together they have lived in various states and in England. Vicky has 2 cats (Sunkist and Shadow) and a Pug (Windi) to keep her busy around the house. In her spare time she enjoys camping, reading, and football. She and Kevin are true NASCAR fans and make annual treks to Bristol, Tennessee; Phoenix, AZ; as well as our own race right here in Las Vegas.
You can reach Vicky by e-mail at: vickya@sageinsurance.com
Or by phone at (702) 547-1900 ext. 111
Jesse Stout, Agent / Account Manager
Jesse was one of four agents that came to Sage when we merged with AGS Insurance in February, 2009. Jesse received his insurance license in February, 2009 which makes him a relatively new agent… but he’s eager and he’s learning daily. If you talk to him, you’ll find him willing to help you in any way he can. Just give him a chance and he’ll do the job you expect from agents here at Sage. Jesse was most recently in the food service business and when asked why the switch to insurance, here’s what he said:
“Working in the food service industry was somewhat challenging and sometimes rewarding, but it was just a job to me. Here in the insurance industry I feel like I’ve finally started a career.”
Jesse was raised in Southern Utah and moved to Las Vegas in 1994. He is a graduate of Western High School where he played both football and baseball. He’s an avid sports fan and a die hard Cubbie during baseball season. He enjoys the outdoors, camping and spending time with his new wife.
You can reach Jesse by e-mail at: jesses@sageinsurance.com
Or by phone at (702) 547-1900 ext. 107
Bailey Upton, Agent / Account Manager
Bailey was born right here in Las Vegas and has been in the insurance industry since age 16. She started out working at Allstate as a secretary through high school and decided that she liked the business and could see herself making a career of it in the future. That led to her wanting to get her insurance license and two days after her 18th birthday she took the state exam and passed. Bailey now has both her Property & Casualty and Life & Health license. In December 2007, Bailey came on board with AGS Insurance and came along with the team upon the merger of AGS and Sage.
In Bailey’s own words, she said:
“I’ve learned all I could at a captive agency and decided that the independent side of insurance would help broaden my insurance knowledge and prepare me for a career.”
Bailey is currently attending UNLV to study Business Management and hopes to some day own her own business.
In her free time, Bailey is an assistant softball coach to girls age 10 & under and is also a 5th grade girls’ small group leader at Canyon Ridge Christian Church. She loves to play tennis and softball outside or catch a good show every once in a while.
You can reach Bailey by e-mail at: baileyu@sageinsurance.com
Or by phone at (702) 547-1900 ext. 115
Roberta Awerkamp, Director of First Impressions
To most, Roberta is our receptionist, but to us she is the "Director of First Impressions." When you walk in or call in, Roberta is most likely the first person you’ll see or talk to. Her job is to listen to you and then get you routed to the right person for help. If you’ve never done it, believe me, it ain’t easy. If you come in to make payments, Roberta will take care of you and insure that you get the proper receipt. She also handles many administrative duties in the office ranging from sending client letters to ordering supplies. She is versatile, personable and genuinely interested in making your visit or call as efficient as possible.
Roberta and her husband, Brandon, are the proud parents of Connor and Kieran.
Even though she was born in California, Roberta has spent the majority of her life in Las Vegas. Most of her time is spent at home enjoying her time with her family. After finishing high school, Roberta started to get involved with Real Estate and learning about the in's and out's of selling a home. She could not have asked for a better city to learn about this field. A fresh start was made after getting married and having a child. A different calling came, so Roberta found herself working in the ever challenging world of insurance. She joined the Sage Insurance team in May, 2006 and there is no doubt that Roberta has learned some of the basics of the insurance industry.
You can reach Roberta by e-mail at: robertaa@sageinsurance.com
Or by phone at (702) 547-1900 ext. 104
Ginger, Office Mascot
While Ginger has limited insurance skills, she is usually here in the office to greet you and welcome you to our family. Ginger came to Sage in November of 1996, just a few short months after our Grand Opening and she has been an office fixture ever since. Her favorite word is c-o-o-k-i-e and you notice I'm spelling it, because she knows what it means!! Come on in and meet her - she already likes you! Unfortunately, you can't reach Ginger by e-mail. She has yet to master the fine art of keyboarding, but who knows what tomorrow will bring!