HANSON & RYAN - Key Persons
Alan Zollo has been employed with Hanson and Ryan since December 2001.
Mr. Zollo is a graduate of Seton Hall University. He joined Hanson & Ryan after completing a 10-year career at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center where he was Vice President of the Managed Care Division. In addition, he served as the Executive Director and oversaw the operations of Seton Health Network (a joint venture of St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center and the IPA of North Jersey). Prior to St. Joseph's Mr. Zollo completed a 20 year career at Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NJ.
With over 30 years of experience in the healthcare arena, he is very knowledgeable about healthcare delivery systems and the particular concerns of health care providers. He holds a New Jersey insurance producer's license with authorities in Life, Health and Property and Casualty. Because of Mr. Zollo's knowledge of medical malpractice insurance he is able to assist physicians and other healthcare professionals in selecting the appropriate insurance company, choosing the proper coverage, and understanding the various policy terms and options. Few agencies offer the depth of insight into the practical aspect of the liability process, from historical trends, to present claim handling, to managing risk for the future.
Mr. Zollo has a demonstrated track record of developing trusting and successful business relationships with physicians and other professionals such as lawyers and accountants. Offering a broad base of expertise in all types of business and personal insurance, from professional liability and workers' compensation to coverage for home and autos.
After 25 years in the health insurance/employee benefits field, Allen joined the team at Hanson & Ryan in 2015. Formerly an Account Executive focusing on large (1,000+ employees) organizations, he has made the switch to serving small firms and individuals, focusing on the Medicare market.
Drawing on his days as a managerial analyst for an international airline, he strives to get the most value from every premium dollar. Whether it's a firm staffed by 50 engineers, or a single parent, he always is looking for what is truly best for his clients. "I follow the golden rule, and take a personal approach to advising all his customers. I put myself in the client's shoes."
Allen and his late wife of 38 years, Robbin, raised their daughter in Little Falls, before moving to Wayne, 5 years ago. While in Little Falls he served on the Recreation Commission for 4 years, was elected to the Board of Education for 12 years. He later became the founding president of the Passaic Valley High School Education Foundation. No longer a marathon runner (best time 2:59:15), Allen now relaxes by hanging out with his furry friend, Annie, a Pomeranian.
Fun Fact: North Dakota and Alaska are the only states Allen has not visited.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Receptionist
Carol joined the Hanson & Ryan family in January of 2014. She has earned an associated degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Bergen Community College in 2004. After graduating from Bergen Community college she worked at a local florist. After some time she decided to move on from the florist and worked for a small family owned company that sells back-up media for medical machines. After about 8 years it was time to move on to a new career, Carol received an interview for a receptionist opening at Hanson & Ryan and as the saying goes "the rest is history".
Carol started out at Hanson & Ryan in reception in January of 2014, she enjoyed speaking with all clients that would call or come in to the office. Once Carol got acquainted with the office she felt it was time to earn her license in Property and Casualty and after a few months was officially licensed. In early 2016 she joined the Personal Lines Team as an Account Executive and in 2021, transitioned over to the Commercial Lines Team. Along with being an account executive Carol is also in charge of the office philanthropy, she organizes all charitable donations and keeps track of the office "Jean Money" which goes to an organization that is nominated by the employees each year.
Carol lives in Totowa, the town she grew up in. She enjoys spending time with her family and spoiling her two nephews. Carol also enjoys many hobbies including crafting, baseball (she is a huge Mets fan), loves attending concerts and anything Disney.
Carrie internalized and lives by this quote. She chose to interpret its meaning as one of Self-Worth, Respect, Reliance, and Understanding. Trusting in this has helped bring her life's journey of running her family's 4th generation insurance agency, ISU Hanson & Ryan, Inc. alongside of her sister and best friend Kristin a reality.
Carrie attended the University of Rhode Island and later Montclair State University. She continues to attend classes to update her education in areas of interest. She is currently in the process of obtaining her CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) designation.
She has completed an Agency Development Program for a respected insurance company and Dale Carnegie Training early in her career.
She has been a member of the North Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and currently maintains a position on the Small Business Product & Automation Council of another major insurance company.
Carrie is happily married with two girls and has been in the Insurance Industry since 2001. She wakes up every morning with the objectives of teaching her children to be important contributions to society yet, keeping their souls kind; educating and finding solutions within her career; earning the respect of others and in return respecting others; and always counting her blessings including family, friends, and peers.
Carrie internalized and lives by this quote, as many seniors in high school probably didn't think that deep at the time. She chose to interpret the meaning as...
Connie Tahinos became a member of the Hanson & Ryan family back in March of 2011. She came from a much different background, working in the cosmetology field for over 6 years before entering the insurance world. After she graduated from Passaic Valley High School of Little Falls, NJ in 2002, Connie attended the Capri Institute in Clifton, NJ where she studied to become an Esthetician. After graduating, she received her Skin Care Specialist license with the NJ State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. She wanted to further expand her knowledge in the cosmetology field, which led her to studying makeup application at New York City's Empire Beauty School. She graduated in 2006 and was certified in Basic Makeup Skills, Glamour/Fashion and Prosthetic Application of Makeup. After graduating, Connie focused on being a freelance makeup artist, with her specialties being bridal and special occasion makeup. During her freelance gig (which she currently still does from time to time), she worked for a beauty supply store/salon in Totowa, NJ as their makeup artist and skin care specialist for over 3 years.
David D'Andrea joined the Hanson & Ryan team in 2022. Read more...
Evelyn started her insurance journey in 2016 at Hanson & Ryan. She graduated from Montclair University with a Bachelors in Business Management and also has an... View Full Bio
Job Titles:
- Insurance Agent
- Benefits Services
Jamie Nielsen, Jr. is an insurance agent at Hanson & Ryan. His education and life experiences have earned him a position on the sales/production team. Areas of expertise include Life Insurance, Health Insurance, and Senior Services. Mr. Nielsen has certifications in Medicare and in Healthcare exchanges.
Prior to joining Hanson & Ryan, Mr. Nielsen was a carpenter, following three generations of his family into the trades. He specialized in commercial and residential floor covering. The 2007 depression in the construction industry forced Jamie to make a serious life changing decision - and it was the best decision he has ever made.
His core values are honesty and integrity. He takes pride in representing his clients and truly giving them peace of mind. His goal is to take customers to the next level, making them clients, clients for life, and generations to come. By having close relationships with many different insurance companies, Jamie is able to contact each company and find the right coverage for the right price.
When he is not trying to protect the world one policy at a time, you can find him spending time with his family. Jamie has a wife and two daughters and resides in Wayne. Jamie volunteers his time with the Wayne CERT team, and many other industry associations.
Jeff graduated from William Paterson University with a major in History, and a minor in Special Education. He then joined the Hanson & Ryan team where he successfully completed the USLI 50/50 Program where he focused in Nonprofits. This niche only made sense as he has participated in the community his entire life. Since he was a boy, Jeff has raised puppies for The Seeing Eye in Morristown, and has volunteered his free time for the Special Olympics of NJ.
Jeff's focus area in insurance has since grown immensely, but has always remained in commercial lines. He says there is no better feeling than when a client thanks him for properly protecting their business in the event of a loss. This industry has also introduced him to many facets of business, and advises to never hesitate to reach out to him when looking for answers, even if it's not insurance related.
Jeff resides in North Jersey with his wife Jennifer, son Jayse and their Silver Lab, "Red" Reddington.
Jennifer started working for Hanson & Ryan back in January of 1999. She started as the receptionist but went to school at night and got her Producer License. She then moved to the Benefits Department where she has spent the last 19 years loving every minute of it!
Job Titles:
- Personal Lines / Benefits
John graduated Ocean County College in December of 2007 with an associates degree in criminal justice. In 2009 John moved down to Virginia to start his career as a... View Full Bio
Kaiti joined the Hanson & Ryan family in 2014 while finishing school at Ramapo College of New Jersey. She earned her Associates Degree in Business Administration from the County College of Morris in 2013. From there, she continued her education at Ramapo College of New Jersey, graduating in May of 2015 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.
As Kaiti worked her way through college, she took a risk management course and from that time forward she discovered a growing interest in the insurance industry. Kaiti started her career as a commercial lines assistant at Hanson & Ryan and is currently a marketing representative in the commercial lines department.
Kaiti currently lives in her hometown of Jefferson Township where you can find her at home knitting or teaching her cat new tricks. In her free time, she also enjoys going to the gym, playing sports, and eating burgers.
In 2010 Kristin officially became a Hanson & Ryan employee, even though she been working in the family business since the time she could crawl. She graduated from the University of Tampa majoring in Business and Art. She also earned an Associate's degree in Interior Design at the International Academy of Design and Technology of Tampa. While searching for a design career she started filling in at her father's insurance agency and as the saying goes "Once you enter this family, there's no getting out."
Since starting with Hanson & Ryan she worked many different positions from receptionist to claims before landing in the commercial lines department. There she enjoys meeting new people, learning about their professions, analyzing their specific needs, then finding a solution to make sure they are properly protected. Looking to further her expertise to benefit her clients in 2023 she became a Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist.
In 2018, Kristin, along with her sister, Carrie, they purchased Hanson & Ryan from their father, Terry Ryan. In additional to being COO of Hanson & Ryan she also likes to be involved in industry associations. She currently sits as Vice Chair-Woman of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, NJ chapter.
Kristin lives in Wayne, NJ with her husband Christopher, 2 sons Austin and Peyton and dog Charley. While a work/mom life balance is challenging if she does find some time you can probably find her on the golf course, cheering on the Yankees/Giants/Devils or traveling.
Fact Fun: The Soprano's filmed in Kristin's family home while she was growing up.
In 2010 Kristin officially became a Hanson & Ryan employee, even though her parents had her working in the family business since the time she could crawl. She...
While attending school, Lisa joined Hanson & Ryan in 2005. Not quite sure if the insurance world was right for her, she began exploring its many avenues while working as our Receptionist. Fast forward a few years and Lisa obtained her P&C license and began climbing the ladder in the Personal Lines Department. With her constant drive and determination, Lisa made her way to the Commercial Lines Department, and is currently an Account Executive.
Outside of work, Lisa loves spending time with her daughter, family and friends. Lisa enjoys working out, comfort food, baking and vacationing in Wildwood annually. She has spent most of her life in Little Falls, although now resides in Oak Ridge.
Fun Fact: Lisa attended David Cone's perfect game. She also has a twin brother.
Mark graduated William Paterson University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a concentration in Professional Selling. Upon graduation, he took a job as a B2B Representative with Staples Inc., shortly after took a position at ADP LLC, before ultimately landing with Hanson & Ryan in December 2019.
Mark assists his clients and their families with Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans, along with Life, Health, Dental and Vision plans. He also specializes in Small and Mid-Sized Group Health Insurance for his small business clients; ensuring his clients retain current employees and attract new ones.
Mark lives in Lake Hopatcong, NJ, with his wife, Krystle, daughter, Gianna, and their two dogs, Maddox and Sabrina. He enjoys exercising, playing baseball and football. When he needs some down time, you can find him listening to music, fishing or going on a hike with the whole family.
Michael Murphy joined the Hanson & Ryan team in 2020. He is a graduate from William Paterson University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Political...
Michele has been licensed in the insurance industry since 1990. She joined Hanson & Ryan, Inc., in August of 1992 in the Personal Lines Department. Michele worked both full and part-time and from home over the years while raising her family. She moved to the Commercial side of the Business in 1993. She is currently employed full time as the Commercial Lines Supervisor. She enjoys building client relationships and takes great pride in finding solutions.
Michele lives in Wayne, NJ with her husband Jim, two daughters, Alyssa and Jenna as well as their dogs, Niko, Tia and Rocco. She enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as shopping.
Fun Fact: Michele comes from a family of firefighters. Her family (Cusack) had over 100 years of service to the Paterson Fire Department including her husband who is now retired.
Omar Karim joined the Hanson & Ryan team in 2023. Read more...
Graduating with a degree in sociology Roxanne has always wanted to help people. Finding a career in the insurance industry and a home with Hanson & Ryan Roxanne can do just that. She assists people in times of crisis and helps them be prepare for a safe and secure future.
Roxanne has an extensive 19 year career as a claims representative and serves as an advocate for her clients. Clients constantly share their positive experience and the impact Roxanne has had in facilitating the claim process and finding a smooth and seemingly effortless solution.
Roxanne was born and raised in Northern Jersey with a strong Italian heritage. She has a large close-knit family that spends a lot of time together. Roxanne competes in gymnastics and bodybuilding on a national level.
Don't take your eye off Roxanne because she is a classified NRA sharpshooter.
Scott graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy, Wayne, PA and then received his BA degree from Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA. Scott began his insurance career working with one of the largest privately held insurance brokerage firms in New Jersey during the 1990's specializing in Employee Benefits.
Scott began in the sales service and support area, which laid the groundwork and experience which has helped him develop his hands-on approach with clients in terms of what an account need and assuring they are serviced properly.
In 1999 Scott joined Hanson & Ryan Benefits Services Group where as a licensed Producer in New Jersey, his Group Health Insurance clients range from small to large corporations. Scott is now the Vice President/Partner of Hanson & Ryan Benefits Services Group.
Skyrocketing health care costs and benefit changes brought on through the Affordable Care Act along with new employer/employee regulations demand that employers pay close attention to their employee benefits packages.
Job Titles:
- Commercial / Personal Lines
Sean graduated high school in 1989 from Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey NJ. He went on to obtain his BA from Seton Hall University in South Orange NJ in 1994. In 1996, his insurance career began with Hanson & Ryan making him the 4 th generation Ryan to join the agency. Sean is a partner in the agency. He is also a sales producer in both Commercial and Personal Lines. His goal is to provide his clients with guidance and service for their business and personal exposures and to properly protect their assets.
In 2007, Sean obtained his Construction Risk & Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation. He is a Board Member of Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce and affiliated with Cedar Grove Chamber Commerce.
Sean M Ryan was raised in North Haledon NJ. He now resides in Cedar Grove NJ with his wife Heather and 2 children, Samantha and Jack. Sean enjoys rooting for his Giants and Yankees, golfing, the Jersey shore, and coaching softball.
Shany has been with the Hanson & Ryan family since March of 2016. She started by providing administrative support to the Personal & Commercial Lines. She has recently... View Full Bio
Yocasta previously worked at Toys R Us for 7 years and wanted to change carrier paths. She found a job at the Hale Debow Insurance agency and quickly learned the... View Full Bio