MEDICALARTSINS.COM - Key Persons

Aaron Turner

Job Titles:

Practice Group Leader in Management Liability for Horton 's Risk Advisory Solutions Division

Aaron Turner is a Practice Group Leader in Management Liability for Horton's Risk Advisory Solutions Division. In this role, he is responsible for leading the Management Liability Practice Group while supporting Horton clients with comprehensive, cost-effective, and innovative solutions to meet their most complex, risk-related challenges and opportunities. Aaron has nine years of insurance experience, and his most recent role was as Vice President of Executive Liability at Risk Strategies Company. He knows that "Management Liability encompasses a complex and personal set of coverages that the highest executives must be engaged in fully. If we take the time to go through complex questions and topics with customers to enable their understanding, they will continue to trust us as their advisors." His philosophy on the state of the insurance market is central to one theme, "a horizon of potential change and disruption from advancements in technology and new ideas. Rates are going up for the first time in over seven years for D&O and EPL, and claims are driving this. This rate trend is only a sign of what is to come with a hardening insurance market," he said. Companies that can understand these trends with our help, and therefore prepare and manage them will have an advantage as buyers, sellers, and users of insurance, especially for D&O, E&O, EPL, and Cyber Liability. A customer to broker relationship should be one designed for longevity, and this will an area of focus for Aaron. Client advocacy and customer service mean Horton is nothing without its clients, and when we can provide timely and well-communicated advice or service, it puts them at an advantage. Aaron prefers a well-crafted partnership with open communication, trust, and rapport for mutual decision-making. "We're going to confront a problem early and with a personal touch. That will inevitably show them why Horton is different," he said. Aaron graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology. He was a fourth-grade bilingual school teacher in his first job out of college, but what his online profiles wouldn't show are the lessons learned in the classroom serving him for his entire career. "Each person is different, so you have to find out the way that works, or at least might work, with that individual - and that requires engaging them uniquely."

Alec Wohlever - VP

Job Titles:

Vice President
Vice President for Horton 's Employee Benefit Solutions

Alec Wohlever is a Vice President for Horton's Employee Benefit Solutions. In this role, Alec is responsible for providing expert employee benefits consulting, bringing new clients on board, and servicing and retaining existing clients. He is part of a team of employee benefits-focused specialists dedicated to delivering innovative healthcare solutions to employers. "An employee benefits broker should be a client's trusted advisor in a space full of complexity and uncertainty. Working with a client is a partnership rather than just a business transaction." It is with this mentality that Alec is able to help his customers achieve a higher level of performance. Alec sees a great deal of change coming with regards to the state of insurance and the industry as a whole. "Technology is going to continue to drive change in the industry more and more every year. It is crucial for companies to understand [and for us as trusted advisors to show our customers] how they can leverage technology to get the most out of their benefits program." Alec previously served as a sales intern at Horton Group and a compliance analyst intern at an automobile property casualty carrier two years prior. In both of these roles, Alec developed a sense of strong attention to detail. These combined experiences have been a huge segway into his current role today. "The regulatory landscape for employer-sponsored benefit programs is very complex and always evolving. Having the ability to remain aware of changes and how they apply to each of my clients allows me to offer the value and expertise that companies expect from their broker today." Alec truly appreciates "having the opportunity to partner with clients and make a meaningful impact within their organizations that improves the lives and wellbeing of their employees." Being young, he expects himself to inject lots of energy and an innovative mindset while upholding Horton's values of driven, excellent and togetherness. Alec is from Clarendon Hills, IL and enjoys hiking and golfing. In his outdoor activities, his current list includes the following milestones: backpacking the Rockies, Appalachians, and the Himalayas.

Alyssa Goudie

Alyssa Goudie is a Claims Advocate for Horton's Claims Management / Risk Advisory Solutions. In this role, Alyssa advocates for clients by working with carriers and third-party administrators. She is responsible for helping clients understand their exposures and mitigate costs while educating them on the claim experience. Alyssa brings five years of insurance claims experience to her position at Horton. Prior to joining Horton in June of 2017, Alyssa served as a workers' compensation claims adjuster for Brickstreet Mutual Insurance for three years. Previously, Alyssa served as a claims specialist for Liberty Mutual Insurance. "My past experience handling a claims desk gave me both multi-jurisdictional knowledge and an understanding of how important timely and effective communication is to delivering valuable customer service," said Alyssa. For Alyssa, the most rewarding aspect of her position at Horton is being able to strengthen partnerships with clients by optimizing their experiences with the insurance industry. Alyssa attended the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Health Sciences. Originally from Naperville, Illinois, Alyssa currently lives in Winfield, Illinois with her husband and two dogs. In her time away from work, Alyssa enjoys boating, golfing, and baking.

Andy Baskel

Job Titles:

Member of Horton 's Healthcare Practice
Sales Consultant - Vice President

Andy Baskel serves as a member of Horton's Healthcare Practice and brings over 16 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Horton's Healthcare Practice is a team of dedicated risk management and employee benefits insurance specialist's that focus on serving medical professionals and healthcare facilities. Baskel is responsible for providing clients with comprehensive, cost-effective and innovative solutions for their most complex, risk-related challenges. Baskel has a remarkable range of experience that lends to the depth of his knowledge and insight in the insurance and healthcare industries. As a managing partner of BT Group, now a member of The Horton Group, Baskel provided clients with strategic direction for their medical liability coverages, built an extensive client base of large Physician groups and healthcare organizations and implemented operational productivity that improved client satisfaction. In addition, Baskel served as a member of the executive team and advisory board at MRI Consulting, Inc., a business that he truly cultivated from its very infancy as a startup, to a network of nine outpatient medical imaging facilities. Baskel's deep insight into the healthcare industry paired with insurance knowledge lends to his ability to understand his clients needs and provide comprehensive, cost-effective, coverage packages. "After many years in the industry, I am very familiar with the challenges that can plague healthcare organizations. There is a thin-line between profitability and failure, which is why I make it a priority to truly understand my clients business and deliver a solution tailored to their needs," says Baskel. Baskel is from Grosse Point, Michigan but has lived in the Chicago area for over half his life. He has three children and enjoys playing hockey in his free time. Baskel also serves on the board for A Giving Heart Foundation, a group dedicated to saving the lives of children with congenital heart disease.

Andy Podmolik - VP

Job Titles:

Vice President
Vice President for Horton 's Benefit Solutions

Andy Podmolik is a Vice President for Horton's Benefit Solutions. He is responsible for providing industry expertise and consultative guidance to aid clients in navigating the marketplace. He is part of a team of employee-benefits focused specialists dedicated to delivering innovative healthcare solutions to employers. Andy brings 15 years of insurance experience to Horton. He started his career as an underwriter, focusing on small groups. From there, he transitioned to the broker side of the business, leading marketing and RFP work, and ultimately worked his way to being an Account Executive at MetLife. He is passionate about helping his clients achieve short-term and long-term goals pertaining to their employee benefits and human capital. "Many have lost the art of ‘consulting' and are quite complacent," he said. "The majority of people are afraid to change the status quo and bring new ideas to provide more opportunities. However, coming from a very transaction sales process, I had to differentiate myself by providing more value than my competition - and to this day, I put forth that same effort towards every single client." Throughout the years, Andy has learned the importance of putting the customer first. He listens to their concerns and works with them to develop a customized plan to address all of their needs. "Building trust is all about how actions speak louder than words," he says. "If you can align yourself with multiple personalities yet understand you are not the right fit for every customer, people will hold a higher respect for you." Andy graduated from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse with a degree in Finance and Risk Management (and he also played on his college's baseball team). Outside of the office, he is an avid bowler and golfer. He and his wife, Laura, met during the first week of college and have three children: Beckett, Colette and Palmer. Outside of his three kids, his top three accomplishments are finishing a marathon, bowling a perfect game and hitting a hole-in-one on a Par 4.

Anitra Calvert

Anitra Calvert is a Claims Advocate for Horton's Consulting Services. In this role, she advocates for Horton's clients with carriers, assisting them with the management of their claims. She also provides guidance with resolving claims and addresses concerns on complex claims issues. Anitra brings 25 years of insurance experience to Horton. She has been exposed to many types of coverages and clients in past employment, giving her the skill set needed for a claims advocacy position. She has seen a vast array of claims, allowing her to serve a diverse book of clients, including personal lines, self-insured trucking clients, public officials' liability, school liability and law enforcement legal liability. One of Anitra's favorite aspects about her role is being able to help people in their greatest time of need. "It is an honor to support someone while they are going through the worst possible situation or loss they've ever experienced," she said. "I don't take this honor lightly. Moments like these are when I truly cherish the claims role. It reminds me that this is so much more than insurance and policies and procedures. It's about people and being there when they need us most." Anitra prides herself on her strong work ethic and her ability to deliver results that satisfy her clients: "The bottom line is if your clients are pleased with the result and you are maintaining the company expectations and standards, then you have been successful," she says. One key to Anitra's success is being able to adapt to change and having a positive outlook on growth. "The industry is constatntly evolving, and as the years go by, I believe we will continue to see even more growth," she says. "Insurance enables you to protect what you love, what you have worked for, and gives you peace of mind." Anitra's ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment stems from the fact that she is from a large family. She grew up with five brothers and three sisters. She and her husband are now raising four dogs, two cats and five kids between the ages of 15 and 20 - including two sets of twins. When she's not in the office, you can typically find Anitra reading, running or finding other ways to stay active. She's proud of the fact that she can shoot a good jump shot and throw a good spiral.

Anthony Hamo - VP

Job Titles:

Vice President
Vice President for Horton 's Risk Advisory Solutions

Anthony Hamo is a Vice President for Horton's Risk Advisory Solutions. In this role, Anthony is responsible for providing Horton clients with comprehensive, cost-effective, and innovative solutions to meet their most complex, risk-related challenges. Anthony has been in the insurance industry for 11 years, serving as a Vice President at Marsh USA for three and a half years, before that a Property Broker with RT Specialty for six years. In his daily work, he has one concept that remains sacred, "maintain an honest and ethical relationship with all of your colleagues and customers - including on-time and accurate communication."

Arthur J. Gallagher, Sr.

Job Titles:

Benefit Consultant, 2016 to 2019

Beth Ishmael

Job Titles:

Client Executive for Horton 's Employee Benefit Solutions

Beth Ishmael is a Client Executive for Horton's Employee Benefit Solutions. In this role, she is responsible for providing expert employee benefits consulting, bringing new ideas to clients on board, and servicing and retaining existing clients. She is part of a team of employee benefits-focused professionals who are dedicated to delivering innovative healthcare solutions to employers. Beth's history with Horton is one of longevity and evolution! Beth joined Horton in 2000, starting in the Human Resources Department. For two years, Beth worked in the HR Department until she transferred to the benefits division where she started as a Client Service Representative. She then worked through all service positions until the one she has today, a Client Executive. Beth's holistic career journey with Horton gives her an incredible perspective when it comes to addressing benefit plan designs, benefit administration, and the wide spectrum of complex insurance challenges faced by today's clients. When it comes to benefits and the insurance industry as a whole, Beth believes "something needs to change. Costs continue to increase, and at this pace, it is not sustainable. There is a lot of waste in the industry. Better management of costs for employers, providers and insurance companies is a good place to start." Communication and understanding are integral to the service Beth provides every day. "Try only to ask the client for something when necessary. I try to be one step ahead of them and deliver things on time or early if possible. Setting expectations and driving timelines to deliver on those expectations is sacred to me." Beth is most complimented for three core abilities, organization, project management, and communication. Her ability to hone these for clients allows for an industry-leading client experience, a solid benefit offering, and overall team cooperation in any scenario. As the majority of Beth's work history and development came from Horton, she aspires to continue in learning and to grow in the role she holds today and to take on more of a book manager and consulting role over time. Beth earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business with a concentration in Human Resources from Trinity Christian College. While at Trinity she was a four-year varsity basketball player. Beth is married to her husband, Jonathan, a die-hard White Sox fan, and has a dog, Buerhle, the second love of her life. Beth is one of four siblings, and her parents still live in the home they raised them all in years ago. Her passions include traveling, seeing new places and experiencing new cultures, but also mission and service projects for local and foreign countries.

Blake Gotkowski

Job Titles:

Client Executive for Horton 's Employee Benefit Solutions

Blake Gotkowski is a Client Executive for Horton's Employee Benefit Solutions. In this role, Blake is responsible for providing expert employee benefits consulting, bringing new clients on board, and servicing and retaining existing clients. He is part of a team of employee benefits-focused professionals who are dedicated to delivering innovative healthcare solutions to employers.

Bob DeChene

Job Titles:

Executive Vice President of Risk Advisory Solutions in the Construction Practice at the Horton Group

Bob DeChene serves as an Executive Vice President of Risk Advisory Solutions in the Construction Practice at The Horton Group, one of the largest brokers in the Greater Chicago metro area. Bob brings with him over 30 years of insurance company and broker experience as well as a proven record for delivering insurance solutions, alternative financing and captive options that drive returns for the client's bottom line. In his role at Horton, Bob is responsible for delivering a risk management strategy that aligns with each client's organizational goals. This includes uncovering opportunities and offering plans to mitigate short-and long-term risk exposure to protect client assets. "There is a clear benefit to Horton's focus on the construction industry," Bob said. "Clients find a level of comfort knowing that we understand their industry exceptionally well and work in it on a daily basis." This specialization led Horton to form a construction captive insurance company. The 10-year loss ratio is well below industry standards. This translates to a great return on their investment and low insurance cost. "Captives are a great concept because they give the buyers so much control over their program," Bob said. "Not to mention the return that members can see from the group's experience after several years of solid performance. It turns the expense of paying insurance premiums into a profit center for many contractors." Bob's knowledge of the construction industry coupled with his team's ready access to Horton's value-added services is one reason for the dramatic growth within the Horton Construction Practice.

Bob Shatkus

Job Titles:

Sales Executive
Sales Executive for Horton 's Personal Insurance

Bob Shatkus is a Sales Executive for Horton's Personal Insurance department. Bob is part of a team of specialists dedicated to delivering the comprehensive individual insurance solutions and protection tailored to the needs of individuals and families.

Brenda Noriega

Job Titles:

Inside Sales Representative
Inside Sales Representative of Horton 's Risk Advisory Services

Brenda Noriega is an Inside Sales Representative of Horton's Risk Advisory Services. She handles inbound leads and new business opportunities. She also develops strong working relationships with carriers, internal sales and service teams. Before she joined Horton, Brenda gained valuable sales experience at a captive agency and technical knowledege in the brokerage world. She's seen the industry evolve signficantly since starting her career in 2014. "Building Trust, asking the right questions and understanding the goals of my clients are key to creating a strong insurance program for their business." Brenda said, " I want my clients to know I am here for the long haul." Brenda is known for her strong work ethic and her can-do attitude, always willing to help her clients meet their business goals. "I know insurance is not everyone's favorite thing to talk about, but I actually love insurance and all its complexities", Brenda jokes. " I love insurance so that my clients don't have to." When she's not working, Brenda (who was born and raised in Joliet, IL) volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America - bringing her passion for helping others outside of the office. Additionally, she has an expansive Spotify playlist ranging from bachata to country, loves distance running, and is a huge foodie.

Brett Aviation

Job Titles:

Flight Instructor and Director of Operations, 2003 - 2004

Brianne Mooney

Brianne Mooney is a Claims Advocate for Horton's Claims Management / Risk Advisory Solutions. In this role, Brianne advocates for clients by working with carriers and third party administrators. She is responsible for helping clients understand their exposures and mitigate costs while educating them on the claim experience. Brianne brings 12 years of experience as a Worker's Compensation Claims Adjuster to her position at Horton. Prior to joining Horton in August of 2015, Brianne served as Claims Manager for Lamb, Little & Co. Working with many different employers in diverse industries gives Brianne a valuable perspective on claims as a whole as well as expertise with risks and claims management within specific industries. "My experience with claims handling is especially important to clients since I am able to provide them with the truths of expected outcomes," said Brianne. "Being there for a client, understanding their obstacles and helping them sort through the mountainous tasks they may face really goes a long way for a client." For Brianne, the most rewarding aspect of her position at Horton is building meaningful relationships with satisfied clients. "Making people happy can be very hard to accomplish with insurance claims," said Brianne. "But when I can help everyone understand the reason for the best possible outcome, I feel I have made a big impact that hopefully results in a respectful relationship." Brianne grew up in the South Suburbs of Chicago. She currently lives in Matteson, Illinois with her husband and two boys. In her time away from work, Brianne enjoys running, cooking and helping with her boys' sports programs.

Carmen Londono

Job Titles:

Client Executive for Horton 's Employee Benefit Solutions

Carmen Londono is a Client Executive for Horton's Employee Benefit Solutions. In this role, Carmen is responsible for providing expert employee benefits consulting, onboarding new clients and servicing and retaining existing clients. She is part of a team of employee benefits-focused professionals who are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions to employers. Prior to joining Horton, Carmen spent 15 years in the insurance industry. She quickly learned the importance of staying up-to-date on the latest regulations, in order to provide her clients with the best possible service. "The health Insurance industry is constantly changing," she says. "Regulations and rules shift quickly, which can be quite confusing for clients. It's important to stay on top of these changes and provide clients with all of the knowledge to make the best possible choice for their companies and their staff." Carmen prides herself on responding thoroughly and quickly to client inquiries and building strong relationships: "I will always work hard to be as accurate and fast as possible to build trust with my clients," she says. "There is no feeling more satisfying than giving them that ‘lightbulb moment' that allows them to achieve their goals."

Casey Warnecke

Job Titles:

Chief Growth Officer
Chief Growth Officer / Executive Management

Casey Warnecke serves as the Chief Growth Officer at the Horton Group. In this position, Warnecke will be responsible for maximizing efforts around new business growth and the retention of existing clients, recruiting top talent, and implementing a strong sales infrastructure across multiple office locations. He plays a key leadership role on the executive team, building a bridge between the sales and operations teams and navigating the competitive landscape to help Horton pursue new markets. There is no greater feeling than meeting a potential client and knowing that you've secured their business and their trust," Casey says. "It is hard work but very rewarding - especially when you work closely with a team of smart, driven professionals to achieve successful results. Casey brings more than 30 years of sales and client service experience to Horton. He previously worked at Lockton's Chicago office, where he served as Chief Growth Officer from 2018 - 2021 and Chief Operating Officer from 2006 - 2018. He helped grow the business from $15 million in 2006 to $75 million today in revenue through recruitment, onboarding, and development of production talent; launching new verticals; and working with large-book producers to support their ability to continue growing. He also helped open offices in several new locations, brought on many new producers, and supported new and experienced producers with developmental needs and practices to facilitate the growth of their books. Prior to Lockton, Casey spent 15.5 years at CNA, where he was the Chief Underwriting Officer for their Contract Surety Business for the Eastern half of the country. After that, he spent 3.5 years with Marsh's National Surety Practice overseeing the West & Midwestern Regions. Casey attended Northern Illinois University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. He continued his professional studies at DePaul University, where he received an MBA with Distinction in Accounting.

Chris Babos

Job Titles:

Director of Consulting Client Services for Horton 's Consulting Services Division

Chris Babos is the Director of Consulting Client Services for Horton's Consulting Services Division. In this role, Chris manages and provides sales leadership accountability to ensure all business units (Claims, Risk Transfer/Contract Review, Certificate Tracking, Safety Consulting, and Wellness) work in unison. Collectively, these services work in harmony to maximize the client experience.

Chris Heinz

Job Titles:

Senior Safety Consultant

Chris Heinz is a Senior Safety Consultant and valued team member of Horton Safety Consultants. Chris joined Horton Safety Consultants in January of 2017, after five years of service as a Safety Consultant with another consulting firm. Prior to his current role with Horton, Chris traveled extensively working with various contractor companies in the steel, petrochemical, chemical and manufacturing industries. "This unique experience, immersion into safety, and working with countless professionals along the way provided me the tools and experience necessary to deliver quality service to all clients". His unique skill set, enables him to handle our clients most complex needs by providing realistic, obtainable solutions. Whatever issue Chris is solving, delivering exceptional customer service is always on his mind. "Clients are the reason my position exists". "The service we provide and the way in which we provide it, can make or break any relationship". Chris strives to meet or exceed his clients' expectations, guide them in the correct direction, and support them in every possible way. Chris excels at establishing working relationships with executives, management, and front line employees. Chris attributes the most rewarding aspect of his position to having an impact on employees' safety and health by establishing relationships. He encourages employees to make safe decisions, both personally and professionally. He feels that, through these interactions, he can prevent negative outcomes while improving employees' health and safety. Chris' role is to assist and support our client's safety initiatives in the field. His other duties include managing Horton's Predictive Analytics Platform and building and maintaining a book of business. Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with family and friends, fishing, and working on projects around the house.

Chris Knox

Job Titles:

Director of Sales at the Horton Group

Chris Knox is the Director of Sales at The Horton Group. Chris works closely with the existing business insurance teams of Illinois and Indiana to provide a superior level of client service to the marketplace. He executes strategies that will help achieve growth, profitability and client satisfaction goals while ultimately helping small businesses achieve a higher level of performance. He leads the entire service and sales operation within Select to execute strategies that will help achieve growth, profitability, and client satisfaction goals while ultimately helping small businesses achieve a higher level of performance. Chris brings 16 years of insurance experience to his Horton clients. Prior to joining Horton in 2016, Chris served as a Sales Manager and Sales Representative at The Hartford in the territories of Arizona, Nevada, Illinois, and Wisconsin. "My experience has given me a great perspective on the different models agencies operate in - both good and bad," said Chris. "I take the good of what I have seen and add that to Horton's already successful foundation."

Chris Wojcik

Job Titles:

Sales Executive
Sales Executive for Horton 's Employee Benefit Solutions

Chris Wojcik is a Sales Executive for Horton's Employee Benefit Solutions. In this role, Chris is responsible for providing expert employee benefits consulting, bringing new clients on board and servicing and retaining existing clients. He is part of a team of employee benefits-focused specialists dedicated to delivering innovative healthcare solutions to employers. Before Horton, Chris worked as a Financial Advisor at the Hoopis Group, helping individuals and families with their financial planning needs as a corporate registered investment advisor. Before that, he was a Senior Sales Executive at Geofeedia as well as at Groupon. "I believe there is a lot of correlation from my previous career as a personal Financial Advisor to my current role at Horton," Chris said. "I worked directly with individuals and families and helped them with their most personal issues they were facing. I acted as a trusted advisor and always tried to help my clients achieve a higher level of performance. After making my transition into the group market, I find myself doing the same thing!" When it comes to sacred concepts, Chris believes that the concepts of listening and critical thinking are crucial in any interaction with clients. "I never want to assume that we have a solution to an issue or problem without taking the time to understand a customer's problem." With a listening ear, Chris can present seemingly complicated topics in an understandable and comprehensible way - making the lives of clients much simpler.

Christian Green

Job Titles:

Safety Consultant
Safety Consultant for Horton Safety Consultants

Christian Green is a Safety Consultant for Horton Safety Consultants, a subsidiary of Horton Consulting Solutions, which provides comprehensive safety and consulting services to a growing number of industrial, construction, public entity, and service operations. Since 1991, Horton's Safety Consultants team has offered clients a multitude of services designed to control exposure to risk at every operational level. Christian joined Horton in September of 2020. He came from Inpro Corporation, where he first interned and became the company's first-ever, full-time Health and Safety Coordinator. Before that, he was a Utilities Laborer at AAA Sales & Engineering and worked in manufacturing roles since he was 16. Christian works with clients to create and improve the safety culture at their work facilities. This includes working on construction sites and manufacturing facilities to help achieve industry-leading workplaces regarding safety. When it comes to his work quality, Christian is complimented most for "[his] positive attitude and ability to communicate with people." Christian knows Horton provides vital service offerings to businesses.

Christopher Pfeiffer

Chris Pfeiffer is a certified safety and health professional with experience working in construction and general industry environments. Beginning his career as a safety consultant-intern within The Horton Group, he quickly realized the correct decision was made by joining a field of professionals who show great interest in making a positive difference with regard to workplace safety. Demonstrating active and ongoing commitment to the safety efforts and success of The Horton Group as an agency, Chris was offered full time employment following college graduation. Within seven years, Chris was able to perform in the Safety Consultant, Senior Consultant and Vice President positions and be promoted to Team Manager. "Having worked with an insurance broker since college graduation, I have enjoyed satisfaction in understanding unique operations and by playing a significant role addressing the associated challenges. With active leadership involvement and front line work participation coupled with our on-going and committed support, a culture can be established mitigating risk from all levels of the organization." Chris' primary responsibility as Vice President is to provide resources and support to our team in the field. His other duties include managing clients, delegating work projects among team members, and building and maintaining a book of business to ensure performance and financial team goals are achieved. In his free time, Chris plays a variety of sports including golf and volleyball, and loves nothing more than "rough housing" with his 150 lbs. Newfoundland, Larry. He enjoys reading safety related standards, regulations and various publications to ensure knowledge of most current information is understood to better our clients. Public speaking and passing on beneficial information to those willing to learn about safety and health improvements is a passion.

Dan Galos

Job Titles:

Sales Executive

Dan Galos is a Sales Executive for Horton's Select Business Division, serving franchises and manufacturing clients. In this role, Dan is responsible for providing Horton clients with comprehensive, cost-effective and innovative solutions to meet their most complex, risk-related challenges. Prior to joining Horton in 2015, Dan served as a Personal Banker at First Midwest Bank. In this position, Dan gained valuable experience initiating sales conversations with current and prospective clients. Dan began his career at Horton on the service side. This gave Dan a deeper understanding of clients' needs and how Horton is structured to meet them. While Dan concedes that competitive prices are necessary from a financial perspective, he believes the most important thing is that clients have an agent they can trust with the well-being of their employees and companies. For example, Dan notes that today's ever-changing insurance industry means insurance professionals must stay current with the newest laws in order to best serve their clients. For Dan, a truly meaningful business relationship is one based on client advocacy and outstanding customer service. "As advocates for our clients, I believe we must strive to provide the best possible service and always have the client's best interests in mind," said Dan. "The partnership between Horton and each client is one of mutual respect. In a world full of risks, our clients know they are well taken care of." Dan attended Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management. While at Indiana University, Dan competed on the Track and Field team as a hammer and discus thrower. Dan's hometown is Hammond, Indiana. He and his wife currently reside in Oak Lawn, Illinois. In his time away from work, Dan enjoys playing the guitar, camping, hiking and travel.

Dan Horton - CEO

Job Titles:

Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer of the Horton Group

Dan Horton serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The Horton Group, one of the largest brokers in the Greater Chicago metro area. In these roles, Dan is responsible for all insurance sales and client service operations throughout the organization. Dan brings with him over 15 years of insurance experience, working in all areas of the business - a variety of service, sales, and operations roles over the past decade. Soon after joining Horton, Dan moved into a sales role in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin branch and quickly earned a promotion by becoming a Vice President in Horton's Risk Advisory Solutions department. By 2013, Dan was named Construction Practice Group Leader, doubling the agency's revenue, all while building a team dedicated to the sales and service of one of the agency's largest practices. In 2014, Dan spearheaded the agency's rebranding as Chief Marketing Officer where he oversaw strategic marketing, brand awareness, sales enablement and joined the executive leadership team. Over those years, the agency doubled in size, and by 2016, there was a need to bring all the departments together, and Dan was promoted to Chief Sales Officer. In his role as President and Chief Sales Officer, Dan is responsible for accelerating the agency's innovation and ensuring the execution of what our clients need from us. "Our clients will continue to drive us, and it is most important that we continue to lead them to their highest level of performance," stated Dan. His passion for deploying new and innovative ways to service clients while also inspiring, energizing and connections with employees and customers helps project Horton onto its next chapter. Dan believes that business owners should consider insurance, risk management, and employee benefits as an asset and an investment as critical as any other in their portfolio. Many business owners are unaware how the broader economic, political, demographical and legal trends can impact the success of their risk management and employee benefit plans. Some CEOs of mid-sized businesses find themselves facing challenges that are similar to those of Fortune 1000 firms, but often without the experience or resources to properly address them. "Too often, as any business's operations increase in complexity, a substantial loss at one location or a change in legislation can have a devastating impact on the entire organization," said Dan. "Our teams evaluate the risks of our clients on both a macro and micro level. We leverage our benefits and insurance insight and knowledge of broad economic trends to deliver a plan that will allow for growth and long-term sustainability." Before joining Horton, Dan had a successful aviation career, working as a Pilot and First Officer for Midwest Connect Airlines and Flight Instructor and Director of Operations for Brett Aviation. "Very quickly in my career, I had to make a crucial decision - to remain a pilot or to move into business and leadership. Both were passions, but I saw the immense opportunity in the business. There is such an enormous opportunity that lies ahead for us. I couldn't be happier to lead this company." Dan is a licensed commercial pilot and holds a Bachelor's of Science in Professional Flight Technology from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN in addition to a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Business. He is a licensed Property & Casualty Producer also accredited with Certificate of General Insurance, Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) and Certified Risk Managers (CRM). In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, and hockey.

Dan Leja

Job Titles:

Vice President at the Horton Group

Dan Leja is a Vice President at the Horton Group. In this role, Dan is responsible for providing Horton clients with comprehensive, cost-effective, and innovative solutions to meet their most complex, risk-related challenges and opportunities. Dan brings a rich history to his role at the Horton Group as he is passionate about helping others and is uniquely qualified to "step into" his clients' shoes as a small business owner and entrepreneur himself. Before Horton, Dan worked at Insureon as the Director of Construction Brokerage. Before that position, he worked at HUB International and IAA Credit Union, where he earned his stripes as an experienced Risk & Insurance Consultant, Underwriter, and Broker, licensed to produce in all 50 states. Dan's community is important to him. As a risk advisor, his community-first mindset also applies to his clients, who he does everything he can to serve their best interests in mind.

Dan Mongoven - SVP

Job Titles:

Senior Vice President

Dan Mongoven's face lights up when describing the strategy he uses as a Senior Vice President at The Horton Group. "I call upon my past business experience mixed with the comprehensive resources that Horton provides, and I instantly gain the expertise and tools needed to provide the best programs and products to our clients." "My top priority each time I work with a client is to make sure they understand the insurance coverages that best enhance their needs and protect their employees," Dan said. "I want to be a true resource for them. Businesses must deal with complex decisions on a daily basis, and I?want to be there to eliminate any anxiety and make their jobs easier." Dan also understands the important role that wellness initiatives play within his client's operations and he strives to uphold those proactive measures. "With healthcare costs rising at an astronomical rate, it is no surprise that the focus has been turning to prevention and wellness within the workplace," Dan stated. "Horton has, and continues to expand, a robust wellness program that can have profound effects on medical spending. It is my goal to act as a liaison and advocate, while supplying the necessary solutions to implement a unique wellness program. When asked what the most rewarding part of his job at Horton is, Dan shared "I enjoy building long-lasting and meaningful relationships with my clients. Relationships where I can serve as a trusted advisor and consultant who is integral in meeting the unique benefit needs of each client I serve."

David Kleifield

Job Titles:

Sales Consultant - Vice President

David Rosenfeld

Job Titles:

Sales Executive
Sales Executive for Horton 's Personal

David Rosenfeld is a Sales Executive for Horton's Personal Insurance department. David is part of a team of specialists dedicated to delivering the proper personal insurance solutions and protection tailored to the needs of individuals and families. David joined Horton in 2018, bringing more than seven years of experience in the insurance industry. Before his position at Horton, David served as a Sales Manager at a State Farm Agency. During his 5-year tenure at that agency, David learned the importance of "not cutting corners" when it came to insurance protection. After State Farm, he held a position as a Sales Agent at Humana selling Medicare Advantage, supplements, dental, and vision products. Together, these experiences enable David to advise those who are at any stage of their life. David's philosophy on the current state of insurance and the industry is based on Murphy's Law. "Murphy's law says, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. And this is is why I pride myself on advising my clients to expect for the unexpected." David is passionate about the need for insurance. He strives to educate clients on the importance of insurance while responding to their needs promptly. In fact, David sees client advocacy and customer service as two of the biggest aspects of the insurance industry. "Everyone calls for insurance and most of the time; they are unaware of what they are asking for or even what they need. It's my job to educate and advise customers on how they use their insurance as protection when issues arise," said David. "In a very individual and personal focused sector, our clients are beyond a sale to us - we value their business by always being there for them, for any question they have, no matter how small." David's most sacred concept and creative process in his day-to-day work are not shortchanging insurance coverage just because you feel you have little to none to protect. "I always focus on the importance of not only seeing the present but to visualize and foresee the future and what is to come for our customers, whether that be a new graduate, a successful business individual or a very large family!" David was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Evanston. He moved to Tempe, Arizona where he graduated college from Arizona State University with a degree in Family and Human Development. He is one of seven siblings; loves football, hockey, bowling, and hiking - especially in Arizona. One of David's favorite songs that depict his life is "Simple Man" by Lynrd Skynrd. "I try to keep life as simple as possible. I enjoy calm and peaceful environments outside of work."