MAGNOLIA AGENCY - Key Persons


BELLA SUSI

Job Titles:
  • Director of Talent Acquisition
Since beginning her career post-graduation Bella has gained experienced in logistics, recruiting, and social media marketing and is now looking forward to dominating the insurance space. Bella grew up in Litchfield, CT but currently resides in Essex Village just down the road from the office with her dog Coco. Bella loves to run and be active, spend time at the beach and on the water. You can often find her running local road races with her friends and neighbors.

BRADY SHEFFIELD

Job Titles:
  • Sales Associate
Brady graduated from Lyme-Old Lyme High School in 2020 where he spent his time playing tennis, baseball, and basketball. Brady was a two time all-shoreline and all-state basketball player and captained his senior team to a shoreline championship victory as well as a 19-1 overall record. Through his involvement in sports Brady has developed character traits great for business including respect, competitiveness, commitment, and teamwork. He is looking forward to showcasing these traits with The Magnolia Agency. Brady grew up in Old Lyme but currently resides in Ivoryton with his girlfriend. In his free time Brady loves being with his friends and family, including his 2 dogs. He is an avid Boston sports fan, and often makes trips to Fenway Park and TD Garden to watch the Red Sox and Celtics play.

LOUIS GOLD

Job Titles:
  • Principal
More than ever, business owners rely on their service providers to possess specialty knowledge of their business risk. With over decade of underwriting experience Louis is an expert at understanding your business functions and uncovering the risks you face every day to create the best possible outcome; an insurance experience and risk management program that optimizes your company's total cost of risk and ultimately enhances your business' profitability. Prior to joining the insurance industry, Louis served 6 years in the United States Army. As a Sergeant, and Team Leader he successfully led his men on over 200 combat missions during Operation Enduring Freedom. His passion about serving his community continues to shine through with everyone he meets. Providing unmatched service to his clients and a determination to keep your business protected.

Misha Vergason - COO

Job Titles:
  • Director of Operations
Misha Vergason is the Director of Operations at The Magnolia Agency. Misha worked for 8 years at Arremony's Bakery in Jewett City, CT while attending Johnson & Wales University for Pastry Arts. It was here she honed her discipline, work dedication and problem-solving skills learned in her 10 years as a fencer. Misha made the switch to the insurance industry in 2014 and enjoys the variety of work insurance offers. She also enjoys helping clients keep their business properly covered, so they may continue to grow. Life has gotten a bit busier for Misha and her husband, Nicholas, since welcoming their son in September of 2021. Misha enjoys being with her family, and when baby allows, baking, reading, and antiquing and is thrilled to be part of the Magnolia team!

RICH VARRATO

Job Titles:
  • Principal
is one of the Principals and Co-Founder of The Magnolia Agency. Something that most people don't know about Rich is that he was a PGA Golf Professional for 12 years prior to his insurance career. His golf career was the perfect training ground for his transition to agency ownership as exceeding customer expectations was always something Rich prided himself on. Another little known fact, Rich gave thousands of lessons in his career and actually gave Adam Levine from Maroon 5 a lesson (see pic). Rich writes some of the largest construction and home healthcare agencies in New England and has a passion for collaborating with our carriers to find the best solutions for our clients. Rich is often described as hard-working, determined, competitive, and laser-focused on achieving his goals when he commits to doing something. He looks forward to leading the sales team here in Essex for a long time. When Rich isn't working, he enjoys spending time with his family, watching the New York Giants, golfing, and traveling. Rich currently resides in Essex with his wife, Jessica with their daughter, Maggie Rose and son Jack

WILL FRIDAY

Job Titles:
  • Account Executive
Studied at the University of Hartford in the Barney School of Business for 4 years, with a degree in Finance. Interned with Northwestern Mutual throughout my junior and senior year in what is recognized as a top 100 internship program for the last 24 years. The internship ranked #5 within the financial services industry and top 10 for overall career development by "Vault" in 2020. During my time with NwM I obtained my Life & health producers license and was invited/selected to attend the annual meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as a top intern in the West Hartford, Hartford and Springfield offices. I have since obtained my property and casualty insurance license. Hobbies include playing golf, playing with my dogs and hanging out with friends. I enjoy sports and working with others. Growing up working at a country club and spending so much time on the golf course taught me the importance of making connections and networking, treating everyone with respect, having a positive attitude and going above and beyond to help others out.