The CIA Team – Combined Insurance Agencies

Robert Beemer, President

Robert Beemer, President

Robert Beemer is the principal owner of Combined Insurance Agencies. Bob is past president of the SW Michigan Life Underwriters Association and has more than 35 years of experience in the insurance business.

Bob enjoys the insurance business. “We rebuild homes and businesses. We even rebuild entire communities after a natural disaster. Insurance pays medical bills for everything from auto accidents to brain cancer. We pay legal expenses, and we replace lost income for families and individuals due to death or disability. Insurance allows people to continue with their lives when bad things happen, so that plans and dreams can still be met. It really is a wonderful financial product and a great industry, that’s why I enjoy my work.”

Bob is a founding member and president of the Deer Creek Open Space Association land conservancy. He serves as a board member of the Acorn Theater, and participates on Township and Homeowner Association boards. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from the University of Michigan. Bob is married to Janet and they have three grown children.

Bruce Owen, Senior Vice President

Bruce Owen, Senior Vice President

Co- Owner, Bruce Owen has over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in personal and commercial lines, as well as life insurance.

His favorite part of being an agent is the different people and personalities he works with daily. As he states, “People are so interesting and so different. I may be talking to an 80 year old in the morning and an 18 year old in the afternoon and I enjoy all ages and hearing their stories. I love talking with clients and finding a way to help make their lives better and safer.”

Bruce has been active in the Coloma area his whole life. He served as the announcer for high school football games for 33 years and is a long time member of the Coloma Lions Club. He has three grown daughters and four grandchildren.

Sharon Kulka, Vice President Operations

Sharon Kulka, Vice President Operations

Sharon is a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and has worked in the independent insurance agency system for 35 years. As the CIA Operations manager she delivers a culture of professional service. Sharon is a student of the business who enjoys sharing her insurance knowledge and pursuing office system improvements.

Sharon explains, “I love my job. I enjoy helping clients and co-workers find the best way to solve problems. For clients it’s sharing my knowledge of insurance, helping with claims, billing and coverage questions. For staff it’s coaching and mentoring the next generation of insurance professionals. Incorporating the newest technology into our process means we can spend more time helping our clients.”

Originally from Louisville Kentucky, Sharon attended the University of Louisville and moved to southwest Michigan in 2008 with her husband Ned and daughter Mary Helen.

Tony Ventimiglia, Vice President Benefits

Tony Ventimiglia, Vice President Benefits

Tony Ventimiglia grew up in the south Chicago suburb of Oak Forest, IL. He lived in Dallas, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona before moving to southwest Michigan in 2006. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology from Eastern Illinois University with a minor in Business Administration.

He is the past Chairman of the Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and a past President of the local chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Tony is divorced and has two children.

Tony specializes in employer-sponsored and individual health, life, medicare, disability and long term care insurance. If he could offer a piece of advice to others it would be “Please make sure you follow the golden rule of insurance…buy it BEFORE you need it. Otherwise, you may not qualify or it will be much more expensive.”
> Learn More … Tony is a Life, Health, Medicare, Disability, Dental, Vision, and Long Term Care Insurance Agent.

Joseph Beemer, Agent

Joseph is a graduate of Hope College with a bachelor degree in Business Management and English. He worked for the Auto Owners Insurance Company as a personal lines underwriter for several years, and later worked at an insurance agency. Joseph grew up in St. Joseph MI and now works remotely for CIA from his home in Boulder Colorado.

Joseph explains, “I am driven to find the best coverage with a personal service connection for my clients. The experience of working for both a large insurance company and another insurance agency, has given me an appreciation of the value we offer at CIA.”

In his free time Joseph enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, and long distance running.

Lisa Ellerbrock, Agent

Lisa’s insurance experience includes working for a large international company and smaller independent agencies. She grew up in Colorado but lived in Scotland for many years before moving to Michigan four years ago. Lisa holds a business degree from Barnes Business College.

“I enjoy the variety of people I interact with every day in this profession. Whether it’s business, home or auto insurance, I will always offer my best advice and solutions to meet their needs. I love helping people feel secure with their insurance protection.”

Lisa is a true fitness enthusiast and she enjoys all outdoor activities. She has a grown daughter who lives in Denver Colorado.