Our Team

Our Team

Barrie and his family moved to the United States from South Africa in 1986 while he was working for Bandag, the world's leading retreader of truck tires. After spending 30 years in the rubber and plastics trade, Barrie ventured into the insurance industry after taking early retirement from Bandag. His chemical engineering and quality management background equipped him well for his role as Lee Agency's Chief Information Officer. He drives his fellow workers crazy with his regular "why's?" Analyzing data and comparing it with national benchmarks helps Lee Agency make data-based decisions, allowing them to stay ahead of the competition. His passiqon for analysis of performance measurements has resulted in the nickname "Chartman".

Barrie and his wife Joyce enjoy shared passions for photography and travel. They have three grown children and nine grandchildren, which may explain his graying hair(what remains of it). He also has a love/hate relationship with golf. He loves golf; golf hates him! Whenever he can, Barrie likes to watch soccer--English soccer preferably, and dreams of one day going to watch his favorite team, Manchester United, play. Barrie loves to talk about his former country, and has regularly been invited to speak to students in local schools about life in South Africa.

JON BELL
jbell@leeinsure.com

Jon Bell grew up on a farm in Cedar County, not far from Tipton. After college, he began to run the family farm raising hogs, cattle, corn, and soybeans. In addition to farming, Jon has also involved himself in numerous construction projects (from building new homes to a million dollar church addition). Jon also serves on the Cedar County Board of Supervisors. The Bell family farm operation changed in 1998, which allowed Jon more time for other things. Before joining Lee Agency, Jon worked as a crop hail adjuster for two years. It was June of 2001 when Jon joined the team at Lee and Muscatine County Mutual as their adjuster. In addition, Jon performs inspections and renewals for Mutual and leads the Crop Insurance team. Jon’s past experience and dedicated work ethic have made him a valuable asset to Lee Agency.

Jon also enjoys farming, working on his century old home, attending his son’s school activities with his wife Harriette, traveling, and hunting. He is currently serving as president for Limestone Bluffs Resource Conservation and Development Corporation. In addition, Jon is actively involved at his church and enjoys volunteering at Spring Valley Bible Camp. During the winter months, Jon and Harriette enjoy their snowmobiles and take regular trips with other couples.

DREW BURKAMPER
dburkamper@leeinsure.com

Drew Burkamper is a Muscatine native, and is proud to live and work in the town where he was born. Shortly after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa, Drew moved back to Muscatine to work in the distribution industry. In 2006, Drew joined Lee Agency to lead the Life and Health department. Since that time, he has provided customer service to current clients and enjoys speaking with future clients about their life and health insurance needs. Drew is very approachable and will work hard to produce solid results for his clients.

At home, Drew loves to spend time with his family. He and his wife have two children; Lucas and Ciara. As a family, they love to fish, hike, and canoe. Drew and his wife are certified foster parents and enjoy having new children in their home. One of Drew’s passions is the outdoors; he has led numerous backpacking and adventure trips throughout the United States. When at home, it’s easy to see that Drew’s house is always busy… in addition to the kids and their activities, they have three pets: Cornflake the corn snake, Mikey the cat, and Outlaw Josie Wales the St. Bernard.

JAMIE CAVAZOS
jcavazos@leeinsure.com

Jamie Cavazos, a Muscatine native, joined the Lee Agency, Inc. team in August of 2008 and works closely with Drew Burkamper in the Life and Health Department providing meaningful options for clients' employee benefits packages and individual life and health insurance options. Jamie also works with the Agency’s new clients on their personal insurance needs. Jamie came to the Agency with prior experience in the banking and insurance industry. Jamie spends some of his free time teaching martial arts in the Muscatine area to several adults and children. He has over 20 years of experience in Tae Kwon Do and in Sept. 2009 will test for his fourth degree black belt. Jamie currently lives in Muscatine and enjoys spending time with his son.

SHANA COX
scox@leeinsure.com

Shana Cox joined the Customer Service team at Lee Agency in early 2007. After joining the team, she quickly obtained her Personal Lines and Commercial Lines state licenses, and has continued to focus on learning the intricate details of the insurance business. Shana’s employment background is service-based, and she truly enjoys helping her customers at Lee Agency. Shana’s primary focus is helping customers with their home and auto insurance questions, claims, renewals, and changes.

Shana also enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She was born in Iowa City and raised in the Muscatine area. However, she has had opportunities to live in California, Texas, and Illinois. Shana loves to learn, and also enjoys opportunities to perform in various dramas and express her artistic side. She is active in her local church, enjoys bowling, golf, and playing catch with her son. Additional interests include an interesting book, crossword puzzles, and a good game of trivia… however, she is happiest watching a good movie with her family.

DOUG DORRIS
ddorris@leeinsure.com

Doug Dorris joined Lee Agency in 2008. Prior to joining Lee Agency, Doug worked for Bandag for 10 years. During that time, Doug held positions such as Credit Manager and Internal Auditor at the Bandag headquarters in Muscatine, IA. In between those roles, Doug was the Administrative Manager at Bandag Abilene, TX manufacturing plant for 3 ½ years. Prior to Bandag, Doug worked at Ford Motor Credit Company at the Bettendorf, IA and Albuquerque, NM branches for 10 years where he held many financial positions. Doug obtained a BA in Finance from St. Ambrose University in 1989 and earned his MBA from St. Ambrose University in 2003. His education and experience equip him well for his role as Lee Agency’s Chief Financial Officer.

Doug was born and raised in Iowa. He married Linda in 1989 and they have two children, Brandon and Rachel. Doug and Linda enjoy attending many of their children’s activities. Brandon is an aspiring trombonist and hopes to play in a Big 5 Orchestra some day. Rachel excels in track and field and loves to run, run, run. Doug enjoys spending time with his family, running, traveling and playing golf. Doug is an avid Texas Longhorn fan from his time spent in Texas.

LORI EASTERLA
leasterla@leeinsure.com

Lori Easterla first joined the Lee Agency Team in 1990 as the receptionist. She soon became a Customer Service Agent, whereby she served both personal and commercial clients for the next ten years. In 2002, Lori joined the Lee Agency Sales Department as a Sales Account Manager. As a “SAM” Lori is able to face different challenges each day and help future clients better understand their insurance needs. Her responsibilities include working with agency producers to generate new appointments, gathering and analyzing information in order to prepare quote submissions for the companies, preparation of proposals for the producers to present to new commercial clients, and finally, completing the introduction of the new client to the servicing agent.

Lori is a native of Muscatine. She married her husband Todd over twenty years ago, and they have two sons: Cory, who attends the University of Iowa and Alex who is still in high school. Lori enjoys her time outside of work by spending quality family time golfing, traveling, and watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball. Lori and her family are huge wrestling fans, and both of her boys have had successful high school wrestling careers. She also enjoys their family pet, Louie the Puggle, and can be seen taking him for regular walks around the neighborhood. Lori likes to relax by reading a good book, and would most prefer to be reading while on a beach!

LYNANN EDKIN
ledkin@leeinsure.com

Lynann Edkin lives in Illinois and crosses the Mississippi River each day to join the team at Lee Agency. She joined the agency in 2002, working with home and auto clients. In 2005, Lynann became the account manager for the Lee Agency commercial client department. In addition to her personal and commercial licenses, Lynann has completed the Certified Insurance Service Representative designation. One of Lynann’s greatest strengths is the strong relationships she builds with each of her clients. Whether it’s a contractor, business owner, or commercial developer, Lynann gets to know each of them and their business through and through.

Lynann is an active member of her church in Muscatine; she can be seen teaching children almost every weekend. In addition, she is an accomplished cook and regularly supplies the office with amazing treats of all shapes and sizes. She enjoys reading, walking, and most of all, her family. Lynann has three children: Marie, DJ (a US Marine) and Reagan.

JANET GRADY
jgrady@leeinsure.com

Janet Grady joined Lee Insurance in 2002 as a customer service agent for long-term care facilities. Now, as Account Manager of the Long Term Care team, she works hard to meet the insurance needs of her insureds. Janet’s primary responsibility is to stay abreast of the constant changes that occur in both the insurance marketplace as well as within the long-term care state and federal requirements. She came to Lee Agency with a background in nursing (she is a former RN) and funeral directing.

Janet also enjoys her church and helping with Celebrate Recovery, a support group for those with “hurts, hang-ups and habits.” She has two children and one grandchild that she enjoys very much. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and walking with friends. In addition, Janet was very active in high school athletics and still enjoys an occasional round of golf.

BRENDA HOEPER
bhoeper@leeinsure.com

Brenda started at Lee Insurance in 1998 as a customer service agent in the personal lines department. A few years later, she moved into the church and long-term care department, where she stayed until leaving with her first child in 2001. Upon returning in 2002, Brenda took a new position in the sales department, helping new clients with their personal insurance. Today, Brenda is still a member of the sales team and works as a Sales Account Manager in the Agency's specialty church division, Titus Insurance Group. Brenda has earned her Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) and Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designations.

Brenda graduated from Muscatine High School and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in foreign languages, with an emphasis on international business, from the University of Iowa in 1997. In her spare time, Brenda enjoys spending time with her 3 young children, photography, and travel. She is an avid New York Yankees fan and looks forward to someday catching a live game.

DEE LAFEVER
dlafever@leeinsure.com

Dee Lafever started at the Agency in 1990 as a receptionist. In 1991, she began to focus primarily on Federal Crop Insurance. Due to her farming background, Dee quickly and genuinely started to develop a niche for working with farmers and their crop insurance. Her main responsibilities are to educate, assist and serve the clients she works with. Dee has developed new and innovative ways to assist the farmers she works with, and the crop insurance department has grown into one of Lee Agency’s strongest departments. One of Dee’s favorite things to do is help farm clients find a claim they didn’t know they had. Currently, Lee Agency works with nearly 300 crop insurance customers, and Dee is a significant part of the team that takes care of them.

Dee currently resides on a farm just north of Joy, Illinois. She was born in Muscatine but was raised in the country near New Boston, Illinois. After high school, Dee married her high school sweetheart, Matt. They have a wonderful son, Barry, who also works in Muscatine. Dee and Matt farm and raise purebred Charlaois Cattle. In December 1998, Dee made a decision to put her faith and trust in Christ, a decision she says has “changed me greatly!” In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, fishing and any other outdoor activities with her family.

JASON NORTON
jnorton@leeinsure.com

Jason Norton joined Lee Agency full time in 2004, but had worked for several summers as an intern before graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in finance. Jason currently focuses on developing relationships with prospective clients, and enjoys the opportunities to help people determine and understand their insurance needs. Jason also serves on the Leadership Team, and is instrumental as a financial analyst.

Jason was born and raised on a farm in Cedar County, and still has much of his rural roots. He and his wife, Suzie, were married in 2003, and together the two of them enjoy golfing, traveling and grilling out. Jason is an avid golfer, and has made it a goal to play all the top courses in the world. Even though he went to Iowa State, he is an enthusiastic University of Iowa fan, and can be seen at most Hawkeye basketball games. Jason is also an active member of his church, and enjoys teaching and coordinating social events. Jason and Suzie welcomed their first child, Tom, to the family in 2008.

TOM NORTON
tnorton@leeinsure.com

A milestone in the history of the Lee Agency was the appointment of Tom Norton as Sales Manager in 1986. This appointment resulted in a more deliberate approach to selling and marketing insurance products, while at the same time diversifying the customer base. Tom has led the process of developing a team approach to both sales and service, as well as the strengthening of several niche markets. In June 1999, after the untimely death of the Lee Agency founder, Tom became the owner of the agency, having purchased it from the estate of Gary R. Lee. The Agency has continued to grow since that time, increasing in premium volume and maintaining high retention percentages each year.

An avid golfer, Tom enjoys his time away from the office on the golf course. In addition, Tom loves to garden, and has worked hard to transform his backyard into a work of art. Tom and his wife Diane can be seen around town on their tandem bicycle, as well as taking long walks. Tom’s three grown children are his greatest source of pride, and the family continues to enjoy family vacations. Because Tom farmed for ten years prior to joining Lee Agency, he still enjoys opportunities to visit the family farm and support his family’s heritage. Tom is very active at his church, regularly teaching and leading.

NATE ORVIS
norvis@leeinsure.com

Nate Orvis moved to Muscatine in 2001 in order to join the sales team at Lee Agency. Since that time, Nate has focused on building relationships with new clients in order to help them determine their insurance needs. A major role for Nate is to actively pursue the best products and pricing for his clients. Before joining the Agency, Nate taught school for five years, and his educational background has allowed him to help clients better understand their insurance products. Nate also serves on the Leadership Team, which allows him, and others, the opportunity to set goals, strategize, and succeed. Nate earned his Certified Insurance Counselor designation in 2004, and continues to look for ways to learn more about the insurance industry.

Nate also enjoys opportunities to be outdoors, construction projects around the house, and all types of sports. He was born and raised in Colorado, has lived in Chicago, California, and Phoenix, but considers Iowa home. Nate and his wife Susan are active at their local church, enjoy running, golfing, and playing with their dog, George. Additional interests include old cars (they recently restored a 1974 VW Beetle), basketball, the Cubs, and traveling.

KAREN SAMPLE
ksample@leeinsure.com

Karen began her insurance career working for an independent agency in Muscatine in 1981. In 1985, she left the agency to start a family. She then worked as a clerk and later a bookkeeper for Muscatine County. In 1990, she joined Lee Insurance, becoming a licensed Personal Lines Customer Service Agent. She later moved into the position of Commercial Lines Customer Service Agent, specializing in the areas of Contractors, Churches, Long Term Care Facilities, and Life & Health products. From 2001 to the present time, she has worked for Muscatine County Mutual, working primarily with farm accounts. This has been her most challenging and rewarding position in the insurance industry as it allows her to be involved in all aspects of the business, including underwriting, policy & claims processing, customer service and maintaining the company books. Karen earned her Certified Insurance Service Representative designation in 1994 and her Certified Insurance Counselor designation in 2002.

Karen was born and raised in Muscatine but now resides on a farm next to the Mississippi River in Illinois, which has been in her husband’s family for 5 generations. What she enjoys most is spending time with her growing family. Her oldest son recently graduated from Iowa State University & resides in Ames with his wife. Karen’s youngest son is a Jr. at the University of Iowa. She also has two step-sons, a step-daughter and son-in-law and four step-grandchildren. Her hobbies include genealogy, reading, movies, concerts, and shopping for antiques.

ANDY SCHOEPF
aschoepf@leeinsure.com

Andy joined the team at Lee Agency in 2004, and after spending his first four years leading the Customer Service Team, joined the Sales Team as a Producer in 2009. Andy specializes in working with Lee Agency’s Senior Living, Security and Investigation, and Pest Control niches as well as other general commercial lines business in Eastern Iowa.

Before joining the Agency, Andy graduated from Iowa State University and worked in the golf industry. He continues to enjoy the game of golf as well as most other sports. Andy enjoys woodworking, handyman projects, and figuring out how and why things work. He is very active working with the youth group in his local church, along with his wife, Megan. Andy and Megan’s first son, Noah, was born in 2008, so they are kept extremely busy by this mischievous toddler. Muscatine has always been home for Andy, and he is excited about the opportunities he has in this community as well as the relationships he is continuing to develop. He has recently been involved with volunteering for the Muscatine Chamber of Commerce in planning and hosting the MUSCAFUDA golf event, which is a fun way for Muscatine business leaders to entertain and thank other business partners or staff while raising money for the Chamber.

ANGIE SINK
asink@leeinsure.com

Angie Sink started at Lee Agency in March of 2005 as a customer service agent within the Personal Lines department. In the fall of 2008, Angie took over serving our church clients. Currently, Angie not only serves her clients, but is instrumental in training others to do the same. Angie enjoys talking with customers and helping them to meet their needs.

Angie also enjoys spending time with her family, taking walks, and gardening. She has two teenage children who keep her very busy with their activities and sports. She is active in her local church and likes to cook and read when she has time. Angie is married to a police officer, Kevin, and has lived in Muscatine for a number of years.

DIANE THIERING
dthiering@leeinsure.com

Diane Thiering has been with Lee Agency since 2001. She currently fills the position of Customer Service Manager and serves on the Leadership Team. Diane’s role as Customer Service Manager is to understand processes within the Agency in order to provide leadership and problem solving to the Customer Service Team. Our goal is to deliver to our customers the service they deserve in a friendly, helpful manner; hoping to exceed their expectations. Working hard as a team helps us accomplish our goals. During the earlier years at Lee Agency, Diane gained commercial lines experience as an Account Manager for Church and Senior Living Communities’ accounts.

Diane enjoys spending time with her husband Steve and their family. Together they raised four children and are kept busy doting on their 8 grandchildren. Involvement in her church has also provided opportunities to serve in the following ministries: Sunday school, Bible studies, children’s nursery, and leadership roles in evangelism and missions. Opportunities to take mission trips to Guatemala and Nicaragua have been wonderful experiences. In her free time, Diane finds ways to relax by kicking back with friends, working in the flower gardens and reading.

KRISTIE THIERING
kthiering@leeinsure.com

Kristie Thiering started her insurance career at a major insurance company located in Davenport, IA. She started out in the policy services department and was soon promoted to the claims department where she worked for nearly 5 years. Kristie joined the Lee Agency team in September 2008 as a customer service agent in the Personal Lines department where she enjoyed developing relationships and servicing the customers’ insurance needs. She brings to Lee a positive attitude, hard work and an eagerness to provide quality service. Recently, Kristie has accepted a position in the sales department as a sales account manager and is looking forward to working with the sales team.

Kristie also enjoys spending time with her husband Koy and their 2 year old daughter. When not busy keeping up with the adventures of a curious 2 year old, she enjoys spending time with friends cooking out and playing games. Some of Kristie’s other hobbies have included softball, snowmobiling, kickboxing and crossword puzzles. Kristie was born and raised in the Seattle, WA area and is a proud Seahawks fan. She moved to Iowa in 2003.

PAT VAN WEY
pvanwey@leeinsure.com

Patricia Van Wey joined the Lee team in 1989, originally working for Muscatine County Mutual. She worked as a company representative, processing policies and claims and managing the accounting department of that company. Pat gained valuable experience learning risk management techniques and processes in the five years she spent representing Muscatine County Mutual. In 1994, Pat became an employee of Lee Agency, Inc. and continued her education by becoming licensed as a life and health insurance agent. Pat was instrumental in developing the Sales Team, working closely with now owner and then producer, Tom Norton. Currently, as a Sales Account Manager, Pat finds great satisfaction in working with complex accounts, sorting through details, and strategizing on effect insurance and risk management solutions for her accounts.

Pat is married to her husband Mike who recently retired after 35 years in the Muscatine Fire Department. They have 2 children and 2 fabulous granddaughters. Pat is active in her local church, and enjoys serving on the drama team. She also enjoys her involvement with the local community theatre troupe. Over the years, Pat has become known for several of her theatre characters, including the infamous “Daisy May” who occasionally shows up at office get-togethers!

RHONDA WHITNEY
rwhitney@leeinsure.com

Rhonda joined the Lee Insurance team in 2007, and in her own words, was “excited to be here!” She completed her insurance licensing for Property/Casualty, Life/Health, Commercial and Crop in October and November of 2006 while working for an insurance agency in Illinois. Rhonda’s employment background includes customer service and billing for Bandag, Inc., secretary at Zion Lutheran in Taylor Ridge, IL, and working on the family farm. Rhonda earned her Associate’s Degree in the Science of Agriculture from MCC and has taken several business courses.

Rhonda and her husband, Mike, live on a farm/acreage in Illinois where they have raised 3 terrific kids. Their two boys, Lance and Brandon, are still living at home, and their daughter, Becky, lives just two miles away with her husband, Jason. Rhonda and Mike enjoy family get-togethers and playing in the great outdoors: camping, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, hobby farming, gardening, and many other activities. In the winter months, Rhonda enjoys home improvement projects, woodworking, and quilting.

BETTY ZINDEL
bzindel@leeinsure.com

Betty Zindel has been working with the customer service team at Lee Insurance since 1994. With her years of insurance experience to guide her, Betty served as the account manager and team leader for the personal lines insurance team. In 2007, Betty transitioned her focus to serving commercial insurance clients as well as working with large farm accounts. To further her insurance knowledge, Betty is currently working on her Certified Insurance Counselor designation.

Enjoying her family, reading, and gardening, are some of the activities Betty enjoys the most. Born and raised on an Iowa farm, she truly appreciates the rural and small town atmosphere of Muscatine and the surrounding communities.