The Larkin Group Team
“At the Larkin Group, we realize you have options when it comes to your insurance. That is why we make a strong commitment to you to develop the customer relationship. We not only want to provide your insurance; we want to establish a long-standing relationship built on integrity and trust along with advising you in ways to protect what is most important to you. Call us today to start your service with an agency that prides itself on service and the value we provide our customers!”
-Bryan Taggart, CFP
Principal
Jump to the following teams:
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Personal Lines Team
Kellie Cutler
Personal Risk Manager
231.944.7614
kcutler@getlarkin.com
Year Hired: 2003
Jill Hinson, CISR
Personal Risk Manager
231.944.7611
jhinson@getlarkin.com
Year Hired: 2003
Rebecca Korson
Mike Jager
VP of Sales
231.944.7599
mjager@getlarkin.com
Year Hired: 2018
Shelly Nellist
Personal Risk Manager
231.944.7616
snellist@getlarkin.com
Year Hired: 2016
Brian Sienkiewicz, CIC
Lisa Wittig
Linda Wilbert
Bonnie Huck
Aaron Korson
Personal Risk Manager
231.944.7627
akorson@getlarkin.com
Year Hired: 2020
Kimberly Emerson
Personal Service Agent
231.944.7608
kemerson@getlarkin.com
Year Hired: 2021
Commercial Lines Team
Steve Merten, CIC
Gary Chouinard, CIC, LIC, ARM
Travis Beynon, CIC, CAWC
Principal & Risk Manager
231.932.0264
travis.beynon@getlarkin.com
Year Hired: 2006
Mike Jager
VP of Sales
231.944.7599
mjager@getlarkin.com
Year Hired: 2018
Kathleen Bendickson, CISR
Beth McCardel, CPCU, CIC, CISR, CRM
Vice President – Commercial
231.944.7593
bmccardel@getlarkin.com
Year Hired: 2012
Nancy Carlson, CIC
Jennifer Lemanski
Commercial Risk Manager
231.944.7605
jlemanski@getlarkin.com
Year Hired: 2021
Shannon Becker
Chad Volant
Commercial Risk Manager
231.944.7603
cvolant@getlarkin.com
Year Hired: 2022
Jordan Krieger
Commercial Processor
231.944.7622
jkrieger@getlarkin.com
Year Hired: 2022
Paul McDonald
Commercial Accounts Manager
231.944.7223
pmcdonald@getlarkin.com
Year Hired: 2022
Employee Benefits Team
Administrative Team
Lorri Smith
Administration/Accounting
231.944.7609
lsmith@getlarkin.com
Year Hired: 2001
Aubrey Webb
Receptionist
231.944.8800
receptionist@getlarkin.com
Year Hired: 2022
Education: The Ohio State University, Columbus
Personal: Paul lives with his wife Amy and son Roman in Dayton, OH.
Hobbies: Spending time with family, fishing, coaching, movies, cooking, hiking, watching sports
Licenses Held: Licensed in Property, Casualty, Life, Accident and Health
Education: Alma College- Bachelors of Business Administration
Community: StrengthRx Gym Traverse City, fitness and nutrition coach and volunteer at Mindful Performance Therapy
Personal: Chad, his wife Diana, and his son Perry have just recently re-located to the Traverse City area in 2022. They have lived in Northern Michigan for over a decade and love all of the opportunities and activities that it has to offer. Diana is a Clinical Psychologist who has worked for Child and Family Services of NW MI for over a decade and specializes in helping children and adults who have experienced trauma. Both Chad and Diana have a great love for fitness and nutrition and have been using this passion to assist the NOMI communities in utilizing exercise and nutrition counseling throughout their daily lives.
Hobbies: Skiing, tee ball, golf, and swimming with his son, Perry; Enjoying great food and wine with his wife, Diana; Teaching people how exercise and a proper diet can impact one’s life; Traveling to the beach and camping with his family
Licenses Held: Michigan Property & Casualty Insurance Agent and Michigan Life Insurance Agent
Education: Traverse City West Senior High School
Community: Member of the Buckley Old Engine Show
Personal: Sarah was born and raised in Traverse City, and currently resides in The Village of Honor with her significant other Austin. She also has two dogs, named Zoey and Ember.
Hobbies: Seasonal activities, quality time with family/friends and her dogs, video games, reading, and traveling.
Licenses Held: Michigan Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
Education: Bachelors of Business; Davenport University, Grand Rapids, MI
Community: Has participated in March of Dimes, JDF and The Color Run as well as the DK5K which raises money for 22-2-None, Veteran Suicide Prevention.
Personal: Pracilla is originally from the Grand Rapids, MI area. She has lived in Traverse City since 2007. She has an awesome 10 year old son who is the light of her life.
Hobbies: Anything outdoors ~ camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, watching her son play sports, loving on any dog she comes across, taking pictures and spending quality time with family and friends.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Risk Management & Insurance from Florida State University
Community: Habitat for Humanity & Animal Rights Advocate
Personal: Joyce is an Alabama native, and started her insurance career in South Florida. She currently resides in Niles, Michigan. Joyce has one sibling and is a proud aunt to one wonderful nephew.
Hobbies: Reading, spending time with family and friends, fitness, painting, & drawing.
Licenses Held: Michigan Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
Education: B.S.B.A in Business Management and Marketing minor from Central Michigan University.
Community: St. Mary Church, St. Mary School fundraisers, Father Fred, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Traverse City volleyball indoor & beach leagues.
Personal: Aaron currently reside in Lake Leelanau where he was born and raised. He enjoys living in the country with lots of space to garden and raise a few animals.
Hobbies: Aaron enjoys spending time with family and friends, hanging out at the lake, grilling, boating, playing basketball, volleyball and golf, fishing, raising animals and keeping aquatics.
Community: March of Dimes and Big Brothers Big Sisters
Professional: 15+ years of customer service experience. Property & Casualty License
Education: Northwestern Michigan College
Personal: I was born and raised in Traverse City where I reside with my husband of 10 years, our son Graham, my son Logan and our Husky/Shepard mix rescue dog, Negan.
Hobbies: I enjoy anything done outdoors and with friends and family, specifically hiking, backpacking, spending time at the beach, kayaking, having bonfires and seeing live music.
Professional: Licenses held; Accident and Health, Property, Casualty, Life
Education: NMC, business degree.
Community: Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Woman’s Voters League, Father Fred.
Personal: Reside in Suttons Bay with my husband Chris, happy parent to a fur baby, and proud aunt of four.
Hobbies: Rally racing/ working on cars, playing my guitar, fishing, boating, any way to be outdoors and enjoy all four seasons.
Professional: I have been in the insurance industry since 2006. Since then, I have held the designation of CIC, sat on numerous councils including those for Accident Fund and Citizens. What has kept me in the industry is the joy to assist others in their risk management assessment, training and finding the best value for their insurance needs.
Education: B.A. from Michigan State University in Marketing
Community: I am active in my community by helping in coaching and local fundraisers. Additionally, I have been a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Michigan’s Adopt a Match program for over eight years. I am also recognized by Michigan State University as part of their “Spartan Bold Leadership Circle”.
Personal/Hobbies: My wife and I are raising three boys that are very active. I thoroughly enjoy helping them in their sports with either training or coaching. Additionally, I am active in golf, skiing and running. A fun fact is I have participated in a Ragnar run from Muskegon to Traverse City in 2019 which was over 150 miles of running in a 36 hour span, including through the night. I also enjoy travel and a good lazy night in front of a campfire or fireplace.
Professional: Property and Casualty License
Education: Kingsley High School and Baker College of Cadillac
Personal: Jessica lives in Kingsley with her daughter, Lexis and her 2 sons, Lincoln & Lane and her English setter, Isla.
Hobbies: Jessica enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening, going for walks, shopping, traveling/exploring new places, and spending as much time outdoors during the warmer months as she can.
Professional: Property & Casualty Licensed and Life Licensed. Real-estate Licensed.
Education: Bachelor’s in Social Work from Western Michigan University
Community: Volunteer at the State Theatre, Member of Grand Traverse Women Network,
Personal: Kellie resides in Peninsula Township with husband Tim and two children Lauren and Justin. They also have a Weimaraner dog named Cooper.
Hobbies: Walking, Boating, Traveling & Spending time with Family
Education: Glen Lake Community Schools, Maple City
Community: St. Francis Catholic Church, Volunteering at the State Theatre
Personal: Lorri is a native of Leelanau County and resides in Garfield Township in Traverse City with her husband Blake, who is a community development specialist for the USDA – Rural Development. They have two children Haley & Caleb and their dog, Tucker.
Hobbies: Spending time with family, boating, watching her kids play in sports, scrapbooking, traveling, walking, hanging out with the neighbors.
Licenses Held: Michigan Property & Casualty Insurance Agent and Michigan Life Insurance Agent
Professional: Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR)
Education: Graduate Plano Senior High School, Plano TX; Attended Baylor University, Waco TX
Community: Mission Board Member at The Orchard Church, volunteers with Freedom Builders.
Personal: Jill lives in Traverse City with her husband Scott.
Hobbies: Kayaking, knitting, reading, geo-caching
Licenses Held: Michigan Property & Casualty Insurance Agent, Michigan Life Insurance Agent and Michigan Medicare Agent, Licensed Insurance Agent for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement
Education: B.B.A. in Marketing and Management from Northwood University
Community: Volunteering at the National Cherry Festival
Personal: Rebecca lives in Lake Leelanau with her husband Russell, who works for Leland Township Fire and Rescue. They have a maltipoo named Harper.
Hobbies: Kayaking, boating, shopping, spending time with family and Pinterest.
Professional: Property & Casualty License, Life & Health License, CISR Designation.
Education: Pine River High School
Community: Member of Resurrection Life Church in Cadillac
Personal: Resides in Cadillac with her twins, Adriana & Camden
Hobbies: Enjoys being active: running, spin bike, kickboxing. Loves boating and spending time in the sun. Loves football. She will always be a Lions fan even though it’s disappointing year after year. Although her favorite team to watch, is the Cadillac Vikings and whatever sport her son is playing.
Education: University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Community: City Church- Traverse City
Personal: Marc is originally from North Carolina but has quickly called the Grand Traverse region, home. His wife, Brooke, is born and raised in Traverse City which is what brought them back. Brooke is a Risk Advisor for Hagerty, and they are newer parents to their daughter, Noa. They are also proud dog owners of Bauer & Sage.
Hobbies: Quality family time, golf, waterfowl hunting, fishing, BBQ, being outside or on the water.
Licenses Held: Michigan Property & Casualty, Michigan Life & Health, North Carolina Non-Resident Life & Health
Professional: Agency Support Staff
Education: Bachelors in Accounting from Ferris State University
Community: Member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, American Cancer Society Relay for Life Team Member & Team Captain
Personal: Shelly resides in Elmwood Township having living in the wonderful Traverse City area for the past twenty years. She has three amazing children, Ally, Courtney & Austin, who are active in sports, school band and choir. Shelly enjoys any time she gets to spend with her family and friends.
Hobbies: An outdoor enthusiast, Shelly enjoys flower gardening and yard work in warm and sunny weather. She loves many other outdoor activities including walking, biking, golfing, camping, skiing and going to festivals, concerts and Tiger’s baseball games. Shelly loves traveling and exploring new destinations, especially tropical locations.
Licenses Held: Michigan, Florida Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
Community: I have volunteered at Cherryland Humane Society with my granddaughters and have participated in bowling for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Personal: I love that I am part of a large family, married, six siblings, three children and 10 grandchildren.
Hobbies: In my spare time I enjoy reading, doing crafts and spending time near the water.
Licenses Held: Property & Casualty License & Life & Health License
Education: Traverse City High School
Community: Linda volunteers at Between the Fences, Father Fred, Women’s Resource Center and many school fundraisers.
Personal: Linda resides in Empire with her husband Butch, who owns and operates Interlochen RV and Brokers, and their rescue dog Nella. They have a daughter, son, and 3 grandchildren that they love to spend time with.
Hobbies: Motorcycling, boating, walking, camping, music and reading.
Licenses Held: Michigan Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
Education: Roscommon Community School
Community: Volunteering at the State Theatre.
Hobbies: Outdoor enthusiast, boating, golfing, hiking, camping, crafting and sharing the importance of health and nutrition.
Personal: Bonnie resides in Traverse City with her husband Gordie and loveable lab/german shephard pup Kota.
Education: Northport Public School, Ferris State University
Community: Bonnie is the Vice President of the Northport Boosters Club, she helps arrange and run fundraisers for Northport Promise, she helps with many activities and events at Northport Schools and she is also involved with the Leelanau Fire Department
Hobbies: Bonnie enjoys long walks, especially on the beach, going to sporting events, boating, knitting, traveling and being with friends and family.
Personal: Bonnie resides in Northport with her husband Todd, who is the assistant fire chief. She has two children, Austin and Autumn, and a rescue dog named Stanley.
Community: Volunteer Father Fred, & American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Humane Society.
Personal: Resides in Traverse City, MI with husband Marv and French Briard dog named Georgie.
Hobbies: Walking, biking, reading, and spending time with family.
Professional: Licensed Property & Casualty & Life
Education: Grosse Pointe South High School & WMU
Community: Platelet Donor at Michigan Blood.
Personal: Lives in Traverse City with Wife Marlene and our two children Dominick and Caitlyn.
Hobbies: Plays on team Dillinger’s in a Men’s league at Howe Arena. Also enjoys Kayaking, Biking, and golfing in the warm months.
Professional: Property, Casualty, Life, Health & Annuity License. Certified Insurance Counselor.
Education: MBA Davenport University
Professional: Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
Education: B.A. in Marketing from St. Joseph’s University
Community: Central Methodist Church, TBA Credit Union Board Member, Past Board Member of Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce and HomeBuilders Association of the Grand Traverse Area, Past Chairman of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council.
Personal: Steve resides in Traverse City with his wife Nina. Steve has two children, Christopher and Cassidy.
Hobbies: Family, Winter Sports, Basketball, Golf, and sports in general.
Licenses Held: Licensed in Property, Casualty, Life, Accident, and Health
Professional: Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Licensed Insurance Counselor (LIC), Associates in Risk Management (ARM)
Education: Northern Michigan College
Community: Life member and past President of Traverse City Optimist Club, Optimist Youth Foundation Board Vice President, Member of Faith Reformed Church, Active with I.C.E. – Involved Citizens Enterprise.
Personal: Gary is a native to Traverse City. He is married to Ann, who is a retired 4th grade TAG teacher at TCAPS. They have 4 children, Brandon, Karina, JJ, Lexi and grandson Tristen. They also have two Havanese dogs, Razcal and Zeke.
Hobbies: Family, Camping, Hockey, Golf, Kayaking and Fishing.
Licenses Held: Licensed in Property, Casualty, Life, Accident and Health. Licensed in Michigan, Indiana, Iowa and Texas.
Professional: Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Certified Authority on Workers’ Compensation
Education: B.A. in Business Management and Communications from Hope College
Community: Confirmed member of First Congregational Church, active member of the Traverse City Chamber & Young Professionals.
Personal: Travis was born and raised in Traverse City and currently resides in Peninsula Township. He has one daughter named Aria Grace and a son named Brady Kincaid. He also has two dogs named Bay and Penny.
Hobbies: Tennis, Golf, Boating, Skiing/Snowboarding, Soccer, Running, Travel and Outdoors.
Licenses Held: Licensed in Property, Casualty
Professional: Certified Authority on Workers Compensation (CAWC)
Education: Conerstone University, Grand Rapids, MI
Personal: Kelly and her husband Scott, reside in Gaylord. They have two children, Jameson and JJ.
Hobbies: Running, kayaking, hunting, fishing, snowshoe and basketball
Licenses Held: Licensed in Property, Casualty, Life, Accident and Health
Education: Marquette Area Public Schools & Northwestern Michigan College, Associate Degree in Business Administration
Community: Volunteer at Safe Harbor, Father Fred, Election Volunteer, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Traverse City Microbrew volunteer.
Personal: Molly is a native of the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The member of a very close knit family, she is one of six children and the proud aunt to 10 nieces and nephews. She resides in Traverse City with her longtime boyfriend Tom.
Hobbies: A music lover, Molly enjoys going to festivals and concerts. She enjoys exploring the landscape of the area, and taking in a glass of wine at local vineyards. She also spends time in her craft room, and reading cookbooks.
Professional: Commercial Insurance Service Representative (CISR)
Education: Baker College, Associate Degree in Business Administration
Personal: Resides in Cadillac with her husband and son
Hobbies: Spending time with family & friends, traveling, reading and being at the beach
Licenses Held: Michigan Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
Professional: Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Chartered Private Risk and Insurance Advisor (CPRIA), Certified Authority on Workers’ Compensation (CAWC), Acrisure Private Risk Advisor’s Group Member
Education: B.A. in Business Studies from Davenport College (1999)
Community: President of Bay Area Insurance Agent’s Association (BAIAA), Women’s Council of Realtors, Traverse Area Association of Realtors (TAAR), Rotary Club Member, Ambassador for Traverse City Chamber of Commerce
Personal: Mike resides in Peninsula Township with his wife Erica, and their three children Henry, Elin, and Cara.
Hobbies: Spending time with his family, golf, basketball, and spending time enjoying the Northern Michigan summers.
Licenses Held: Property & Casualty License, Surplus Lines License, Life & Health
Professional: Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR), Certified Risk Manager (CRM)
Education: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Community: Junior Achievement Volunteer, Parishioner at Christ the King Catholic Church. Volunteering at the State Theatre.
Personal: Beth resides in Traverse City with her husband and two daughters, Sydney and Ally.
Hobbies: Tennis, Golf, and Art (painting, drawing, etc)
Licenses held: Michigan Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
Professional: Certified Insurance Service Representative
Education: B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan
Community: Bay Pointe Community Church, Volunteer for Traverse City Optimist Club Annual Christmas Shopping
Personal: Kathleen resides in Traverse City with her husband, son and black lab.
Hobbies: Reading, exercise, spending time with family & friends and any warm weather outdoor activities.
Licenses Held: Michigan Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
Professional: Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Certified Insurance Service Representative, Certified Professional Service Representative
Education: B.A. from Central Michigan University
Personal: Nancy resides in Rockford, Michigan with her husband and daughter. Her son is currently serving overseas. They also have a rescue dog Breslin and their sons cat, Carlos.
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, attending various sporting events, traveling, biking, kayaking, taking long walks with their dog and reading a good book.
Licenses Held: Michigan Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
Education: Traverse City Central High School
Personal: Originally from the Ludington area and now resides in Traverse City with family.
Hobbies: Enjoys hunting and fishing and being outdoors experiencing new things and places. Spends time in the summer working on a Charter Fishing boat.
Education: Bachelor Degree from Lake Superior State University, Sault Sainte Marie, MI
Personal: Resides in Kincheloe, MI with her daughter and her dog. She also spends weekends in Mackinaw City with her boyfriend.
Hobbies: Off-roading in her Jeep & boating during the summer with her boyfriend takes up much of her time. Crafting, including scrapbooking & card making are a long time creative outlets for her. Camping, hiking, snowshoeing, fishing, and just about anything outdoors.
Licenses Held: Michigan Property & Casualty Insurance Producer License
Community: Volunteers at the Traverse City Bijou & State Theatre, Munson Manor, Woman’s Resource Center, and Botanical Garden Society.
Personal: Resides in Traverse City with her husband Ken and her chocolate lab, Freedom.
Hobbies: She is always keeping active – staying surrounded with friends, family, baseball, boating and beaches.
Licenses Held: Michigan Property & Casualty
Education: Manhattan High School – Manhattan, KS
Community: Elizabeth is involved with the Home Builders Association and the Board Member of Bay Area Insurance Agents Assoc.
Hobbies: Elizabeth enjoys time with friends and family, spending time at the beach, working out, reading, cooking, and cheering on K-State Wildcats and the Kansas City Royals.
Personal: Elizabeth lives in Leelanau County with her 2 Labradors, Emory and Palmer.
Professional Designation: Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
Education: B.A. in Finance from Michigan State University
Community: Junior Achievement Board of Directors, United Way Fund Development Committee, Member – Traverse City Young Professionals, Volunteering at the State Theater
Personal: Bryan resides in Traverse City with his wife Ashley and their 3 children, Addison, Avery, and Daniel.
Hobbies: Spending time with his family, golfing, being active, and enjoying the outdoors.
Licenses Held: Series 7 license, Series 66 license, life, and health license. Able to practice in Michigan, Illinois, Florida & Texas.
Education: B.A. in Broadcasting from Central Michigan University (2006)
Community: Flutist in New Hope Community Church Orchestra, Volunteer at The State Theater, WTCM Radio
Personal: Megan moved to Traverse City from the metro Detroit area in 2008 with her Chocolate Lab, Brady.
Hobbies: Reading, Hiking, Running, Canoeing, Fitness competitions.
Education: St. Mary’s High School, Lake Leelanau, MI
Community: United Way Day of Caring, St. Mary’s Catholic School & Church, Volunteering at the State Theater.
Personal: Mary Ann lives in Lake Leelanau with her husband Joe and their two boys, Grant & Evan. Hobbies: Spending time with family, gardening, scrapbooking, genealogy, and attending her children’s athletic events.
Professional: 5 years of experience in veterinary medicine and 10 years in restaurant serving/bartending
Education: Associates Degree in Arts and Science from Northwestern Michigan College – 2015 Graduate
Community: She enjoys volunteering at local animal shelters/rescues in Benzie and Grand Traverse Counties. Aubrey also works with 1 Cat, Inc, a low cost spay and neuter clinic in Interlochen.
Personal: Aubrey lives in Interlochen with her fiancée, Brandon, who is a local firefighter/EMT and her Pitbull, Layla. Together they have over 30 chickens, raise pigs and help with the family-owned horse boarding barn next door. Aubrey has a love for animals big and small as well spending quality time with her friends and family.
Hobbies: Mixology, dog training, thrift shopping, crafting, learning new things!
Community: Ariane has been a volunteer with Easterseals of Michigan for over 7 years. She is currently on the Hiring Advisors Committee for LinkedIn and is a past member of the Grand Traverse Area Hospitality Association.
Professional: Ariane’s background includes Human Resources, Administration, Graphic Design, Website Design and Information Technology.
Education: Traverse City Central High School, Northwestern University and Duke University.
Personal: Lives in the heart of Traverse City with her husband, Jesse, and their cats.
Hobbies: Ariane owns AK Visual Marketing, and also enjoys hunting, fishing, and traveling with her family and friends.
Community: Volunteer for the Grand Traverse Ski Club, Cherry Festival Ambassador, and a variety of other community projects.
Personal: Janelle lives in Garfield Township with her husband Dan and two children Morgan and Evan.
Hobbies: Downhill skiing, Golf, Tennis, Kayaking, and spending time with friends and family.
Education: Western Michigan University