Meet Our Team

Rich Howes

Rich grew up in Columbus, Ohio but has been a Florida resident for the past 17 years. He initially moved down in1999 to launch his career in the insurance industry, but now has a passion for everything the Sunshine State has to offer.

With 17 years under his belt, Rich has helped businesses and individuals with all aspects of their insurance needs. He especially enjoys teaching his customers about the different coverages to fit their needs best.

Ask anyone, and Rich loves to fish! He has fished professionally in the Bassmaster series and works with youth anglers to help promote the outdoors. Also, he is a huge fan of collegiate sports.

During the weekends, Rich will spend it with his beautiful wife and daughter or on the lake, or maybe both at the same time.

Fun fact about Rich is that he played the guitar and sang for a living. He also does fundraising for the Paley Foundation which helps kids that have been born with severe limb deformities, like his daughter.

In memory of Larry Howes

Co-Owner

Larry grew up in Akron, Ohio, and attended Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati Music Conservatory for undergraduate and post-graduate degrees.  His last position in that field was the Director of Choral Activities at Delta State University in Mississippi.

Then he joined the insurance industry in 1983 after having a 16-year career as a music conductor/educator. Having been a teacher for so many years, Larry enjoyed continuing to educate others about insurance and how he can help them keep a peace of mind.

When not in the office, you could find Larry playing golf or on a boat, fishing, and reading a perfect mystery novel. He also loveed anything associated with The Ohio State University Football Team.

Larry helped his community by supporting and working with the Oviedo Police Foundation as they support the local police department.

Kendrick Nieves

Sales Producer

Kendrick grew up in Orlando, Florida and after graduating high school, he received an opportunity to obtain his 440 producer license. Since then, he has been a part of the insurance industry. Kendrick is currently enrolled in Valencia Community College working on a business marketing degree.

Being a part of the insurance industry since he was 16 years old, Kendrick enjoys interacting with his customers on a daily basis. He loves to hear their life stories which then helps him find gaps in their insurance needs.

“Every sale still feels like the first to me. The opportunity I receive to work with Rich, Larry, Lisa, and the rest of the staff is amazing. Makes coming to work feel like home.
” – Kendrick Nieves

Kendrick enjoys visiting Comic/Anime conventions or beating his friends on his favorite video games.

Fun fact about Kendrick is that he loves singing to himself. He also likes working with kids, like the Healthy Kids Foundation.

Dyneene Howes

Office Manager

Dyneene grew up in Columbia, South Carolina and loves the Carolina Gamecocks!

Dyneene has been in the property & casualty insurance industry since 2005. Dyneene loves helping people with their insurance needs.  Most people do not understand what their coverages are so Dyneene likes educating them so they can make the right choices.

She loves living in Florida and getting to enjoy so many different beaches!  The shopping is great too!

Most importantly, she loves spending time with her three granddaughters. An animal lover at heart, Dyneene has two cats named Cody and Office Kitty and a Golden Retriever named Liberty.

Dyneene has volunteered at a hospital where she gave newborn babies hearing tests.

Bob Hoss

I grew up in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania on the North Side of town.

When I first started in the insurance industry it was back in Pennsylvania in 1986. We eventually moved down to Florida and I worked for a couple of companies within the field. The most important part to me about my job is reviewing a client’s policy and explaining how the coverage works. This will enable them to make a better decision on what type of coverage they actually need and to make sure what’s most important to them and their family are secure.

I enjoy spending time with my family especially my grandchildren. It’s fun to watch them view the world from a child’s perspective. I also like cooking and eating BBQ. On the weekends you can find us grilling and smoking all kinds of food. My wife and I like to go fishing, walking on the beach, or just relaxing at home together.

Jackie Stemmler

I was born in Parma, Ohio but grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida.

I have been in the Insurance Industry for over 17 years, most of my experience is in the claims field. I love that I can advise insureds on their insurance needs that will protect their hard-earned investments.

I have a 3-year-old Grandson that is my world. I love sharing my love of Hockey with him. We enjoy attending the Tampa Bay Lightning games whenever possible. I spend a lot of time walking my dog and working outdoors because I just love being outside.

When it comes to giving back, I have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to build houses and it was such a wonderful experience!

Karen Barton

I grew up in Massachusetts. We moved to Florida with the family in 2000.

I have been a customer for my insurance provider my whole adult life and, since then, I’ve made the decision to work in this field which has now been 10+ years! I truly love helping and teaching our customers.

On weekends, I am with my family and/or in the pool enjoying some fresh air. I had my own catering business because I really have a love for baking.

Mark Norcia

I grew up in Canton, Ohio, and graduated from Kent State University. I moved to Ormond Beach, Florida, in 1994, and loving every minute of it!

I entered the insurance industry in 1993 as a life insurance agent and then became an Allstate Agency Owner in 2002. After 18 very successful years, I sold my agency to Rich Howes Insurance, and am now a part of his fantastic team!

I enjoy helping our customers to have comprehensive insurance coverage that protects their assets.  I also enjoy helping our customers with their life insurance needs.

When I am not at work, I enjoy offshore fishing and time with my family.

Gabby Jayasuriya

Gabby has been with the agency for 10 years. At work, Gabby enjoys helping and educating our customers so they can protect some of their most important assets.

Gabby has a small family; her husband and their dog, Diesel. Her hobbies include spending time with family, reading, and doing anything on the water.

Lou Vazquez

Lou started working with the agency in December of 2023. For him, helping customers is the best thing about this job.
Lou has a small family that includes his wife and two sons. Besides work, he enjoys training in Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiujitsu and spending time with my family.

Charla McDonough

Charla has worked with the agency for 5 Months. She enjoys helping our new and current customers with their insurance policies and ensuring they receive the best customer experience.
In her free time, she likes spending time with her Fiancé Angelo, family, friends and enjoys cooking.

AJ Jayasuriya

AJ has been with the agency since March of 2022. AJ enjoys helping people find policies when everyone else has told them that they are out of options.
He has a small family; his wife and his eight-year-old American Bull Dog. His hobbies include cooking, reading, spending time with his wife, and watching historical documentaries.

Katerin Vides

Katerin has worked in the industry for 3 years. She always likes to learn new things, especially about insurance and making sure people have the right coverage. She works hard to make sure customers are happy.

Katerin has two energetic boys and a hardworking loving husband. Katerin loves painting, exercising at the gym, and reading books.

Mike Tigno

Joseline Irizarry

Josie, also known as Joseline Irizarry, is a valued member of the office rewrite team, serving as a homeowners specialist. She has been with the agency for nine years, working closely with Rich Howes for four of those years. What she loves most about her job is helping customers and making them feel like part of the family.

Josie finds joy in traveling, cooking, and spending quality time with her family, whom she treasures dearly. Her beloved family includes her partner Roberto, her grandson Jadason, her mom Susy, and an adorable clan of twelve cats.

Cynthia Santana

Amy Thomas