4 Tips to Help Your Small Business Stand Out from the Competition

Sophia Najjar

Sophia Najjar joined CIA Insurance and Risk Management in 2008. Through hard work and dedication, she became a partner in the firm in 2017 and in 2020 part of the Hilb Group. She focuses on loss control and risk management for medium and large size companies where she leverages CIA Insurance and Risk Management’s unique Pathway process to assessing risk. Sophia believes that a proactive prevention strategy allows business owners to reduce the total cost of risk associated with their company. This can result in companies being viewed as more attractive to the insurance marketplace, ultimately lowering their insurance premiums.

Sophia enjoys spending time with her family, especially her grandkids. She loves the outdoors, nature, taking long walks, travel or finding a quiet time to read are all ways Sophia reenergizes herself.

ACCREDITATIONS

Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
Professional Workers Compensation Advisor (PWCA)
Property and Casualty license – MI, FL, AZ, CA, DC, GA, IN, MD, MO, NC, SC, NJ, NV, TN, VA
Life, Accident and Health license – MI, FL, AZ, CA, DC, GA, IN, MD, MO, NC, SC, NJ, NV, TN, VA

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

SCAN (Senior Coordinating Aging Network) of Macomb
SCAN (Senior Coordinating Aging Network) of Oakland
Michigan Association of Independent Agents

LEADERSHIP PLATFORM

Published “The Risk and Cost of Employee Turnover on Quality of Care” in Promoting Excellence
Featured speaker at HCAM/MCAL Spring Leadership Conference
Featured speaker at Michigan Association for Home Care Annual Conference
Featured speaker at Leading Age Annual Conference
Featured speaker at Leading Age Leadership Institute

Janelle Morck

Janelle joined CIA Insurance and Risk Management in 2008. She utilizes a proactive approach to assist our clients in designing, developing, and maintaining an excellent benefits program in order to attract and retain the best talent.

Janelle has made it her mission to take the areas of Technology, Communication, Compliance, Data, and Enrollment to help her clients make informed decisions on their benefit programs. Working not only with company leadership but integrating employee education. Empowering employees to be the best consumers of their healthcare.

Janelle, her family reside in Macomb County. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and trying new restaurants.

ACCREDITATIONS

Life, Accident, Health, Property, and Casualty license through the State of Michigan
Affordable Care Act Certification (ACA), National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU)
Bachelors in Business Administration, Walsh College

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Incite Performance Group
Walsh College Alumni Association

LEADERSHIP PLATFORM

Board Member, Judson Center and Child Safe
Chair, Judson Center’s Young Leaders Board
Michbusiness Affinity Groups – Females in a Family Business and Next Generation Leaders

Matt Tatosky

Matt joined CIA Insurance and risk Management in 2019, bringing with him 3 years of risk management experience. He specializes in guiding businesses owners toward protecting their assets and employees through a targeted risk management approach, knowing that each organization is different.

Accreditations and Affiliations

Property and Casualty Licensed by the State of Michigan
Life and Health Licensed by the State of Michigan

Tim Murray

Tim joined CIA Insurance & Risk Management’s commercial insurance team in September 2017. He came to the firm with a diverse history including experience in automotive warranty arbitration and publishing. Tim studied communication at Wayne State University where he focused on digital media and intercultural communication strategies.

With this background, Tim brings a sincere, unique approach to understanding his client’s needs and believes that a proactively managing risk can lead to lower overall costs, not just lower premiums.

Tim is originally from Interlochen, MI, but now resides in Ferndale, MI. Outside of CIA, Tim enjoys reading (or listening to) Sci-Fi and Fantasy novels, and is an avid golfer and international traveler.

ACCREDITATIONS

Property and Casualty Insurance License through the State of Michigan
Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Wayne State University

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Wayne State University Alumni Association

Anne Hoffman

Anne has been with CIA Insurance and Risk Management since 1989. She processes many back office functions, including Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, as well as manage internal reporting and coordinate licensing for carriers and agents.

Anne resides in Macomb County. In her free time, she enjoys reading and drawing.

ACCREDITATIONS

Bachelors of Science in Business, Wayne State University

LEADERSHIP PLATFORM

Member, CIA Insurance and Risk Management Charity Committee

Kelly Lewis

Kelly joined CIA Insurance and Risk Management in June 2017. Kelly supports the Employee Benefits team in an Administrative Assistant role supporting clients with their health benefit and open enrollment activities.

Outside of CIA, Kelly is preparing to adjust to an empty nest with her husband and looking forward to finding some new hobbies that include family, friends and volunteering at her church.

Tiffanie Underwood

Tiffanie joined CIA in June of 2016 as the Employee Benefits Client Account Manager. Having been in the industry for 10 years, Tiffanie has been in both sales and service to ensure her clients receive optimal service. She enjoys employee benefits because she has the opportunity to help clients understand their benefits better and how to make their benefits work for them. Tiffanie resides in Macomb County with her son and enjoys being outside (especially BBQing) and serving at her church.

ACCREDITATIONS

Variable Life, Accident and Health License in the State of Michigan
Series 6 and Series 63

Jacqueline Barraco

Jacqueline joined CIA Insurance & Risk Management in September 2016. She came to us with over one year of experience in financial services and life insurance. At Hillsdale College Jacqueline studied Latin, a discipline which cultivated her detail-oriented, organizational skills that she now brings to the Employee Benefits department.

In her free time, Jacqueline enjoys exploring the great state of Michigan with friends and family, whether it be skiing in winter or soaking up the sun on a lake in summer. “Up North” isn’t just a place for her – it’s a frame of mind.

ACCREDITATIONS

Life, Accident, and Health license through the State of Michigan.
Bachelors of Arts in Latin, Hillsdale College

Melissa del Rio

Not only is Melissa new to CIA, but also to the state of Michigan. She brings with her over ten years of working within Client Relations, and is very excited to bring this experience to the company. In her spare time, she enjoys attending cultural events, and spending time in nature and with her pets.

ACCREDITATIONS

Property and Casualty License through the State of Michigan

Ashley Plotzke

Ashley joined CIA Insurance and Risk Management in 2016. She has a strong passion for delivering exceptional client service and has experience working with clients of various sizes and industries.

When away from the office, Ashley enjoys ballroom dancing and was on the MSU competitive ballroom dance team. She enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, going to red wings games, and cheering on the Spartans.

ACCREDITATIONS

MSU Bachelors in Communication Art and Sciences-2014

Linda Majeske

Linda joined CIA Insurance and Risk Management in 2018 as a Commercial Middle Market Account Manager. She has been in the insurance industry for over 20 years. She thrives on building strong relationships with her clients and meeting their insurance needs.

Linda resides in Port Huron with her husband. She enjoys boating and camping, although her biggest joy is spending time with her children and grandchildren.

ACCREDITATIONS

• CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) designation
• CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative) designation
• Associates Degree in Business Management, Baker College

Tonia Lafriniere

Tonia joined CIA Insurance & Risk Management in 2018 as an Commercial Account manager. She loves to get close with her clients to learn about their businesses and how they work. She enjoys working with clients from various industries and learning their operations. When away from the office, Tonia enjoys boating and spending time with her dog, family and friends.

ACCREDITATIONS

•Property and Casualty License through the State of Michigan

Jeanine Bruwier

Jeanine Bruwier joined the CIA Insurance team in October of 2010. She prides herself on providing excellent customer service and enjoys building relationships with those that she works with. Jeanine enjoys spending time with her family in her spare time.

ACCREDITATIONS

Property and Casualty license through the State of Michigan
CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative) designation
CAWC (Certified Authority on Worker’s Compensation) designation
Bachelors of Business Administration, Baker College

Liz Zielinski

Liz joined CIA Insurance and Risk Management in 2018, bringing years of client experience from the technology industry to the team.
When not working, Liz enjoys being outdoors with her two dogs, traveling, and cooking for her friends.

ACCREDITATIONS

• Bachelor of Health Sciences, Oakland University

Christa Jannetta

Christa Jannetta joined CIA in May 2017 as a Personal Risk Advisor. She has been licensed since 2000, and has since then worked in the Personal Lines Insurance field.

Outside of CIA, Christa and her husband enjoy when they have the opportunity to travel, see new movies, dine out, shop, and often spend time with family and friends.

ACCREDITATIONS

Property, Casualty, Life, and Health license through the State of Michigan
Associate Degree in Marketing, Macomb Community College

Anna Angotti-Portell

Anna joined the CIA Insurance and Risk Management in 2002 as a Personal Risk Advisor. She brings more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. Anna maintains client relationships and performs both sales and service for the Personal Lines book of business.

Personal/community comments… Anna, her husband, and 3 sons reside in Macomb County. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, walking and spending time with family. Anna is also bilingual, speaking both Italian and English fluently.

ACCREDITATIONS

Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation
Certified Professional Insurance Agent (CPIA) designation
Property and Casualty Insurance License through the State of Michigan
Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, Michigan State University

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Michigan Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA)
Incite Performance Group
Committee Member, CIA Insurance and Risk Management Charity Car Show Committee

LEADERSHIP PLATFORM

Member, CIA Insurance and Risk Management Green Team

Timothy Murray

Tim joined CIA Insurance & Risk Management in September 2017 as a Commercial Insurance and Risk Advisor. He came to the firm with a diverse history including experience in automotive warranty arbitration and publishing. Tim studied communication at Wayne State University where he focused on digital media and intercultural communication strategies. With this background, Tim brings a sincere, unique approach to insurance by understanding his client’s needs and by proactively managing his client’s risk to lower overall costs, not just lower premiums.

Tim is originally from Interlochen, MI, but now resides in St. Clair Shores, MI. Outside of CIA, Tim enjoys reading (or listening to) Sci-Fi and Fantasy novels, and is an avid golfer and international traveler.

ACCREDITATIONS

Property and Casualty Insurance License through the State of Michigan
Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Wayne State University

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Wayne State University Alumni Association

Sam Crudo

Sam believes in providing excellence to CIA Insurance and Risk Management’s clients by offering the tools to achieve long-term stability and growth. His knowledge in what drives costs for a business and how to manage their risks as well as being a forward thinker in the business world generates a true desire for corporate clients to partner with him and his team to address their goals.

Proving to be a driving force in all aspects of his performance, Sam brings over 25 years of experience in commercial risk management to the table. Four years after joining the company, Sam assumed shared responsibility for the daily management of personnel, client relations and operations. In 2006 Sam took a lead role in management of the company as CEO. He dedicates every day to help reach his team’s dreams of building a path for their career growth as they continually strive to meet and exceed client’s needs and expectations.

Sam, his wife, and children reside in Macomb County. He is highly involved in supporting area non-profit organizations. Sam brought his passion to CIA Insurance and Risk Management which has created an annual Charity Car Show. Each year, the employees select a non-profit to be the benefactor for this event that draws over 300 participants and spectators from the community. 100% of the proceeds go directly to that year’s charity.

ACCREDITATIONS

Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designation
Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation
Property, Casualty, Life, Accident and Health License through the State of Michigan
Series 6 and 66 securities registrations with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Michigan Manufacturing Association
Michigan Professional Insurance Agents Association
Michigan Association of Insurance Agents
National Association of Health Underwriters
Member Knights of Columbus

LEADERSHIP PLATFORM

Provides risk management, and executive training in many areas of leadership
Mastery in Noise Reduction Executive Management training program
Chair Member, CIA Insurance and Risk Management Charity Car Show Committee
Member, CIA Insurance and Risk Management Green Team

James Kunath

As Founder of CIA Insurance and Risk Management, James Kunath brings more than four decades in the Insurance Industry. In 1975, Jim and a partner started CIA Insurance and Risk Management, originally located in East Detroit on 8 Mile. In 1977, the firm moved to St. Clair Shores and then in 1999 to Utica. He planted CIA Insurance and Risk Management in its current location in Shelby Twp. in 2004 where it continues to grow for over 40 years.

Jim truly enjoys meeting and servicing clients as he continues to contribute to the growth of CIA Insurance and Risk Management. He has found great satisfaction in the development of long-term relationships with clients as well as employees.

Jim and his wife reside in Macomb County. In his free time, he enjoys everything automotive. Jim and his wife spend time with car enthusiasts at car shows. He also finds any time possible to visit his daughter in Florida.

ACCREDITATIONS

Property, casualty, life, accident and health license through the State of Michigan
Paul Harris Achievement Award, International Rotary Club

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Board of Directors, Integrated Living
Former President, St. Clair Shores Rotary Club
Former President, St. Clair Shores Kiwanis Club

Tag: 4 Tips to Help Your Small Business Stand Out from the Competition