Steve has been providing insurance services in Lane County since 1986. In partnership with Pacific Benefit Consultants of Eugene, Steve offers a full menu of insurance services at one convenient location, right in the heart of Oakridge, Oregon.
Biography
I grew up in Southern New Zealand and began my working career with the N.Z. Post Office in 1974. Starting in their clerical office, I promoted quickly and moved around the country to further my career. In just five years I succeeded in becoming a clerical supervisor in the Chief Postmaster’s office.
Feeling the need to see the world, I traveled to the United States with two friends in 1979. I worked at many interesting and odd jobs traveling up and down the west coast until I finally landed in Oakridge, Oregon. That’s where I met my future wife, Renee and settled down working for the Pope and Talbot sawmill. When the mill shut down in 1985, we moved to Eugene where I enrolled in the Dislocated Worker Program at Lane Community College.
There, I studied the insurance business and became a licensed Life and Health insurance agent. After graduation, I was recruited by New York Life Insurance Company as an Apprentice Field Underwriter. I applied myself diligently to my new profession and in 1989 was awarded “Rookie of the Year” for my efforts.
In 1990, Renee and I decided to move back to Oakridge to raise our family. I started my own independent agency in uptown Oakridge. During this time I also worked with Oakridge Insurance Agency and I obtained my Property and Casualty license. This allowed me to offer all lines of insurance to my clients.
In 2000, I formed a partnership with Pacific Benefit Consultants, a Eugene-based, independent insurance company. This arrangement allowed me to offer more markets for home and auto policies to my clients, while maintaining my autonomy as a Life and Health insurance agent. After 20 years, we are still working together and providing comprehensive service to our clients.
Since moving back to Oakridge, I have strived to make a difference in our community by becoming involved in many volunteer organizations. Over the years, I have taken on numerous leadership roles and served on several boards. I regularly volunteer my time to community events and sponsor various groups such as Kiwanis, UBRA, Keg and Cask Festival, Oakridge School District and others.
In recent years, I have focused my business on the needs of senior citizens in our community. I became well-versed on the Medicare and Annuity products best suited for seniors and can offer expertise and guidance to my clients who are confused by the myriad of choices.
Products we offer: