Our Team
We can assist you with all facets of the sale, including product and carrier selection, case design, presentation, and underwriting, and all the way to policy placement and delivery. We also manage large cases, dealing with the auto bind, jumbo, and retention limits of the carriers involved and seeing them to completion.
Brian Schneier
CEO
Brian Schneier has over two decades of experience as a seasoned financial services executive, with an impressive track record in several key areas of the industry. He has been instrumental in the development of life insurance products, executing effective merger and acquisition strategies, and consistently driving increased shareholder value. Known for his expertise in building start-ups, Brian developed his own “Hyper-Growth” business model, which has been widely successful in scaling businesses. His leadership extends to serving on advisory boards, including with a Fortune Global 500 company.
In addition to his professional achievements, Brian is a dedicated philanthropist, committed to advancing financial education for both children and seniors, ensuring that the next generation and those in later stages of life are empowered with the knowledge they need for financial security.
E BrianS@WellsAdvantage.com
Kenneth D. Clinesmith, CLU, LUTCF
President
Ken has close to 43+ years of experience in the life insurance business. He began his career as an agent for a small regional company, and then moved to Connecticut Mutual Life where he spent the next 15 years. Starting as an agent, he then moved into recruiting, training and also spent time as the agency disability and annuity specialist. During his last 5 years he served as the Agency Brokerage Director. Ken joined Wells Advantage Group in 1996 as the Brokerage Manager, and stepped into the leadership role by buying the firm in 1998 after the death of its founder. Wells Advantage has grown steadily under his leadership over these last 26+ years.
Always giving back to the industry; Ken was the Life Underwriter Training Council (LUTC) chairman for 3 years, and a LUTC instructor for 7 years, as well as a 2 term board member of NAIFA -Greater Detroit. He is also a past president and executive board member of the Detroit Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals.
O (248) 538-9500
E KenC@WellsAdvantage.com
Laura Verloove
New Business Manager
Laura also has nearly 40 years of marketing and administrative experience in the insurance industry. This includes 6 years as the Administrative Assistant to an MDRT Court of the Table producer in the estate planning market and 13 years in a career agency specializing in disability income insurance. Laura’s extensive knowledge of carriers and products allows her to provide strong backroom support for agents working in all areas of life insurance, as well as long-term care, annuities, and disability income.
D (248) 702-6168
E Laura@WellsAdvantage.com
Katelyn McKahan
Director of Sales and Marketing
Katelyn began her career with a bold transition, receiving formal training at Northwestern Mutual to establish a strong foundation in the financial services industry. She then joined her father, gaining invaluable experience in managing large cases and serving high-net-worth clients. This hands-on mentorship allowed Katelyn to specialize in delivering ‘white glove’ service and mastering complex case management.
Her expertise and dedication led her to be invited to join The Wells Advantage Group. Katelyn is passionate about empowering agents and agencies to grow their bottom line while helping them achieve a better work-life balance. By introducing innovative tools and streamlining strategies, she ensures her clients can optimize their business operations and spend more time away from the office.
Katelyn’s commitment to service and innovation makes her a trusted partner in securing a successful future for agents and agencies alike.
D (614) 561-0731
E Katelyn@WellsAdvantage.com
Ephraim Steigerwald
New Regional Sale Associate
Ephraim Steigerwald is the Regional Sales Associate at Wells Advantage, focusing on delivering exceptional results for clients and driving growth across his region. With a knack for understanding customer needs and a passion for building meaningful connections, Ephraim is dedicated to ensuring the success of every agent he works with.
Ephraim’s path to Wells Advantage began with his search for a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration. Drawn by the company’s commitment to excellence and its reputation as an industry leader, he knew Wells Advantage was the perfect fit for his ambitions.
Ephraim is proud to contribute to Wells Advantage’s mission of empowering businesses and helping them thrive.
D (619) 854-0110
E Ephraim@WellsAdvantage.com
Kelly DeWitt
Licensing and Contracting Coordinator
Kelly has close to 30 years of experience in the life insurance industry, beginning her career with Alexander Hamilton Life as a licensing representative before joining Wells Advantage Group in 1996. Kelly is responsible for all agent licensing (resident and non-resident) and making sure that agents are properly contracted with all the appropriate carriers as needed. She also makes sure that commissions are properly paid and accounted for as well.
O (248) 538-9500
E Kelly@WellsAdvantage.com
Erica Seufer
Director of Accounting
Erica’s journey began with a strong academic interest in math and finance, which naturally led her to pursue a career in insurance. Having worked in the insurance industry for 18 years, she is well-versed in its unique accounting and regulatory practices.
Erica aims to continue to support the strategic goals of the organization, while delivering value to customers. She takes pride in building strong relationships with both customers and colleagues, and strives to deliver the highest standard of service. Erica’s passion for finance gives her a solid foundation for understanding financial concepts, which are essential in the insurance field.
D (614) 572-4485
E EricaS@WellsAdvantage.com