Meet Our Team

Jerry Ellis
Founder
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Since I opened the EIA doors in 1980, I have been committed to protecting our insureds' most important assets through the development of customized insurance programs. My goal is to provide personalized attention to every client to ensure you receive a protection plan that fits their unique needs and lifestyle.

Lee Gamel
President
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I have been with Ellis Insurance since June of 2017 and I am so proud to be part of this team! I have nearly 26 years of experience in the Sales and Customer Service industries. I support and am supported by my wife Naelyn and our two kids Edie (13) & Warner (11). I enjoy consistent exercise, a great glass of red wine, and am always up for some live music!

Nicole Ellis-Thompson
Vice President
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I began my insurance career in 1994 working alongside my father (Jerry) during my junior year of high school. I take great pride in the establishment that my Dad has worked so hard to build over the past 38 years.

Neal Ellis
Vice President
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I began my journey with EIA in 2006 after graduating from UTSA. Although I initially aspired to play professional soccer, I chose to join the family business, learning alongside my father, Jerry, and my sister, Nicole. What I value most about working in the insurance industry is the chance to make a meaningful impact on our clients’ lives. A San Antonio native, I’m an avid supporter of the Spurs and Manchester United and have a deep appreciation for music, food, and wine. I share two wonderful children, Ezekiel and Ezra, with my wife, Ashley, who also serves as our Marketing Director.

Kevin Johnson
Agent
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I have been with Ellis Insurance Agency since 2000 and specialize in all types of Commercial Insurance products. I received my Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist designation from The National Underwriters Company and The Hartford School of Insurance in 2007. Prior to joining EIA, I worked as a general contractor for many years and became very experienced with the special needs businesses require.

Cindy Jacks
Commercial Lines Account Director
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I am originally from Indiana but have considered Texas my home since I moved here in 1998. I have 25 years of insurance experience including several years of service with one of the largest global insurance brokerage and risk management firms in the industry. I pride myself in helping clients understand their commercial lines coverages and advising them on ways to protect their business. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband John and our kids Maxx, Marshall, and Katie. My hobbies include “Glamping”, music, movies, traveling, and spending time with my wonderful circle of friends & family.

Amy Hurst
Commercial Account Manager
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I was raised in University City, Missouri but moved to San Antonio in 1993. I have 19 years of experience in protecting the interest of businesses and making sure their assets are covered in the event of a loss. I pride myself on the ability to build real relationships with my clients and they trust me because it's more than just paying a premium. It’s about relationship and trust. I dedicate my spare time to my family, nurturing my real estate clients, and enjoying a nice glass of wine.

Veronica Casarez
Commercial Lines Account Manager
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I live in San Antonio, TX, married for 32 years. I have 2 boys and 7 grand-fur-babies and my own fur baby Oliver (mini-dachshund). I have been in the insurance business for over 20 years and love my career. I enjoy spending time with my family, I love to travel to Colorado every year, enjoy exercising and long walks.

Jazmin Ramirez
Client Service and Sales Consultant
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I graduated from Blessed Hope Academy and previously worked at Cornerstone Church for 5 years as a lead teacher in the child care department. I was born in El Paso, TX and moved to San Antonio at the age of 9. My favorite hobby is crafting/shopping! I love that I am able to do that as a second job over at Estilo Jazzy! I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, crafting, makeup and baking. I am also bilingual in Spanish.

Jennifer Campbell
Client Service and Sales Consultant
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I have been in the insurance business for over 10 years and enjoy what I can do for my customers. I am originally from Southern California. I have lived in Texas for 12 years and really feel like I am a Texan now. I have been at Ellis Insurance Agency since 2019 and I really enjoy coming to work. We focus on our clients and what we can do for them. There are many big insurance companies out there and they all want your money. We focus on making sure that you get the best coverage for your money. They call me the insurance encyclopedia in the office because I really love to learn what each company can offer to our clients. I also love to inform my clients of exactly what they are signing up for. If you have questions, I can get you the answer.

I have been married for over 20 years and have an amazing daughter in high school. I enjoy arts and crafts and learning new things on my off time.

Michael McGruder
Client Service and Sales Consultant
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I have 14 years of Personal Lines insurance experience, 12 years as an agent, and 2 years as a claims adjuster. As part of my commitment to personal excellence I also earned the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Associate in Personal Insurance (API) professional designations. In my free time, I like to spend time with my kids, my friends, and my girlfriend, Felicia. I’m a gamer, a movie aficionado, and a big Marvel/DC fan.

Marisol Villalobos
Client Service and Sales Consultant
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I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in English and have worked in insurance since graduating in 2019. After living in Austin for undergraduate school, I moved to San Antonio where I grew up watching the Spurs and eating barbacoa and drinking Big Red on Sundays. I am extremely grateful that I get to work for an agency that values its customers as highly as I have come to value them throughout my career in insurance. I am currently studying Library and Information Science at the University of Denver online in hopes to manage databases or archives in the future. In my free time, I enjoy reading, painting, crocheting, sculpting, and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. When I have a little extra time, I will plan a quick trip to Austin to eat at my favorite restaurants like Ramen Tatsu-ya!

Monica Lopez
Client Service and Sales Consultant
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I was born and raised in San Antonio. I have 20 years of insurance experience holding different roles such as Account Manager, Underwriter, and Claims Adjuster. I strive to build strong relationships and provide exceptional customer service based on trust and communication. I am deeply passionate about delivering personalized recommendations to meet their needs and offer peace of mind.

I enjoy spending time with my husband, three kids, and grandson. We enjoy traveling and making new memories.

Mary Lou Madrigal
Client Service and Sales Consultant
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I live in Lavernia, TX, have been in the insurance business for over 20 years and proud to be a part of the EIA team! Prior experience roles have been in Personal Lines Underwriting, Personal Lines Agency Account Manager and P & C claims adjuster. I am dedicated in providing a positive experience for our customers and their insurance needs.

My hobbies include, creating fond memories RVing, spending the day on a sunny relaxing beach with a refreshing cocktail, boating, bay fishing with family and friends.

Sean Wright
Client Service and Sales Consultant
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I moved to San Antonio when I was 2 years old. So, I do consider myself a Texan through and through. I have been in insurance since 2008 at USAA. I truly love how Ellis Insurance is more focused on their clients. I believe the clients should come first. Here I have opportunity to do that.

Lori Van Dyke
Receptionist
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I am part of several community service projects for non-profit organizations including the Alzheimer's Association, Soldiers Angels, and the Ronald McDonald House. I am proud of my son who serves in the Navy. I love spending time with my granddaughters. I am also a huge Aggie fan and enjoy country dancing, lake days, beach trips, Jimmy Buffet, and family BBQ's.

Ashley Ellis
Marketing Director
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I earned my degree in Fashion Merchandising and Business from Texas State University. For over six years, I played a key role in leading grassroots marketing efforts at Lululemon Athletica. In March 2018, I joined EIA and appreciate the opportunity to work closely with my family. I’m a proud mom to two boys, Ezekiel and Ezra, and share an adopted dog named Harriet with Neal. My favorite activities include being a soccer mom, staying active, reading, exploring new foods, traveling, and unwinding with a nice glass of wine at the end of the day!

Pam Guillen
Client Service Consultant
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I started my insurance career in 2007 with a family-owned insurance agency and remained there until joining Ellis. I am licensed and experienced in servicing personal and commercial insurance policies. I am happy to be part of the Ellis insurance family providing quality customer service to long-time and new clients.

I enjoy listening to music, reading, watching movies, crocheting, exploring new and familiar places, relaxing, and most of all, spending time with my family, friends, and pets.

Matthew Rucker
Data Support

I am originally from California, but I consider myself a Texan after moving here in 2011. I am new to the insurance family and my goal is to help those around me in any way I can and solve any issues that get brought my way. In my free time, I enjoy watching football, movies, playing video games, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Maxx Slomchinski
Account Coordinator

I was born and raised in San Antonio. I graduated from Clark High School in 2017 and went to Texas Tech for college. My family has a long history in the insurance industry, but I am just getting started in the field. In my free time I enjoy fishing, camping, video games, tabletop games and spending time with family and friends. I am happy to be part of the Ellis Family and look forward to assisting all of our personal line's clients.

Drake Murray
Data Support

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, I am entering the world of insurance with EIA! I always enjoy new opportunities and embrace learning experiences. I have a strong attention to detail that I hope shines through in my work. I produce music on the side, and I enjoy gaming or spending time with my partner and our pets.

Brian Casarez
Data Support

Hello, my name is Brian. I’m a huge nerd who loves anything sci-fi and fantasy related. I’m a gamer, computer enthusiast, car guy, and a foodie.