MEET YOUR TEAM AT ROARK & SUTTON

 

JOHN ROARK – COMMERCIAL INSURANCE SPECIALIST

John Roark has worked in insurance sales since 2010.  John is a graduate of Missouri State University where he majored in Finance with a minor in Economics. While attending Missouri State, John played football as a wide receiver for the Missouri State Bears. Prior to founding Roark & Sutton, LLC, John worked for Federated Insurance as a Marketing Representative for six years and then as a commercial insurance broker for two years. Having the experience of both the insurance carrier and the broker has given John valuable insight for current and prospective clients.

John enjoys helping people navigate the complex world of insurance. He believes most people may not fully understand what they are buying when it comes to insurance, instead looking at it as a necessary evil. John tries his best to make this process as hassle free as possible while building new friendships along the way. When he is not working, you can find John on a boat or riding his bicycle. John enjoys cold beer, high-horsepower engines, and spending time with his family. He and his wife Megan have three children: Lucy, Penny, and JP.

MICHAEL SUTTON – COMMERCIAL INSURANCE SPECIALIST

Michael Sutton has been in the commercial insurance business since 2009 working in approximately five specific niche types of business. Prior to founding Roark & Sutton, LLC, Michael worked at Federated Insurance the first six years of his insurance career followed by another two years at HM Risk. Michael’s insurance career has been entirely focused on navigating the intricacies of commercial insurance contracts to best position his clients in mitigating their exposure to risk while equitably finding the coverage they desire. Michael graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a minor in Insurance.

Michael enjoys growing customer relationships both personally and professionally. Each new relationship is a chance to learn about another person’s life and business and become a great friend along the way. The most fulfilling part of Michael’s day is when he is able to help better protect a client’s business, allowing the client to rest easier at night while providing for his or her family and employees. When he is not working, Michael enjoys golfing, going to the lake with his wife and two boys, and reading business and other non-fiction books. His interests also include CrossFit, Jiu-Jitsu, and snow skiing.

Recently, Michael’s family was touched by the miracles happening at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital when they received the lymphoma diagnosis of his youngest son. As Michael and his family soon learned:

• Patient’s families are never charged for services provided to save their child from cancer.
• Besides paid medical care, St. Jude also provides housing, grocery money, transportation, schooling, and family counseling, as well as many other services, to patients and their families.
• More than 50% of the families at St. Jude do not have medical insurance and therefore would have extremely limited options to save their child from cancer.
• More than 75% of the funds needed to operate St. Jude come from generous donors.

For more information on St. Jude’s Operating Model, including more facts and figures, please click here. There are few better places to send your charitable contributions. DONATE TO ST. JUDE HERE! THANK YOU!

 

PAYTON RAYL – SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Payton Rayl is a native of Springfield, Missouri. She graduated from Drury University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Biology. While at Drury, Payton not only received numerous academic awards, she was also captain of the women’s golf team and a member of the nationally recognized cheerleading squad. During college and prior to student teaching, Payton worked as an assistant project manager for Varsity Contractors, Inc. Before entering the insurance world in January 2018, Payton worked as an elementary school teacher as well as the marketing director at Millwood Golf and Racquet Club. She now serves as Account Executive and Customer Service Representative for Roark & Sutton’s growing book of business.

Payton enjoys building genuine, long-term relationships with others and having the chance to meet new people. She has learned that every customer has unique insurance needs, and she has a passion to deliver exceptional client experiences. Outside of work, Payton is a CrossFit enthusiast who enjoys spending time with family and playing golf.

 

KATHY VALDEMAR, CIC RWCS – SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Kathy Valdemar has been in the commercial insurance industry for the last 25 years on both the agency and carrier side of the business from agent to underwriter and marketing.  She graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and MBA, and briefly pursued computer programming until falling into the insurance industry.  She previously spent 4 years at EMC Insurance as a Senior Marketing Representative developing agency relationships in the Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska states.  Prior to that she has worked for Missouri Employer Mutual, AmWins, QBE, and a local insurance brokerage.

Kathy enjoys assisting customers to make their insurance buying process an enjoyable one.  When she is not at the office, she enjoys traveling along with cheering on the Green Bay Packers, St Louis Blues and Cardinals. She is involved with Sunrise Rotary, an active volunteer for multiple community projects, and always loves meeting new people, making new friends.

 

ALLY OWENS – CLAIMS & CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE SPECIALIST

Ally Owens is a native of Springfield, Missouri.  After graduating from Glendale High School, she attended the University of Arkansas where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science.  She then started her career working as a brand manager for an e-commerce company, Acumen Brands.  There she strengthened her communication skills and maintained great relationships with the brands the company did business with. Wanting to start a family, Ally decided to take a break from the corporate life and focus on family.  She now acts as an Account Executive and Customer Service Representative for Roark & Sutton, LLC.

Ally enjoys building relationships with people and helping make the customer’s lives’ easier.  When she is not at the office, she loves going to any Razorback sporting event, working out, and spending time with her husband, Dalton, and their two children: Palmer and Charlee.