Our Team

John Helton

John joined 925 Partners in 2021 and leads the Employee Benefits Division. He graduated from Samford University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and subsequently a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Florida. John began his career in Human Resources and has over 15 years in benefits and business administration, including 12 years in the non-profit sector. He obtained his Life, Health, and Variable Annuities license in 2013 and has thrived in the producer role since. John loves meeting people, developing, and fostering long-term client relationships, and helping employers navigate the ever-changing world of employee benefits.

Blake Rhodes

Co-Founder of 925 Partners, Blake graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in History and minor in Sociology. Blake obtained his license and began his career in insurance in 2011 with State Farm, where he specialized in property and casualty insurance and banking. He obtained his Life, Health and Variable Annuities License in 2012. In 2014, Blake opened an independent insurance agency in Jacksonville, Florida. His agency was routinely recognized for exceptional production and client service. Blake’s agency also garnered multiple national awards for life insurance production. He serves as a member of the Young Agents Council for the Florida Association of Insurance Agents, as well as a Trustee for the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce.

David C Hodges, Jr

David graduated from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He continued his education at Jacksonville University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a master’s degree in Business Administration. David ascended rapidly in the automotive industry where he began his career as a sales executive in 1991. By 1994, David was the General Sales Manager for Duval Honda, and President and COO of Duval Acura by 1996. In 2004, David became the Executive Vice President and COO for Scott McRae Automotive Group, the parent company. In 2010, he became the President and CEO of Scott McRae Automotive Group where he oversaw 10 for-profit companies with more than 1,000 employees and over $750,000,000 in annual revenue. David founded Hodges Management Group in 2017 and co-founded 925 Partners. He serves as Chairman and CEO for both companies. David has served as President of the Jacksonville Automobile Dealers Association and Chairman of the Florida Automotive Dealers Association. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Episcopal School of Jacksonville and BlueClaws Baseball Foundation.

James Gilbert

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, James played baseball at Chabot College in Hayward, CA. After being selected in the 2004 MLB Amateur Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, he spent four years pitching in the minor leagues. Upon retirement, James moved to Jacksonville, FL and obtained a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Florida in Political Science, minoring in Education. He has spent the last 12 years in various leadership roles, expanding his professional network in Jacksonville and serving members of the community. James was recently elected to the Dreams Come True Horizon Board. He values meaningful, long-lasting relationships and being an asset to others’ personal development.

Sarah Lane

Sarah is a dynamic professional who brings a wealth of expertise to the 925 Partners Team. Joining us in June 2019 as the Director of Agency Development, Sarah has been a key force behind our business expansion and success. Her exceptional skills in business development have garnered her the prestigious Rockstar Referral award for two consecutive years, a testament to her outstanding contributions to our agency.

At present, Sarah holds a pivotal role within our merger and acquisitions division, which has achieved remarkable accomplishments throughout the southeastern region. Her strategic leadership has played a key role in our agency's continued growth and recognition as an industry leader.

Before joining 925 Partners, Sarah made significant strides in her career. She served as the Director of Corporate Development for the JAXSPORTS Council and the Corporate Development Manager for The Florida Theatre. Prior to that, she held the esteemed position of Executive Council Assistant to the Jacksonville City Council President, demonstrating her capacity to excel in high-pressure, high-impact roles.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sarah is deeply committed to making a positive impact on her community. She actively serves on the board of High School 9:12, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Jacksonville's students through innovative partnerships in academics, sports, and life. This involvement showcases her dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders and fostering a brighter future for the city she calls home.

Sarah's multifaceted journey, from her remarkable contributions in corporate development, mergers and acquisitions, and community engagement, reflects her unwavering dedication and passion. Her commitment to excellence, combined with her strategic vision, makes her an invaluable asset to the 925 Partners Team.

Sarah graduated from Florida State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management with an emphasis in business.

Austin Williams

Austin joined 925 Partners in 2020 to lead the personal insurance division for the agency. Austin started his career in insurance in 2010 at an independent agency in Jacksonville. In 2011, he graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in business administration. He obtained his license for General Lines that same year and his Life, Health, and variable annuities license a few years later. In early 2012, Austin accepted a position in Gainesville with a successful independent agency where he eventually became their personal lines team leader and was the top producer for personal lines. He is excited to aid in the growth at 925 Partners and build lasting relationships in Jacksonville.

Angel Bollinger

Angel came to work for 925 Partners in the Lake Butler office in early 2023. With over 25 years experience in medical billing and customer service, she decided several years ago to make the switch to insurance and she’s never looked back. Angel truly enjoys helping her clients save money and get the coverage they need. Working with the team of insurance professionals at 925 Partners is a bonus and looks forward to growing professionally in the years to come.

Allison Embree

Allison is a Jacksonville native and a seasoned professional in the Customer Service and Administrative field with over a decade of hands-on experience. Her journey began in the trucking industry, where she spent 4 years coordinating and dispatching for Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc., providing reliable logistics solutions. Beyond the roads, she’s delved into the medical sector of insurance, serving as a Client Billing Analyst for imaging centers, and working in sales for internal health insurance programs. But work isn't everything. Outside the 9-to-5 grind, she invests in nurturing a well-rounded lifestyle. she studies yoga, indulges in language learning, delves into human behavior through psychology, explore cultures with anthropology, and soaks up everything else that piques her interest. Rooted in respect and empathy, she strives for excellence in all her professional and personal endeavors, living true to her character values.

Michella D’Amico

Michella joined 925 Partners in June of 2023. A native of Texas, she moved to Florida in 2003. She has been in the insurance industry since 2005, obtaining her 2-20 Property & Casualty license in 2007. Michella started her insurance career in commercial lines but truly found her calling in personal lines. For the last 13 years, prior to coming to 925 Partners, she managed an agency in Orange City, Florida. Her passion is superior customer service and growing lasting relationships with her clients.

Michelle Blakeslee

Michelle got her start in the insurance industry in 2006 when she embarked on a career at a prominent independent insurance agency in Stuart, Florida. She earned her 220 license in 2012 and owned her own agency for a brief period as well until she merged with 925 Partners in 2023.

Michelle's mission is clear: to make quality insurance coverage accessible and affordable for individuals and businesses alike. She understands that your most valuable assets deserve the protection they need. With her knowledge and enthusiasm, Michelle is thrilled to be part of the 925 Partners team, where she can continue her mission of safeguarding what matters most to you.

Bailey Edwards

Bailey came to 925 Partners in 2022. He was born and raised in Northeast Florida and has been in the customer service industry for almost two decades. Bailey’s favorite thing about being in a customer service role is turning a negative experience into a positive one and finding a solution to a problem. He is excited to bring this skill set to 925 Partners and grow with this company.

Thomas Starnicky

Tom Starnicky joined 925 Partners in 2020 to bolster the Transportation Division. His previous experience includes serving as Director of Sales with a focus in commercial trucking and freight insurance. Prior to the insurance industry, Tom worked as a commodity and futures trader for Andrie Trading Company in Chicago, including serving as head of the futures department. Tom earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Lake Forest College where he was a four-year letterman in Football and served as captain his senior year.

Tiffany Johnson

Tiffany joined the 925 Partners Team in February 2021 as a Client Service Specialist for the Personal Lines division. Born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, Tiffany got an early start in customer service right out of high school, specializing in the mortgage servicing industry. From there, she moved to a customer service position with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of South Carolina, specializing in assisting customers during the Open Enrollment period for health insurance. Tiffany has also worked as a home health care assistant for families in need. Grounded in parallel values to 925 Partners, nothing comes before Tiffany’s inherent work ethic but integrity.

Lacey Cereijo

Lacey joined the 925 Partners Team in March 2021, when she brought her prior experience in Trucking and Customer Service to contribute to the Transportation Division's operations. In this capacity, she likely utilized her knowledge of the trucking industry and her customer service skills to effectively fulfill her responsibilities.

In November 2022, Lacey took on a new role as a Transportation Marketing Executive. In this position, her main focus shifted towards assisting the transportation clients of 925 Partners with their annual renewals, guiding clients through the renewal process, helping them understand their coverage options, and ensuring that the entire process goes smoothly. This role requires a strong understanding of insurance products, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with clients.

Lacey's dedication and commitment to both her clients and the 925 Partners Team have not gone unnoticed. Her exemplary work and embodiment of the company's core values led her to being recognized as the recipient of the 925 Partners Core Value – Integrity Award in 2022. This award signifies her adherence to ethical practices, transparency, and honesty in her interactions with clients and colleagues.

Shelby Harris

Shelby is a highly accomplished Transportation Risk Specialist with 10 years of industry experience. Shelby joined 925 Partners Insurance in 2021 and quickly established herself as a key member of the team. Her dedication and expertise helped her earn the Rookie of the Year award in 2022, as well as recognition as a $1M producer in the same year.

Shelby is known for her ability to deliver customized insurance solutions that meet the unique needs of her clients. Her deep understanding of transportation risks and commitment to staying up to date on industry trends and regulations makes her a trusted advisor to her clients.

As a true advocate for her clients, Shelby works tirelessly to protect their businesses from the unexpected. Her professionalism, expertise, and dedication to her clients have solidified her standing as a prominent figure among Transportation Risk Specialists in the industry.

Simon Michael

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Simon graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of North Florida. In 2017, while Dean of Students for Duval County Public Schools, he was selected as a Semifinalist for the Teacher of the Year. The nomination and board review reflected his relationship building, clear communication, and partnership with mental health resources. After various leadership roles in and out of the classroom, Simon joined 925 Partners Insurance to continue his passion for meaningful relationships and education. He values being a dependable asset for clients and providing phenomenal customer experiences.

Kyle Black

Kyle is a recent graduate of the University of Mississippi with a degree in Risk Management and Insurance. He did an internship for the American Trucking Association in Washington D.C. in 2020 and started as an intern in the Transportation Division for 925 Partners in early 2021 and was quickly promoted to Junior Account Executive in the Transportation Division. Kyle has obtained his Property & Casualty General Lines 220 agent license. Kyle is a natural born leader and was captain of his high school wrestling team here in Jacksonville, FL. He has become a valuable asset to 925 Partners and is looking forward to a long and thriving career in insurance.

Susie Hyman

Susie comes to 925 Partners as a Senior Account Executive with a decade of experience in the insurance industry, including eight years specializing in Commercial lines.

One of her guiding principles is encapsulated in the belief that "Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, and how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark." Susie strives to not only provide expert insurance solutions but also leave a positive, lasting impression on everyone she works with.

When she is not immersed in the world of insurance, you can often find her cheering for her favorite teams, the Florida State Seminoles, and the Atlanta Braves. Beyond that, Susie is a dedicated family person who enjoys spending quality time in the great outdoors, whether it's exploring the woods or savoring moments on the water with her loved ones.

Terri Villalva

Terri was introduced to 925 Partners as a client by a longtime family friend. When faced with a desire to add work life balance, at the suggestion of a May of 2023. 925’s philosophy and Core principles appealed to and achieved her goals. Terri’s overall background is providing excellent customer service. Whether working in a dental office, solar energy manufacturing, civil engineering, or an insurance agency, the common denominator is taking care of others!

Terri is a wife and mother of two daughters. She returned to school as a non- traditional student and graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in organizational management. She and her husband travel regularly to North Carolina to visit the most perfect granddaughter ever.

Megan Rosier

Megan Rosier joined 925 Partners in November 2021 as a Client Service Specialist in the Transportation Division. She came to 925 Partners from Florida Blue where she worked in Group Enrollment, Maintenance, and Billing for over 3 years and Consumer Enrollment for a year. Megan is a team player with exceptional people skills and a friendly, positive attitude. She is looking forward to assisting our growing client base with their transportation needs and being a part of the 925 Partners team.

Michael Shewey

Mike joined 925 Partners in 2023 as the Chief Operating Officer. He most recently served as Chief Financial Officer for Blue Cedar Management. Mike began his career with Mutual of Omaha in South Bend Indiana where he earned Presidents Award honors for sales volume in his first year. After two years in South Bend, he was promoted to District Sales Manager of the Chicago office. Mike remained in the insurance business for 12 years before taking his skills to the software industry. From there Mike and his wife, Stacy, started their own hospitality company, a 12-year venture. After honing his entrepreneurial skills Mike moved into CFO roles with four different companies in three different industries. Mike is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and is active in the Jacksonville South Rotary Club, a volunteer at South Point Community Church and is the Treasurer of the Board for Hands 4Life Inc.

John Lyons

Born and raised in Savannah, GA, John graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics and Marketing from Georgia Southern University. Prior to graduation, John started his career in insurance with an independent agency in Savannah, where he obtained his Georgia Property and Casualty Agent license and worked in commercial insurance. John learned at a young age working at the Savannah Golf Club the importance of a good work ethic, customer relations and excellent customer service. John is looking forward to growing his career, developing strong customer relationships, and providing excellent service at 925 Partners.

Kyle Cronin

Kyle was born and raised in Gainesville, FL and grew up a lifelong Gator fan. He spent his first two years of college playing baseball at Florida State College at Jacksonville where he earned his Associate of Arts degree. He then transferred to his dream school, the University of Florida, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education & Communication. Shortly following graduation, Kyle began his career as an Insurance Underwriter specializing in Property & Causality Insurance. He served in this role for 2 years where he obtained an Associate in Insurance (AINS) designation. His past experiences in insurance have led him to value strong client relationships & provide high-quality customer service above all. Kyle is looking forward to furthering his career as a Commercial Account Executive with 925 Partners.

Kylee Large

Kylee joined 925 Partners in September 2022. Kylee is currently working on her bachelors degree and decided to make a career change into the insurance industry. She grew up in the Florida panhandle and has been around insurance her whole life. Kylee obtained her 4-40 customer service representative license and is excited to work in a position where she can provide help to clients with all of their insurance needs.

Devin Link

Devin was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, and attended the University of North Florida where he earned his Associates Degree. During his senior year of high school, he launched his career in retail sales, where he honed important skills such as communication, adaptability, and teamwork. Devin takes great pleasure in building relationships with those he provides service, as demonstrated by his previous role as a personal banker at a local credit union. He is thrilled to join 925 Partners, a company that values integrity, service, and excellence, and is eager to contribute to its success, while building strong bonds and meaningful relationships along the way!