About Us

We offer specialized insurance programs for Michigan citizens and business owners. Your professional coverage needs are very unique, and we realize how much you care about what you do.
We have been serving the special insurance policy needs of many clients for many years and encourage you to call 231-652-1636, complete the Contact Form, or click on an agent’s photo to send them an email directly.
Our Team
Dan Johnson
Agency Owner, Principal
Dan graduated from Cornerstone University with a degree in Business Administration. He joined the agency as a partner in 2006 and completed the final purchase of the agency in 2013. Dan obtained his Life & Health Insurance License as well as Property & Casualty Insurance License.
Ryan Seyferth
General Manager
Ryan has spent the majority of his career in contracting and excavating. He joined our team in November of 2017 as an Outside Account Manager in our Farm/Commercial Department. In 2023 he moved to General Manager. Ryan and his wife and two daughters live outside of Fremont where they are very active in the Fall on their Pumpkin Farm.
Bret Brummel
Office Finance Coordinator
Bret joined our team at NIA, in a part time role, in January of 2022. He graduated from MSU with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics. He and his wife currently reside in Newaygo and have a son and daughter in college. Bret enjoys MSU sports, golfing, running and working clock at high school basketball games.
Michelle Freeland, CISR
Office Coordinator
Michelle joined NIA in late 2011. She graduated from Cedar Springs High School and has obtained her license with the State of Michigan for Property & Casualty Insurance. Recently, Michelle earned her CISR designation from the state of Michigan. Michelle is married and lives with her husband on a beef farm south of Newaygo.
Laurie Otteren
Account Manager, Life/Health/Medicare
Laurie joined the agency in the Spring of 2016 with extensive experience in the Life and Health arena. She is licensed with the State of Michigan and will oversee the Life, Health and Medicare portion of the agency’s business. Laurie lives in Newaygo with her husband and children.
Breanna Newton
Account Manager, Personal Lines
Breanna came to NIA in December of 2018. Breanna grew up in Newaygo, graduated from Newaygo High School and attended Adrian College. She went through licensing class and was able to attain her Insurance License through the State of Michigan in early 2019. Breanna and her daughter currently reside in Newaygo.
Krista Escalante
Commercial Team Leader
Krista graduated from Newaygo High School and went on to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Phoenix. She spent 6 years in the banking industry where she honed in her customer service skills before joining NIA in January of 2015. Krista resides in Newaygo with her husband and their three children.
Alex Castle
Account Manager, Farm/Commercial
Alex was born and raised in Newaygo and graduated from Newaygo High School; she earned her Associates Degree in Accounting from Ferris State University. She joined our Agency as an Inside Account Manager for our Farm & Commercial team in September of 2022. In her free time, Alex enjoys playing her violin and sewing quilts!
Grace Larson
Sales Specialist, Farm/Commercial
Grace joined our team on a part time basis in 2019 and came on board full time in the Spring of 2020. She graduated from Cornerstone University with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. Grace has earned her insurance license through the State of Michigan and is very active with our agency’s Farms and Commercial customers. She and her husband currently reside in Kent City.