SPOTLIGHT: TEAM TORKELSON

Eric Torkelson
Managing Partner

After graduating from Oregon State University with a degree in Business Finance; Eric began his insurance career in 1985 as a claims specialist.  Since 1987, Eric has focused on building his insurance expertise for a diverse group of clients.  He has an extensive background in designing and developing insurance programs for property management companies, construction, manufacturing, and retirement/long-term care facilities.  With this broad knowledge, he has been able to bring a unique perspective to insurance exposures that continue to evolve as businesses change and grow.

He’s a devoted husband and father of three. Eric enjoys golf, tennis, water & snow skiing with family, friends, and clients.

SPOTLIGHT: TEAM TORKELSON

Carol Gregus
Commercial Lines Account Manager

Carol is a graduate of Northwest College of Business.  She also spent two years studying Sociology and Anthropology at Mesa Junior College in San Diego, CA.

Carol accidentally got into the Insurance industry thirty plus years ago and is licensed in Oregon, Washington, and California.   She also has an Accredited Advisor of Insurance (AAI) designation.  After all of these years, Carol still enjoys providing excellent customer service to each and every account she works on.

SPOTLIGHT: TEAM TORKELSON

Laurie Beavers
Commercial Lines Account Manager

Laurie comes from Nevada where she has lived at Lake Tahoe and most recently Reno. Laurie comes to us with over 20 years insurance experience years in personal and commercial lines business.  Specific areas of expertise are construction, agribusiness and nonprofit accounts.  In 2014 she received her Certified Insurance Counselor designation from the National Alliance for Insurance Education.  Her hobbies are spending time with her family and getting to know the Portland area.

SPOTLIGHT: TEAM TORKELSON

Rhonda Marlnee
Benefits Account Manager

Earning a Bachelor of Science in management and an MBA with a finance focus, Rhonda comes to LaPorte with a diverse background.  Rhonda has worked in small business sales and account management for the last 19 years.   Rhonda’s background in both fields gives her the experience to know how to dig deep to understand her clients’ needs and help them make the best decision either individually or for their company when choosing a benefit plan.  Rhonda enjoys getting to know her clients and wants her clients to know and understand her, so she can build a working relationship based on trust and respect.  When Rhonda has time, she enjoys spending time outdoors running, paddle boarding and kayaking.

SPOTLIGHT: TEAM TORKELSON

Barbara J. Brown
Personal Lines Account Manager

With over 30 years in the insurance industry, Barbara brings a perspective to LaPorte from both an agent and carrier side.  Through the years Barbara has developed strong quoting skills, computer expertise and developed solid carrier relationships. Barbara joined the team in 2007, specializing in Personal Lines.

Being a people person, she thrives in situations where she can interact with customers, solve problems and help people.

In her spare time Barbara loves to read, enjoys a variety of television programs and spending time with her family.