It starts with a dedicated team …

One of our greatest assets is the people who make up American Patriot Insurance Agency. Through our network of carriers, our team is committed to providing the most comprehensive and competitive programs available in the roofing industry. With an average of over 20 years of experience in the insurance brokerage community - specializing in the construction field - our team will work hard to make sure your needs are met.

Using our size to focus on the individual …

Since 1995, our mission has been devoted to solving the needs of each and every contractor - one contractor at a time. Our approach is based on what we call the "circle of excellence" - earning your trust, giving you the confidence that you are in safe hands and maintaining a level of agility to keep your best interests in mind.

We take your business seriously… Our customers agree— over a 90% satisfaction rating …

With over 150 years of combined experience in the insurance brokerage business — providing insurance solutions for over 15,000 professional contractors — you can be confident your best interests are at the top of our agenda.

Here are just some of the individuals who make up our winning team:

Diane Hendricks
Co-owner

"To the roofer, we're the better alternative. And one that we wish existed when we were roofers. You'll find a group of professionals here that are committed to just contractors and we like it that way. Ultimately, we want to improve your insurance value while enabling you to become more profitable. Let's work together to make that happen."

For over 35 years, Diane has been dedicated to serving the needs of the roofing industry. Her accomplishments have included such honors as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs of the Year (1987), Diplomats Business of the Year (1994) and Wisconsin's WHEDA Award (1997). She is active in the United Way, NRDC (National Roofers & Distributors Council) and local Chambers of Commerce.

After analyzing the insurance needs of the building contractors and the exposure to such variable and inconsistent costs of insurance, Diane concluded that contractors needed a better source for acquiring the necessary insurance coverage. Subsequently, in 1993 Diane formed American Patriot Insurance Agency, with offices in Chicago to provide alternative and comprehensive insurance programs to the construction industry.

Diane and her husband Ken are most known for starting ABC Supply, the world's largest roofing products distributor, which recently topped $2 billion in sales per year. She currently serves on the boards of seven charitable and civic organizations, is past Chair of the United Way and Stateline Community Foundation, and spends much of her free time in philanthropic activities.

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Lysa Saran
President & COO
Direct Dial: (630) 571-6163

"It's all about choice. And before we started American Patriot there really wasn't any. We not only changed that, we have made roofers more profitable by making insurance that much more competitive and affordable."

Lysa began her insurance career as an underwriter in 1983 with a large national broker. Her practicality and thinking "outside-the-box" gained immediate attention and helped her build a solid reputation. She was instrumental in helping start American Patriot and has been with the company since its inception. She was named President and COO in 1998.

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Juergen Huellen
Chief Financial Officer

Juergen Huellen joined American Patriot in January, 2006 as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Huellen has over 26 years of financial experience, with the last 21 being in the insurance industry. Juergen’s last position was as CFO for T. J. Adams Group, LLC, a regional insurance broker. He was instrumental in the sale of the broker to Hilb Rogal & Hobbs, the 10th largest insurance broker in the United States. He also spent 15 years working in various financial capacities at Aon Corporation and Marsh & McLennan.

Mr. Huellen’s experience includes directing finance departments, consulting and performing due diligence on potential acquisitions, developing business segment profitability standards, and implementing and integrating technology systems.

Juergen has a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management, and a Bachelor of Business degree with a major in Accountancy from Western Illinois University. He also serves as a board member for Perennial Vacation Club, non-profit organization.

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Jon Gardner
Director, Sales & Marketing
Direct Dial: (860) 430-1828

With over 15 years of sales and marketing experience in the building materials industry, Jon has a very strong understanding of the needs of the roofing contractor and our partners. Jon is always searching and implementing new and innovative ways to position the organization for years of growth and success. Understanding the critical role American Patriot plays in keeping our customers’ business healthy and productive as well as providing the right solution is the key driver of our company. Jon is responsible for all corporate marketing for the company.

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Mike Schoch
Producer/Sales Representative, Midwest & West Regions
Direct Dial: (630) 571-6169

"Basically, it's a bidding environment. A roofer's customer will request bids to cap costs. It's only reasonable that roofers get bids to cap their insurance costs. It's educational and it saves money. And we'd like the opportunity."

Armed with over 20 years experience on the insurance and brokerage side of the business, Mike is continually proving to be a true resource for both clients and prospects alike. For the past 12 years, American Patriot has been proud to have Mike as part of the family. Clients enjoy his straight talk and concern for providing a better product at a better price. He too was instrumental with the early success of The Roofers Advantage® program and sees no end to the potential of the program. Mike is responsible for all sales activity in the Midwest and West regions of the United States.

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Mike Melnick
Producer/Sales Representative, Southeast Region
Direct Dial: (630) 571-6188

"Roofers have many responsibilities and insurance issues shouldn't take focus away from the overall business. Here at American Patriot, we alleviate those insurance hassles and help you manage your business effectively."

Mike has over 13 years of insurance experience, selling insurance and insurance-related services to various sized employers ranging from small proprietorships to large Fortune 500 corporations. He has worked with American Patriot since January of 1998 and is responsible for new business development and sales in the Midwest. Prior to joining American Patriot, Mike worked for two large independent claim administrators, helping employers control losses through claim management and cost containment.

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Regina Crowe
Claims Manager
Direct Dial: (630) 571-6195

"We're not the oldest program. But old programs have a tendency to be too 'fat and happy.' Here, we work that much harder to earn a roofer's respect and prove that there really is a better way."

Regina has 22 years of claims handling experience, including both the company and agency sides of the business. She has handled and supervised workers compensation, general liability and automobile claims. Regina joined American Patriot in 1999. She is responsible for all claims related activities.

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Candy Garcia
Account Manager

Candy Garcia joined American Patriot in July, 2006 as Accounting Manager. Ms. Garcia brings over 26 years of experience in insurance agency accounting. Her last position was as Senior Premium Accountant for T. J. Adams Group, LLC, a regional insurance broker. She was also an Assistant Vice President and spent 21 years working in various financial capacities at Aon Corporation.

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