About Us
Kirk Miller Insurance Agency
Our agency was founded in 2006 and we are locally operated in San Diego. Our team of professionals enjoy helping clients identify the insurance coverage that best fits their needs. They share their knowledge on all things insurance – Whether it’s auto, home, life or much more. Our agency is proud to serve over the following 18 states: CA, AZ, NV, TX, WA, IL, NM, OR, LA, MN, MT, OK, UT, FL, CO, MI, ID, and VA. Please feel free to reach out to schedule an appointment with us today!
Our Team
President

Kirk Miller
President
Operations

Melissa Tanaka
Operations Manager
Agency Producers

Randy Voepel
Medicare Sales Specialist

Benjamin Romo
Agency Producer

Chris Gardner
Agency Producer

Robert Gonzalez
Agency Producer
Commercial Department

Jodi Hollow
Commercial Account Executive

Kristen Hardy
Commercial Account Associate

Loren Warlop
HOA Account Manager

Daniel Fernandes
Commercial Account Executive

John Chisholm
Commercial Account Manager

Janika King
Commercial Account Manager

Mary Grethel
Commercial Account Associate

Archer Braun
Commercial Marketer

Adam Winchell
Commercial Account Associate

Veronica Martinez
Commercial Claims Account Manager

Lynn Anderson
Commercial Account Associate
Personal Lines Department

Maha Mero
Account Executive

Jeff Dinter
Personal Lines Account Manager

Manal Jabro
Personal Lines Account Manager

Sierra Spalding
Personal Lines Account Manager

Danielle Allen
Personal Lines Retention & Support
Contact Us
San Diego, CA 92131
Fax: (858) 875-0667


Adam Winchell
Commercial Account Associate
I was born in Nebraska and raised throughout the western United States. I moved to San Diego in 2014 from Denver, CO to finish my Business Degree, and find solace being near the water. I have been here for 10 years now and enjoy DIY home projects and furniture restoration/refurbishing in my free time. My partner and I enjoy traveling with our dogs for weekend getaways to escape the hustle and bustle of city living, or just sharing the enjoyment of the backyard we created with our friends and neighbors while barbecuing.
I began my career in the insurance industry shortly after my arrival in San Diego and have found that helping people through an unfamiliar situation is professionally satisfying. I enjoy being the ‘go-to’ for clients as they proceed through a claim or have questions on their coverages.
I am currently a Commercial Client Associate, handling Commercial Account management while supporting the agency team with any other needs. Teamwork is very important to me, as it allows the agency to flourish.

Archer Braun
Commercial Marketer
I was born in Michigan but have been in San Diego for the last 12 years. I graduated from UCSD in 2019. My insurance adventure began January of 2024 here at the Kirk Miller Agency. In my free time, I like to skateboard nearly every day, train Jiu Jitsu, travel and camp. Estoy aprendiendo Espanol, spending a lot of time with my girlfriend down in Mexico.
Before my time at the agency, I was making windows for historical buildings at the San Diego Sash Company. I served as an intern at the California Innocence Project, working to exonerate people who have been imprisoned for crimes they didn’t commit. I’ve also worked at Local Skate Shop in Santee, taught skateboard lessons and even had my own skateboard deck company called 7pm—Seven-Ply Maple.
I currently operate the phone as a marketer to provide quality opportunities for Chris Gardner and our other producers.

Benjamin Romo
Agency Producer
Benjamin Romo is a notable figure with deep roots in Mammoth Lakes, CA, a sixth-generation descendant of the region’s early settlers. He started skiing at 18 months and transitioned to snowboarding when it became legal in California. By middle school, his snowboarding talent earned him a spot on the high school team, where he served as captain during his junior and senior years, leading the team to several state championships and later coaching them to another title. In addition to snowboarding, Benjamin is a skilled rock climber with three first ascents featured in the Eastern Sierra Rock Climbing guide. His adventurous spirit extended to his professional life when he joined the US Navy’s expeditionary program right after high school. His military career included missions against terrorism in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Japan, earning him meritorious promotions and commendations, including an award from the Brigadier General Commanding Forces in Afghanistan.
After his military service, Benjamin earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational management with honors and began his career with Calfire, quickly rising to company officer. He played a key role in managing major fires such as the Paradise Fire, Valley Fire, and North Complex Fire. Benjamin’s shift to the insurance industry, though unexpected, leverages his risk assessment skills developed through firefighting. His expertise in building construction, wildfire behavior, and loss prevention provides a unique advantage. He excels in managing complex risks, from homeowners’ associations in wildfire zones to government contractors in hazardous regions of Africa, while also supporting individuals facing challenges with homeowners’ insurance in tough markets.
In his current role, Benjamin is committed to meeting clients’ needs and solving problems effectively. He values teamwork and works closely with his exceptional team, ensuring they have the support and information necessary to excel in their roles. Through his diverse background and unwavering dedication, Benjamin continues to make significant contributions to both his clients and the insurance industry.

Chris Gardner
Agency Producer
I am married to my wife Melissa of 14 years, she was born and raised in San Diego. I am originally from the UK and met my wife whilst traveling here in the US. My hobbies consist of Tennis, Snowboarding, reading/audio books and hiking.
I have worked with the Kirk Miller Insurance Agency for close to 7 years and started as a marketer, where I studied hard and became Property & Casualty/ Life and Health licensed. From that point on, I started to learn commercial business insurance, developing and servicing my own client base. Over the years I also became more involved in Personal Lines. Now, I am a well-rounded, licensed agent within Kirk’s agency offering consultative approach with insurance.
My role as an Agency Producer involves working with my clients to ensure they have the right insurance coverages and helping our clients obtain the right policies that suit their needs. I schedule reviews where we can discuss the clients’ insurance renewal, make recommendations and help keep their coverages in line to protect their assets.

Cody Lightfoot
Commercial Accounting Specialist
I was born and raised in California in the Central Valley. I moved to Texas in 2009 to attend Texas A&M University, where I graduated in 2013 with a degree in Psychology. After graduating, I grew my career in finance and operations in a variety of industries including retail, medical services and insurance. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, travel, hiking and pickleball.
I have a diverse background in the areas of finance and operations. I started my insurance journey in 2019 starting out as an Account Manager in the Northeast, serving clients in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. In 2021, I moved to Houston where I served as an Account Manager and Branch Manager for a national independent agency. I’ve now returned to finance as I work to obtain hours and experience to pursue a CPA certification.
I currently serve as the agency’s Commercial Accounting Specialist, where I handle the account receivables for both the Business and HOA insurance departments. Beyond finance, I assist with internal projects including the agency’s recent CRM migration into EZ Lynx.

Daniel Fernandes
Commercial Account Executive
Originally from New York, my wife and I moved to San Diego in 2016. I am the proud father of 3, Lily, Luke and John. After our son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2019, we became advocates for those impacted by the disease. I serve as Corporate Funding Raising Chair for the JDRF, where our goal is to fund a cure. I also enjoy coaching TK Soccer at Stella Maris Academy and the La Jolla Impact Soccer Club. Our family enjoys travelling and exploring new places together.
I began my career over 20 years ago working for a commercial insurance carrier in New York. During my tenure there I was promoted to Assistant Claims Manager and licensed as an arbiter for Arbitration Forums Inc. I consider myself fortunate to have also served as a Claims Professional for Berkshire Hathaway and Analyst for Marsh and McLennan, before joining the team at KMIA.
I have the pleasure of serving our clients as a resource and advocate. As needed, I will market new and existing clients to our carrier partners and ensure that their renewals are as seamless as possible. I can leverage my experience best when evaluating risk and remain available, at any time, to discuss your concerns.

Danielle Allen
Personal Lines Retention & Support
Danielle started her insurance career at Farmers Insurance at the Pete Williams Office. She worked in Pete’s office from 2014-2016. Then, remotely (from Colorado) in 2016-2019. She went to the brokerage side from 2019-2024, specializing in commercial sales. She genuinely enjoys getting to know and connecting with her clients.
Danielle enjoys spending time with her family, lifting, swimming, running and reading. She is a Colorado native and a single mother of four. She is a swimming coach and mentor for athletes 12&U. She is also a movie buff.

Francisco Ibarra
Senior Account Manager
Francisco has been in the San Diego area for two years and is grateful to have the opportunity to give back to his community by helping with his expertise in both languages; English and Spanish. His hobbies include playing golf, photography, motorcycles, going to the beach and spending as much time possible with loved ones.

Ivy Gutierrez
Personal Lines Account Manager
I am a San Diego native, I graduated from California State University San Marcos with a degree in Communications. In my free time I take care of my puppy Willow, enjoy days at the beach, and I recently took up Barre and Pilates. I also love spending time with my friends and family as well.
My insurance career began in 2020 and nearly 4 years later I find myself enjoying the new challenges this industry brings every day. I also truly enjoy educating not only myself but others on how to protect everything they have worked so hard for.
My role in the agency is to be a resource to my team and maximize my potential as I continue to learn something new each and every day. With a heavy focus on sales, I am eager to step into this new role and help achieve our agency goals.

Janika King
Commercial Account Manager
I am the proud mom of a 4-year-old Shih Tzu named Gigi. Born and raised in San Diego, I enjoy spending time with family and friends traveling between Orange County and San Diego. I love to read, write, journal, and meditate while working on my spiritual journey. I am a foodie, love to cook and try fun new places to eat. I love to find ways to edify, encourage, and empower those in my life. I am grateful, thankful, and blessed.
My career started in insurance when I was 17 years old in personal lines and has grown into over 35 years of insurance experience. I have worked on both sides of the insurance fence in retail and in underwriting. I have worked for both large corporations and small mom-and-pop brokerages. My main love is working with boutique brokerages, building relationships that generate referrals and years of successful long-term business. I believe the most important part of my job is being a team player, encourager, empower and edifier to all those I come in contact with–whether coworker or client. My job is not possible without them.
My primary role as the commercial brokerage account manager is to provide quality service to clients. I work as the liaison between insurance companies, agents and clients. Working with clients to gather information and documentation, handling renewals of expiring policies (completing all accord applications, supplementals, gather loss runs, marketing submission, gathering quotes and performing coverage comparisons), new business and all service requests.

Jeff Dinter
Personal Lines Account Manager
Jeff is a San Diego native. In his youth he spent time in Arkansas, Texas, Pennsylvania and the Jersey shore. Jeff is an avid nature lover and enjoys the outdoors. He cultivates tropical plants in his spare time and has a pet cat, Anubis, who tags along on all of Jeff’s adventures.
With a decade of experience in the insurance industry, Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as a Personal Lines Account Manager. Jeff provides exceptional customer service and expert advice tailored to meet the unique insurance needs of each client. Jeff’s ability to customize insurance solutions and his dedication to helping individuals navigate their insurance needs have established him as a trusted advisor in the field.
As an Account Manager he is responsible for providing excellent customer service, expert advice, and creating solutions for all his clients. Being solution focused is one of his strengths. He strives to deliver personable service, ethical advice and takes the time to educate his clients on their insurance needs. He explains how their policies work, is forward thinking about future needs, and strives to answer all questions they may have. He is professional, compassionate and truly cares about the best possible outcome for his clients.

Jenny Gustafson
HOA Account Executive
Coming Soon

Jennifer Hotchkiss
Account Manager
Jennifer Hotchkiss began her journey in the industry of insurance and joined our agency in the fall of 2020. As a personal lines representative, Jennifer utilizes her extensive customer service background to passionately help our clients navigate their insurance needs. Her priority is educating clients to ensure their risks are thoroughly identified and adequately covered. A native Michigander, Jennifer has lived in San Diego for 21 years. She enjoys travel, live music, golf, reading, exploring San Diego and more than anything, she loves spending time with her family.

Jessica Macaysa
Commercial Account Associate
Coming Soon

John Chisholm
Commercial Account Manager
A lifelong Californian but the son of two Canadian transplants. I am married to a 5th generation Californian whose family has roots back to the gold rush. Kris and I have three wonderful daughters and three dogs and live in Simi Valley. Kris is a HS English teacher, and we love to spend our free time camping at the beach.
I graduated from CSUN with a BA in History with intentions to become a HS Teacher but took a job working for Farmers while in college and the rest was history. I spent 30 years with Farmers Corporate in Claims, Underwriting and Home Office Enterprise Marketing. I have been a people leader in most of the positions that I held. The insurance industry has been very rewarding and constantly changing at every point in my career, so I have always felt challenged and engaged.
I manage the Farmers renewal Habitational book and also generate new business. I enjoy working with the property management teams and underwriting to find that unique solution that allows Farmers to successfully insure our customers and provide the protection they need. I also support the claims team from time to time.

Johnny Moses
Personal Lines Support
Johnny Moses is brand new to the insurance industry, he is a new addition to our personal insurance team! He is a Portland Oregon native who recently moved to San Diego after graduating from Oregon State University. Johnny enjoys spending time with his friends and family, playing pick-up sport games, cooking, and video games.

Kirk Miller
President
Born and raised in Southern California, I moved down to San Diego in 2002 to finish my Business Degree at the University of San Diego (USD). I began my insurance career in 2006 and decided to stay in San Diego where I live now with my wife Elyse. In my free time I do a lot of camping and off-roading with family and friends. In addition, I play indoor soccer and football a few times a week in various leagues.
I started the agency in 2006 from scratch working with Farmers Insurance. Since then, our agency has grown to become the largest agency nationwide with Farmers. I work with several Advisory Councils within the organization at Farmers, striving to make the company better each and every day. I also enjoy helping agents around the country to make their agencies become bigger and stronger, through training and consulting.
My most important role in the agency is our people! I have the responsibility to make sure our team is happy and have the tools and resources to help our clients in their day-to-day. I enjoy working with the team from training to problem solving to fixing their desk. For me no job is too small.

Kristen Hardy
Commercial Account Associate
I recently moved from California, back to Atlanta. I am really enjoying getting to reconnect with my friends and family. In my spare time, I like to read, run, hike, and travel. I love getting to meet new people, learn about different cultures, and taste new food from around the world.
Before beginning my insurance journey, I worked for nearly a decade in customer service. Diving into the insurance world has been a challenge– there’s always something new to learn, but it has been a great experience. I am look forward to continuing to grow here at KMIA and taking on new roles and responsibilities.
I work on the business insurance team, helping to process endorsements and other policy changes for our clients, while also generating certificates for both HOA, and commercial policies.

Loren Warlop
HOA Account Manager
I was born and raised in San Diego. I spend my free time golfing, hiking, hanging out with my dogs, friends, and family, surfing whenever I can.
I started in insurance after 10 years of working for a small manufacturing business. I got a good feel for how to deal with customers and decided I wanted a more challenging role. The Commercial/HOA space has definitely been that, but I continue to learn new aspects of the industry every day.
I work to make sure that we have terms in place for renewing and new business HOA accounts. I also assist in other departments when needed.

Lynn Anderson
Commercial Account Associate
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but raised in Phoenix, Arizona. I attended Arizona State University before moving to St. Louis where I worked for an investment banking company. After moving to San Diego, I decided this is where I want to stay! I enjoy all the outdoor activities that are available year-round here, particularly the outdoor climbing and hiking.
After moving to San Diego, I started my insurance career at Atlas General Insurance where I worked in the commercial department as an Assistant Renewal Underwriter. I currently work on the business insurance team servicing our accounts.

Maha Mero
Account Executive
I am a mother of three grown kids whom I adore. I enjoy their fun times and troubled ones too, but the most beautiful thing about them is that they brought me beautiful grandchildren that I love more than my own; believe it or not. We own a business (Liquor Store/Pizza). I enjoy cooking and when I have free time I like to read and gather with old school friends.
I started with Farmers 27 years ago. I had worked with a Farmers agent for three years and then he retired. I was asked to work with Liberty Mutual Company for 3 years doing part-time. I was then offered a full-time job by a Farmers agent that I accepted and worked for 20 years. That agency was bought by Kirk Miller. I am coming up on 5 years of working for this agency. I hold a Personal Line License and Health/Life. I do a lot of service and sales for the agency. I am passionate about selling Life Insurance and enjoy helping others.

Manal Jabro
Personal Lines Account Manager
Family time is incredibly important to me, and I cherish every moment spent with my loved ones when I’m not working or pursuing my interests. Beyond my professional duties, I have a fervent passion for cooking, music, and dancing. There’s something magical about creating delicious meals, losing myself in the rhythm of music, and expressing myself through dance. Or you’ll likely find me out cycling.
I’m an insurance professional with over 17 years of experience in the industry. Currently, I serve as a PL Account Manager at the Kirk Miller Insurance Agency. In this role, I am responsible for producing and servicing the book of business and ensuring that our clients receive the coverage they need to protect what matters most to them. Prior to joining KMIA, I had the privilege of managing another insurance agency, where I honed my skills and deepened my understanding of the insurance landscape. One of the things that sets me apart is my ability to speak three languages fluently, which not only facilitates communication but also allows me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
Part of my role as an Account Manager involves educating clients about insurance, helping them understand their coverage options, and making informed decisions about their policies and give them peace of mind.

Mary Grethel
Commercial Account Associate
My family moved to San Diego from Cincinnati when I was 4 years old. (Go Bengals!)
I live with my husband and two bestie roommates in the Carmel Valley area. We have three fur babies, Jax, Ben and Levi, who I love more than anything in this world. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, blasting music, traveling when I can, and taking my dog on adventures.
My background is in early childhood development and family studies. I taught preschool for 5 years and worked in a pediatric dental office prior to my journey into the insurance world. I started at KMIA April 2023 and have learned many aspects of the HOA Commercial department.
My duties involve servicing the HOA department. You can find me assisting our producers by corresponding with property managers, answering lender questions, generating renewal certificates and processing invoices/payments.

Melissa Tanaka
Operations Manager
I am the proud mother of a very sassy small person (daughter) and am married to a wonderful man named Alex. We own a local gym together so when not at the office, I enjoy spending my time there. As a family we enjoy traveling, relaxing and lots of great food! Of course, the family unit doesn’t stop there, we have plenty of pets (one might say, one too many).
I started my career with Farmers over 17 years ago working for the local District Office as an administrative assistant. Over the course of time, I worked my way up as a customer service rep for another agent, a systems trainer, then became a Farmers Agent returning to the District Office as the General Manager. Eventually I needed a new challenge and found my way over to KMIA and have been here ever since. I currently hold my P&C, L&H and Securities licenses–Series 6, 63 and 26.
I am the agency’s operations manager, essentially responsible for the day-to-day operations. I also manage a book of business for a segment of our high-net worth customers. My role is wherever and whatever I am needed to do– nothing is too big or too small for me!

Monica Vongphosy
HOA Insurance Specialist

Rachel Dias
Account Executive

Randy Voepel
Medicare Sales Specialist
I am a Vietnam combat veteran, belong to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and am also a church member. I served 16 years as Mayor of Santee, CA and 6 years in the State Legislature as Assembly Member. I have been married 39 years and am owned and operated by four cats. I am an avid reader and history buff. I read write and speak 1st Century Latin, 5th grade German…5th grade English.
I have several years’ Insurance and Financial services experience. I am licensed for Accident and Health or Sickness, Property, Casualty, Life, Variable Life, Variable Annuities, FINRA Series 6, Certified Medicare Agent and Certified Covered California Agent. I also assist our clients with Corporate, Employee Benefits and Business Insurance. My goal is to develop Medicare, Covered California, and all other non-P&C sales for KMIA.

Robert Gonzalez
Producer
I am in Northern California, in Pleasanton. We’re about 20 miles East of Oakland. My partner Laz and I live in a cozy condo (yes, it’s in an HOA) with our two rowdy terriers Chucho and Ollie. We have two large aquariums that we spend too much time maintaining but enjoy greatly. I also enjoy cooking and listening to audiobooks in the car. I am currently mastering Cuban food and if I was any closer, I’d make you a cheesecake.
I have a background in training and consulting, so I enjoy sharing information. Prior to joining the team, I managed a portfolio of HOAs a few of which were insured by Brian Kalmenson. When I learned that there was an opportunity to join the team and support HOA Managers, I knew it was the right move. I specialize in HOA and often tell my clients I eat, breathe, live and sleep HOA. It’s a true statement! I never miss an opportunity to attend a board meeting and share how the homeowner and HOA policies work together and explain how the coverages in force benefit the board, property and homeowners. I have been with the agency since 2018.
I currently produce new business and service HOA clients. I have my P&C license and maintain my CMCA (Certified Manager of Community Associations) certification to stay connected to what my clients experience daily in order to best support their needs.

Ross Demner
Account Executive

Sally Correa
Agency Operations Coordinator
Sally relocated from Los Angeles to San Diego in 2017–and is never going back. She recently got married in November of last year to a school friend she’s known since kindergarten. On the weekends she loves to practice yoga, go to the movies, or arrange succulents.
Originally from L.A., Sally has worked in entertainment for most of her professional career. Her latest role was in Studio Operations at Mattel Television. She loves wearing many hats and has worked in children’s publishing as well as the nonprofit sector. She is excited to learn more about insurance.
Sally reports to Melissa and will be supporting the administrative operations and recruiting efforts of the agency. She sits at the front desk and is eager to help.

Sierra Spalding
Personal Lines Account Manager
Born and raised in Southern California, I moved to San Diego and began my career in the insurance industry in July 2016. Outside of work, you can often find me lacing up my running shoes, diving into a good book, or traveling with my husband, discovering new destinations and experiencing different cultures.
I am a dedicated Personal Lines Account Manager with a proven track record of building and nurturing strong client relationships. With eight-plus years of experience in the insurance industry working for Farmers Insurance, I excel in understanding client needs, delivering tailored solutions, and driving account growth. My strategic mindset and exceptional problem-solving skills allow me to thrive in dynamic environments. I am adept at balancing multiple priorities and always maintaining a focus on delivering outstanding service.
My role in the Agency is committed to fostering lasting partnerships and achieving shared goals, always with a proactive and client-centric approach.

Stephen Campbell Goodman
HOA Insurance Specialist

Veronica Martinez
Commercial Claims Account Manager
I am originally from Southern California, born and raised in a small city (Colton, CA). I completed my undergraduate degree at Cal State San Bernardino and my MBA at Redlands University. I met my current partner in Las Vegas and moved to Northern California where we now live in San Mateo, about 20 minutes south of San Francisco. We have two boys: Ecio, 13 years and Teyo, 11 years. I enjoy hiking, working out and most recently have taken to gardening. I am also an avid foodie and love going to the movies.
I have worked in Farmers Insurance Claims for nearly 20 years. All my claim’s years were in Liability, I was an adjuster, a supervisor, and manager and have truly enjoyed the people that I worked with along with the unique situations that come with the territory of claims. I enjoy helping others and have a passion to never stop learning. I continue to take a course or two to continue to challenge myself and keep a fresh perspective.
I manage commercial claims and provide our clients with the utmost care when they experience loss or have general questions regarding their policies.