OUR TEAM
Our Leadership
Bob Carden
Bob Carden, Jr. is the founder and President of Carden & Associates, Inc., headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida. Established in 1998, the agency was founded on Bob's extensive experience as a citrus and nursery grower in Polk County. His firsthand understanding of the agricultural industry's risks led him to recognize the critical need for well-structured crop insurance programs to help growers manage those risks effectively. Under his leadership, Carden & Associates has become one of the largest crop insurance agencies in the U.S., serving farmers and ranchers in over 25 states with exceptional service and innovative agricultural products. Bob actively participates in congressional hearings to advocate for policies that support farmers and improve crop insurance and risk management practices. His efforts are essential in advancing the agricultural industry and ensuring that growers have the necessary resources to succeed.
Ben Mills
Ben Mills has devoted his entire professional career to the agriculture industry. With over 20 years of experience, his journey began in the field, where he worked at an ornamental tree nursery and as a citrus grove caretaker in Polk County. During this time, he earned a Business Degree from the University of South Florida. In 2008, Ben transitioned into the crop insurance industry, starting as a loss adjuster. His career in the field flourished, and in 2018, he joined the organization as a sales agent. Over the years, Ben's leadership and expertise were recognized, leading to his promotion to Vice President of Sales in 2022. He is now a Managing Partner at the company. Despite his leadership role, Ben maintains his own customer base, which primarily consists of Florida citrus growers and cattle ranchers. His deep knowledge of the agriculture sector and commitment to his clients have made him a trusted figure in the industry.
Jake Rinehart
Jake Rinehart started his career in crop insurance in 2008 with ARMtech Insurance Services, Inc., an approved insurance provider based in Texas. He is a graduate of Lubbock Christian University and holds a master’s degree from Southern Methodist University. Jake began his journey in the industry as a Business Analyst, where he developed custom software solutions to support program delivery. His leadership skills and technical expertise allowed him to move into several executive roles at AgriSompo North America, including Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Marketing, and Senior Vice President of Crop Technologies. In 2022, Jake joined Carden & Associates—his largest client at the time—as Vice President of Operations. In this position, he oversees business processes, manages carrier relations, and leads national lobbying initiatives, including those related to the Farm Bill.
Rick Lear
Rick serves as the Senior Vice President at Carden & Associates, where he applies his 13 years of experience in the insurance industry. His specialization in crop insurance has made him a trusted resource, especially in providing coverage tailored to the unique needs of the agricultural sector. His deep understanding of this field allows him to offer valuable solutions to farmers and agribusinesses. His dedication to making a positive impact extends beyond his professional work. Through community service, he not only supports local initiatives but also fosters a sense of connection and care within his community. This involvement highlights his strong values for helping others and contributing to the overall well-being of those around him.
Our Agents
Aaron Bass
Aaron is a dedicated crop insurance agent with a strong background in agriculture and risk management. He started as a crop insurance adjuster in 2014, gaining valuable experience in loss assessment and helping farmers with their coverage. In 2022, he became a crop insurance agent, focusing on protecting growers and ensuring their financial stability. Raised in the nursery and landscape industry, Aaron developed a passion for agriculture and an understanding of its challenges. He earned his degree from the University of South Florida in 2013, which enhances his ability to serve clients. Committed to personalized service and tailored insurance solutions, Aaron is a trusted partner for farmers looking to safeguard their livelihoods.
Carrie Phillips
Carrie grew up on her family’s beef cattle farm in the small town of Monticello, Georgia. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Agribusiness in 2013. While attending UGA, Carrie worked as a milk technician at the UGA Dairy Farm. After earning her degree, she completed an internship with the Irwin County Extension. From 2016 to 2019, Carrie worked at CNI Ag Retailers, where she was responsible for customer service and served as the Texas representative, while also supporting ag retailers across the country from Florida to California. Carrie is passionate about supporting food and fiber producers in the U.S. and enjoys serving others in the agricultural community. She understands the importance of sustainability and is committed to helping maintain America’s farming industry.
Daniel Lanier
Daniel is a sixth-generation Floridian from Fort Meade, Florida, with a strong understanding of the challenges facing today’s farmers and ranchers. He started his career in crop insurance as an adjuster in 2011, which gives him insight into the policies he offers as an agent. Daniel has first-hand grower experience as a citrus nurseryman, citrus grower, and blueberry grower. He currently operates a commercial beef cattle business and is a commercial realtor specializing in agricultural lands. Active in several organizations, Daniel is a member of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Polk County Cattlemen’s Association, Florida Farm Bureau, and Polk County Farm Bureau, where he serves as Secretary. He has served on the Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers State Committee and participated in the Florida Cattlemen’s YCC Tour.
Dave Kernodle
Dave has over 40 years of experience in the citrus, vegetable, and nursery industries, making him a respected figure in the agricultural community, particularly in Florida and other southeastern states. Throughout his career, he has shown a strong commitment to the growth and sustainability of these industries. Dave is a dedicated member of the Florida Citrus Mutual Associate Member Advisory Board, where he provides valuable insights and guidance to support the Florida citrus industry. His leadership and expertise have extended to his roles as Vice President of the Florida Young Farmer Couples Cooperative Association, where he advocated for the interests of young farmers and promoted cooperative initiatives. Through his extensive career, Dave has built a reputation for his deep knowledge of the agricultural sector, his passion for community engagement, and his dedication to supporting the next generation of farmers and industry leaders.
Errol Maul
Errol grew up on a corn and soybean farm in West Central Illinois, where he developed a deep understanding of agriculture. After earning his degree from the University of Illinois in 2001, he transitioned to full-time farming, joining his family in their agricultural operations. In 2007, Errol made a significant career shift by entering the crop insurance industry, leveraging his strong agricultural background. His expertise spans several states, from the Midwest to Florida, where he has held various key roles within the crop insurance sector. These positions have included Crop Insurance Specialist, Training Coordinator, Sales Manager, and Business Developer. Currently, Errol serves as the Strategic Operations & Business Developer at Carden & Associates, where he applies his experience and knowledge to drive success in the industry. With a career built on a solid foundation in both farming and crop insurance, Errol is dedicated to enhancing agricultural risk management and fostering growth within the sector.
Kalan Royal
Kalan is a seventh-generation Florida agriculturalist from Wauchula, Florida. He is an experienced agricultural professional with knowledge in fruit and vegetable production, nursery production, and livestock management. Throughout his professional career in sales and UF/IFAS Extension, Kalan has focused on building relationships and providing exceptional service to farmers and ranchers. Kalan owns and manages a cow-calf and registered Brangus operation. He is actively involved in the Florida Cattlemen's Association, graduating from Class X of the Florida Cattlemen's Leadership Academy. He also serves as a director for the Hardee and Highlands County Cattlemen's as well as on the Allied Committee at the state level. When not working, you can find him helping youth in agriculture as he works with local FFA chapters and 4-H clubs and serves as the Director of Youth Activities for the Florida Junior Brangus Breeders Association.
Lennie Hollister
Lennie Hollister is an experienced professional in Florida's agricultural industry, born into a farming family in Lakeland, Florida. His family has been farming in the state since before the Civil War, primarily raising cattle and growing citrus. Actively involved in the farming community, Lennie participated in the Future Farmers of America (FFA) during high school. Lennie's agricultural journey began early, working on the family farm, and he gained additional experience as a Veterinary Technician at age 16. After high school, he earned a degree in Agriculture/Fruit Science from the University of Florida in 1986 and worked in a fruit tree nursery. After several years in the citrus and cattle business, Lennie moved into risk management and insurance in 1997, transitioning to crop insurance with Carden in 2000. His background as a grower and extensive experience in farming and risk management provide him with a unique perspective on the challenges facing the agricultural industry, particularly in crop insurance.
Mallory Carter
Mallory was born and raised on a farm in Wilcox County, Georgia. With over five years of experience in the field, she is a motivated and relationship-oriented professional. As a crop insurance agent at Carden and Associates, Mallory plays a crucial role in supporting Georgia's top industry—agriculture. Her work in crop insurance demonstrates her commitment to helping farmers protect their businesses and navigate the challenges of farming, ensuring they succeed in the ever-changing agricultural landscape. Her passion is rooted in a deep connection to the core of American agriculture, likely stemming from personal experiences or a strong belief in the industry's importance. Mallory recognizes that agriculture is essential to feed both the nation and the world, underscoring the global impact of the industry.
Rob Woods
Rob Woods is a highly experienced crop insurance agent with a degree in Agronomy Soils from Auburn University. His strong background in crops, farming, ranching practices, and nurseries equips him to guide clients through the complexities of their insurance options. Rob’s expertise enables him to help clients select the best products to meet their risk management needs, including Livestock Risk Protection (LRP), Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) programs, as well as policies for nurseries and row crops. In addition to his professional work, Rob and his family operate a commercial and registered cattle business in the Panhandle of Florida. He is also a dedicated supporter of local 4-H clubs, contributing to the agricultural development of his community. Rob values his role at as an agent, believing that he can best support America’s growers in managing their agricultural risks.
Ryan Lear
Ryan is a committed agricultural professional with extensive experience in row crops, nurseries, tree farms, and hay farms. He is passionate about supporting farmers and advocates for the agricultural community, working to ensure the success of both commercial agriculture operations and family-owned farms. Licensed throughout the Southeastern United States, Ryan's expertise covers a wide range of agricultural sectors. He provides tailored advice and solutions that address the unique challenges faced by farmers in the region. Through years of hands-on experience and in-depth industry knowledge, Ryan has developed a strong understanding of the needs and practices that contribute to sustainable and profitable farming operations.
Shelly McTighe
With a passion for agriculture sparked by early experiences on her cousin's dairy farm in Vermont, Shelly has dedicated her career to supporting farmers. Her hands-on work during summers on the farm and involvement in 4-H, FFA, and competitive horse showing deepened her connection to the farming community. With over 13 years of experience in the crop insurance industry, including roles as a crop adjuster, quality control and marketing, Shelly has a strong understanding of the challenges farmers face, such as unpredictable weather and fluctuating markets. Today, as a trusted crop insurance agent, she provides tailored risk management solutions to protect farmers and their livelihoods across row crops, specialty crops, and livestock. Shelly is committed to securing the future of agriculture through effective risk management strategies.
Tait Taylor
Growing up in Alma, Georgia, a community centered around farming, Tait developed a strong understanding of the dedication needed for agricultural success. Inspired by this experience, he earned his insurance license at just 20, focusing on helping farmers protect their livelihoods. As a crop insurance agent, he is committed to supporting America's growers, from small family farms to larger operations. His approach emphasizes clear communication and long-term relationships, always prioritizing his clients' best interests. With a focus on integrity and personalized service, Tait is dedicated to helping farmers safeguard what matters most. If you need an agent who understands the farming community, he would love to connect with and support you in protecting your future.
Tom Carden
Tom is a dedicated crop insurance sales professional who is passionate about helping farmers and agricultural businesses protect their livelihoods. He holds degrees in Finance and Economics from Florida Southern College, which provide him with a strong foundation for his work. Tom combines his business expertise with a deep understanding of the agricultural industry to effectively manage risk. His strategic approach has earned him a solid reputation for building strong customer relationships and providing expert guidance on crop insurance products. Throughout his career, Tom has become well known for his commitment to creating tailored solutions that meet each client's unique needs. His extensive experience and genuine care for the farming community make him a trusted advisor in the field. Outside of his professional life, Tom enjoys engaging with agricultural initiatives and supporting local farming efforts.
Wayne Simmons
Wayne grew up on a farm, giving him a solid understanding of agricultural practices and challenges. With over 44 years in the crop insurance industry, he began his career as a federal crop adjuster, gaining valuable experience in assessing crop losses and understanding farmers' insurance needs. In 1989, Wayne became a crop insurance agent and developed a reputation as a knowledgeable and reliable expert. He has dedicated himself to providing farmers with optimal coverage options to ensure their financial security against unpredictable weather and market fluctuations. Currently, Wayne trains new agents across Georgia, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience. His mentorship has helped many agents develop their skills, allowing them to meet the evolving needs of farmers and provide excellent service. Wayne's commitment to his clients and the industry has earned him respect as a trusted figure in crop insurance.
Our Office Staff
We sincerely appreciate the essential roles played by our Customer Service, Marketing, Accounting, IT, and HR departments. Each team works diligently behind the scenes to support our mission of delivering top-notch services to our growers.
- Our Marketing team creates engaging campaigns and provides timely communications that keep our clients informed about the latest products, services, and industry insights. This approach builds trust and fosters long-term relationships.
- The Accounting department ensures that every transaction is seamless and transparent, meticulously managing accounts, billing, and reporting to provide financial clarity and stability.
- Our IT professionals power the technology that supports our operations. They maintain and enhance the systems behind our website, data infrastructure, and internal tools, all of which give our agency a competitive edge.
- Meanwhile, the HR department is responsible for recruiting, training, and supporting the talented individuals who make up our team. They cultivate a positive workplace culture and promote continuous growth and development throughout the organization.
- At the frontline, we take pride in our Customer Service department, which consists of eight full-time Customer Service Representatives. These representatives work closely with our agents to address client inquiries promptly, courteously, and professionally. Often the first point of contact, this dedicated team resolves questions and coordinates solutions, allowing our agents to focus on strategic growth and personalized service.
Collectively, the dedication, creativity, precision, and technical expertise of these departments are essential to our slogan: “We Keep You Growing.”