List of Carriers
The Creation of Heritage-RM:
On January 1, 2016 Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency and NCW Insurance completed a share exchange agreement to create the combined entity of Heritage-RM. With similar values and philosophies, both value driven agencies decided to pull their resources together in order to be a stronger force in West Texas. Heritage-RM has locations in Lubbock, Amarillo, Claude, Dalhart, Fort Worth, and Snyder, making us the largest agency West of Dallas. The merger between Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency and NCW Insurance extended the combined 178 years of experience and resources to clients, while offering the long-standing heritage of service and support our clients have come to trust. Since each agency’s name is known in their respected location, they will remain intact and operate under “a division of Heritage-RM”.
The History of Sanford & Tatum Insurance:
Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency, an IIABA Best Practices Agency, was founded in 1935 in the developing town of Lubbock, Texas by C. A. Sanford and his son, Marion. As the young community became an established university town, Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency grew into an outstanding regional resource, offering comprehensive insurance protection and superior service to businesses and individuals in many states. The leadership of the agency passed to the third generation when Douglas Sanford became president in 1972. Diannah Tatum’s 30-year contribution was recognized in 2007 with the addition of her name. In 2015, Michael Tatum became a partner in the agency and was joined by Rhonda Thomack and Mark Williams in 2016. Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency, a division of Heritage-RM, is one of the largest independent agencies in the Southwest.
The History of NCW Insurance:
NCW Insurance is a proud recipient of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce “2015 Top Business Award”. On October 1, 1926, Jeff M. Neely, Sr. and Roy O. Greenhill partnered to create an independent insurance agency built on integrity, hard work, and great customer service. Since then, we’ve grown and evolved into one of the premier independent insurance agencies in Texas. NCW Insurance, a division of Heritage-RM, serves a wide variety of clients in industries across the board.
OUR TEAM
Sanford & Tatum Partners
Diannah Tatum is Managing Partner at Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency and Co-CEO of Heritage-RM. She joined the agency in 1978 and has mastered every function of the insurance industry. Upon being named an Officer and Manager of Commercial Lines Operation in October 1985, she has been instrumental in the significant growth of the agency. This growth was recognized in 2013, 2014, and 2015 when the agency received IIABA’s Best Practices Award. Diannah was promoted to her current position in January 2002. In addition to agency operations, she takes an active role in marketing to the agency’s largest accounts, many of which include medical offices and hospitals. In 2009, Diannah was recognized as a Spirit of Philanthropy Honoree and in 2012, was presented the YWCA Women of Excellence in Business Award. Diannah has also served on the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors since 2013.
Goal oriented, self-motivated and always seeking additional knowledge, Diannah has earned a Certificate of General Insurance from the Insurance Institute of America, the Certified Insurance Counselor designation, and she is a Licensed Risk Manager.
Douglas Sanford is a Partner and Manager of the Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency Lubbock Branch. He has been a full time employee of Sanford & Tatum since June of 1970. Douglas graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1970. He obtained his Certified Insurance Counselor designation in 1985, and became a Certified Risk Manager in 2011.Douglas specializes in Commercial Property and Casualty, including the glazing, distribution, manufacturing, and medical industries.
Douglas has been published in Rough Notes and Texas Insurance Journal magazines. He has also been a speaker at the National Association of Independent Insurers National Underwriting Conference addressing the topic “The Return to Traditional Underwriting”. Douglas is a Past President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas and is past Texas National Director of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. He has been a member of Texas Tech University Continuing Education Staff, teaching insurance principles for executive directors of non-profit organizations. In 2006, Douglas was awarded IIAT’s Drex Foreman Award which is the highest honor presented by IIAT.
Douglas is currently on the Lubbock Area United Way Board of Directors and was the Area Campaign Chair in 2015. He is on the Board of Directors of Covenant Health Foundation and serves on the Joe Arrington Cancer Center Committee; as well as, being a member of the Finance Committee with St. Elizabeth’s University Parish and serving on the Presidents Council for Texas Mutual Insurance Company.
Mark Williams is a Partner and Chief Operations Officer of Heritage-RM. He joined Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency in 2013 as Controller. A native of Lubbock, Mark graduated from Texas Tech University in 2000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. Following graduation, he began his career as General and Operations Manager for a local document management company where he was instrumental in their growth. In 2010, Mark was hired as the Business & Safety Manager of a local manufacturing company. During this time, he was also Administrator of the company’s employee benefits and business insurance plans. Upon the creation of Heritage-RM in 2016, Mark served on the Executive Committee, and played a vital role in the design and construction of the new Sanford & Tatum 98th Street location. Mark is a member and volunteer of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce.
Rhonda Thomack, CIC, SGS
Group Benefits Advisor
Phone: (806)792-5564 Ext.333
Rhonda Thomack is a Partner and Group Benefit Advisor of Heritage-RM. Rhonda began her career in the insurance industry when she joined Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency in 1984 as a Personal Lines Insurance Customer Service Representative. She received her Accredited Customer Service Representative designation (ACSR) for Personal Lines in 1990. In January 1994, Rhonda was promoted to Personal Lines Producer. With a desire for professional growth, she extended her knowledge into Commercial Lines small business insurance while continuing sales in Personal Lines. In 1997, Rhonda received her ACSR accreditation in Commercial Lines. She then received the designation of Certified Insurance Counselor in 2003.
Due to her expertise, Rhonda was promoted to Employee Benefits Producer in 1997. In recognition of her dedication and excellent service to Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency, she was promoted to Vice President in December 2004. In January 2016, Rhonda became an agency Partner
Rhonda has served, in several capacities, on the board of the Lubbock Area Association of Health Underwriters. She has volunteered with Meals on Wheels since 2000, American Diabetes Association, and charity golf tournaments for various causes.
Whether the business is large or small, Rhonda has the resources to access several major insurance companies that specialize in employee products including major medical, life, dental and disability coverage.
Michael Tatum is a Partner and Risk Advisor for Heritage-RM. Upon graduation from Texas Tech University in 2006 with a degree in Economics, Michael Tatum joined Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency where he accepted the position of risk manager. Since that time, he has acquired his Certified Insurance Counselor and Certified Risk Manager designations. Not only has Michael obtained his Property and Casualty License, he is also licensed in Surplus Lines and Life & Health Insurance. In his pursuit of professional knowledge, Michael also attended the prestigious National Alliance’s Producer School when, upon completion, he accepted the position of Account Executive. Though Michael’s primary focus has been in the medical industry, including medical malpractice, he is well diversed in all aspects of business insurance.
Michael served as President for the Independent Insurance Agents of Lubbock from 2012 to 2013. He is a graduate of Leadership Lubbock, and a Member of Young Professionals of Lubbock. Michael was a 2013 recipient of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Young Professional Twenty Under Forty Award. Michael is currently serving as Chair of the Insurance Division and is a member of the United Way Golf Tournament.
Executive Assistants
Treva joined the Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency in 2004. She began her career in the insurance industry in 1978. Treva Acquired her Property & Casualty License in 1993, and became an Accredited Customer Service Representative designation (ACSR) in 2006.
Treva Connolly, ACSR
Executive Assistant to
Douglas Sanford
Phone: (806)792-5564 Ext.309
Tammy joined the Sanford & Tatum Insurance agency in 2008. She began her career in the insurance agency in 2008. Tammy acquired her Property & Casualty License in 2010, and became an Accredited Customer Service Representative designation (ACSR) in 2012. Tammy specializes in large medical accounts including medical malpractice.
Tammy Dippel, ACSR
Account Manager, Executive Assistant to Diannah Tatum
Phone: (806)792-5564 Ext.325
Sales Staff
Shawn LaQuey has been involved in the insurance industry since joining Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency in 2007. He received his Life & Health License in 2007 and his Property & Casualty License in 2014. Shawn is a 2011 graduate of Wayland Baptist University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. As a Group Benefits Advisor, Shawn helps employers with providing the right Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance products for their company. He also helps service his accounts with enrollment meetings and explanations of benefits to all employees. Shawn has served two terms as President of the Lubbock Area Association of Health Underwriters. He is involved in the Lubbock Lions Club and is a Lubbock United Way Loan Executive.
Brandi Montgomery joined Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency in 2009. She graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 1993 with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and began her career in insurance in 1999, when she acquired her Property and Casualty License. In 2000, Brandi attained her Life & Health License and then earned her Certified Insurance Counselor designation in 2007. Though well diverse in all aspects of insurance, Brandi has specialized in workers’ compensation and property & casualty insurance. She has expanded her insurance expertise to include physician practices, including professional liability.
Joining Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency in 1991, Steve Owen has been a Commercial Insurance Account Executive since 1981. Steve graduated from Texas Tech University in 1976 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Steve received a Certificate of General Insurance from the Insurance Institute of America in 1987, the designation of Life Underwriter Training Council in 1988, and the Certified Insurance Counselor Designation in 2003. Steve specializes in construction, oil & gas, agriculture, and nonprofit insurance coverage. As a Risk Advisor “I work with my clients to address risk in their particular industry and analyze the best options to protect against financial loss.”
David Stubblefield began his career in insurance in 1979 and joined Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency in 2004. He received his Property & Casualty License in 1981. David graduated from Texas Tech University in 1979 with a degree in Business. His areas of specialty include contractors, manufacturers, and oil & gas.
Scott Peterson joined Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency in 2011, as a Commercial Insurance Account Executive. He graduated from Tarleton State University in 2004 with degrees in Business and Exercise Physiology. Scott’s self-motivation and desire for professional growth led him to the prestigious Hartford School of Insurance where he acquired the Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist designation. Scott specializes in breweries, both wholesale and retail operations, restaurant and Tavern operations, Agricultural areas including: farming, ranching, crop productions and harvesting, and veterinary clinics and supply stores. “As a Risk Advisor, I work with my clients to determine the true risks involved with their operations. We spend a good amount of time discussing how their operation would handle various situations. Not every business and client is the same, so I pride myself on individual relationships and helping them determine the best risk management strategy.”
Sherry Walton began her insurance career in 1997 when she joined Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency. She acquired her Property & Casualty License in 1997 and completed the Personal Lines ACSR designation in 2002. Sherry acquired her Life & Health License in 2010 and is currently working with individual health, life, and new personal line accounts. She received the Travelers Personal Insurance, High Achiever Award, in 2009. “I am an inside Advisor who interacts directly with customers to gain knowledge of their insurance needs. I specialize in the sale of new personal lines, individual health, and life insurance policies.”
Commercial Lines Service Staff
Dee joined the Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency in 2001, and began her career in the insurance industry in 1976. She acquired her Property & Casualty license in 1978. Dee earned her Personal Lines ACSR designation in 1992, and her Commercial Lines ACSR designation in 2003. In 2012, Dee decided to advance her insurance expertise by obtaining the designation of Certified Insurance Counsellor; in 2015 she obtained her Certified Insurance Service Representative designation. “I enjoy working with customers and meeting their needs. I also enjoy the challenges of the insurance industry that has changed so much over the years. I believe the philosophy of Sanford & Tatum it to provide value for customers by offering more services than they expect.”
Dee Bartlett, CIC, CISR, ACSR
Commercial Lines Manager
Lubbock Vice President
Phone: (806)792-5564 Ext.310
Jennifer began her career in the insurance industry in 2009 when she joined the Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency. She obtained her Property & Casualty License in 2010. Jennifer worked in the Claims Department and Personal Lines at the Agency before moving to Commercial Lines where she specializes in large Commercial Accounts including Hospitals and Medical Malpractice. “I enjoy getting to work closely with our clients, while making sure we are covering their insurance needs.”
Jennifer Johnson, CSR
Commercial Account Manager
Phone: (806)792-5564 Ext. 305
Tammie began her career in the insurance industry in 1978, and joined the Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency in 2004. Tammie acquired her Adjusters License in 1991 and her Property & Casualty License in 1996. She earned the Commercial Lines ACSR designation in 2004, and her CISR designation in 2015. As a Commercial Account Manager, Tammie assists the Agency’s Advisors with marketing accounts, policy changes, and issuing certificates. Tammie specializes in large accounts including: Oilfield, HVAC Contractors, and Manufacturing. “I enjoy making sure our customers insurance needs are properly taken care of.”
Tammie Manley, ACSR, CISR
Commercial Account Manager
Phone: (806)792-5564 Ext.304
Christina began her career in the insurance industry in 2011 when she joined the Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency. She acquired her Property & Casualty License in 2012. Christina covers for Commercial Account Managers when they are out of the office; she also helps them with quotes, certificates, submissions, and helps bind and set up policies. “I love getting to help and work with so many different accounts and the challenges that arise when helping out each of those accounts. It keeps my job interesting!”
Christina Maas
Customer Service Representative
Phone: (806)792-5564 Ext. 349
maasc@sanfordtatum.com
Amanda began her career in the insurance industry when she joined the Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency in 2014. She acquired her Property & Casualty License in 2014. “As a commercial account manager, I assist customers with changes or additions to their policies and help with any service needs the customer may have.”
Lisa began her career in the insurance industry in 1999 when she acquired her Property & Casualty License. Lisa joined Sanford & Tatum in 2004, and is currently pursuing a Property & Casualty CISR designation. As a Commercial Account Manager, Lisa assists Advisors in servicing accounts and obtaining quotes as well as working closely with clients to make sure they have all the coverage they need. “I really enjoy helping our customers with any situation that might arise.”
Lisa Duncan, CSR
Commercial Account Manager
Phone: (806)792-5564 Ext.316
duncanl@sanfordtatum.com
Jonathan joined the Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency in 2012, beginning his career in the insurance industry. Jonathan Acquired his Property & Casualty License in 2013. He is currently pursuing his CISR designation. As a Commercial Account Manager and Processor, Jonathan helps process policies to make sure all information is correct. Jonathan also assists in making policy changes; issuing certificates, and serves as backup technology support. “The thing I enjoy the most about my job is that every day is a learning experience.”
Jonathan Prieto, CSR
Commercial Account Manager
Phone: (806)792-5564 Ext.308
Karen began her career in the insurance industry in 2014 when she joined Sanford & Tatum Insurance and acquired her Property and Casualty License within a few months. She is currently working on her Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation. As a Customer Service Representative, the main focus of Karen's job is to review commercial policies for accuracy and coverage and make sure the database information is correct. She works closely with the Commercial Account Managers in making sure our policyholders have the correct coverages. "I enjoy working in an industry that is always changing and never boring and the great people I work with."
Karen Thetford, CSR
Customer Service Representative
Phone: (806)792-5564 Ext. 330
Heidi began her career in the insurance industry in 2017 when she joined Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency. She has a Bachelor Degree in Agribusiness from Stephen F. Austin State University and is actively involved in her church. Heidi focuses on comparing commercial polices with database information to verify accuracy. "I enjoy assisting our Commercial Lines Account Managers in providing the best customer service possible to our clients."
Personal Lines Service Staff
Esther began her career in the insurance industry in 1971. She joined Sanford & Tatum in 1972. Esther was promoted to Personal Lines Supervisor in 1979, and acquired her Property & Casualty License in 1980. Esther was appointed Vice President of the Agency in 2003, and was appointed Audit Manager in 2010.
Esther Mendez
Personal Lines Manager
Lubbock Vice President
Phone: (806)792-5564 Ext.313
mendeze@sanfordtatum.com
Tina began her career in the insurance industry in 2013 when she joined Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency. Tina received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Texas in Arlington. She acquired her Property & Casualty License in 2014. “As a Personal Account Manager, I review policies with customers, assist with changes, and work to make sure coverages are correct. I am here to assist with all your personal policy needs.” Tina also serves as the Sanford & Tatum Claims Advocate, by getting customers started filling out their claim and helping them communicate with the adjuster to get customers questions answered.
Tina Leannah, CSR
Personal Lines Account Manager Claims Advocate
Phone: (806)792-5564 Ext. 301
Debbie began her career in the insurance industry in 1976. She joined the Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency shortly after 1979 and later returned in 2010. Debbie acquired her Property & Casualty License in 1980, and earned the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation in 1992. As a Personal Lines Account Manager, Debbie works with the Agency’s individual customers to make sure all their coverages are accurate and to assist with changes in policies. “I was lucky enough to find a career that I greatly enjoyed; each day I enjoy getting to work with customers and building relationships with them. Customer Service has always been a priority to Sanford & Tatum and I am glad I get to extend that to my customers.”
Debbie Phillips, CISR
Personal Lines Account Manager
Phone: (806)792-5564 Ext.321
Life & Health Service Staff
Darlene began her career in the insurance industry in 1988, and joined Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency in 1997. Darlene acquired her Life & Health License in 1993, and earned her Life & Health ACSR designation in 2002. As a Group Benefits Account Manager, Darlene assists clients with many different service issues including claims, billing, enrollments, etc. "I love being able to work with so many great customers!"
Darlene Gill, ACSR
Group Benefits Account Manager
Phone: (806)792-5564 Ext. 317
Tabatha joined Sanford & Tatum in 2017. She brought her 20+ year background in the healthcare industry to her role as an Online Enrollment Specialist. Tabatha’s position revolves around Sanford & Tatum’s Employee Navigator system which gives employers and employees easy online access to their benefits. “My job allows me to help our groups manage and implement their employee benefit packages. I am so glad I get to streamline this process and make it easy for our clients” Tabatha has been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #575 since 1989 and is currently serving as the 1st Vice President.
Tabatha Burgoon
Online Enrollment Specialist
Phone: (806)792-5564 Ext. 352
Rosita joined Sanford & Tatum in 2016, shortly after beginning her career in the insurance industry. Her main focus at the Agency is on life, dental and health insurance as the Departments Processor. Rosita works with clients to process applications for enrollments, changes to, reinstatement of, and cancellation of insurance policies.
Christy began her career in the insurance industry in 2013, and joined Sanford & Tatum in 2017. She has an Associate’s Degree in Business Management and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Wayland Baptist University. As a Group Benefits Account Manager, Christy helps clients with all aspects of health, dental, vision, life, short term disability, and long term disability insurance. She works to give the client a better understanding of their group benefits. “We work as a team to make sure all our clients get the best experience and customer service; it is our main focus and an everyday goal for Sanford & Tatum.”
Christy Garcia
Group Benefits Account Manager
Phone: (806)792-5564 Ext. 319
Administrative Staff
Melinda is a veteran of the insurance industry and licensed claims adjuster, representing Heritage-RM's clients on a daily basis to help them resolve claims in a timely manner. She serves on the Liberty Mutual National Claims Advisory Council. Her goal is always to help them move on with their day-to-day obligations with as little interruption as possible. Recognizing that she often works with customers during trying times, Melinda says she is rewarded by seeing the claimant made whole again. “I like to help make a bad, sad time into something better,” she explains. Born in Mississippi, Melinda has been a Texan since 1975.
Melinda Hendricks, ACSR
Claims Advocate, Licensed Claims Adjuster
Phone: (806)376-6301 Ext. 261
Cindy began her career in the insurance industry in 1977; she joined the Sanford & Tatum family in 2003. Cindy acquired her Life & Health License in 1979 and earned her ACSR designation in 2006. Cindy began her career in Human Resources & Payroll in 2007. “As Human Resource manager, I work with the employees of Heritage-RM to make sure they are paid on a timely basis, to keep their benefits up to date and to maintain their licenses. I also make sure the agency is compliant with all State and Federal employment rulings.” Cindy has been a member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) since 2008.
Debby began her career in the insurance industry in 1999 when she joined Sanford & Tatum Insurance Agency. Debby began her career in the bookkeeping industry in 1974, and earned a Computerized Accounting degree from the Muskingum Area Joint Vocational School in 1991. In 2017, Debby accepted a new position as the Agency's System Administrator.
Paul began his career in the insurance industry when he joined the Sanford & Tatum family in 2017. He serves as Runner for the Agency and assists in processing mail, organizing various supplies, taking pictures for policy quotes, and so much more! Paul has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Lubbock Christian University and is an active member of the 12th Street Church of Christ in Shallowater, Texas.