About Us

The Nelson Insurance Agency, Inc. was founded in 1975 by John B. Nelson, Jr. as an independent property and casualty insurance agency. In 1993, John B. Nelson III purchased a book of insurance business and began his career at the Agency. Upon the death of his father in 1995, John purchased the outstanding shares of Nelson Insurance and became Agency President. Don Smith – who had been with Nelson Insurance since 1981 — elected to continue with the Agency. In February 1996, Rick Hawkins joined with the merger of his Kentucky Insurance Management agency.

In July 1996, the Agency further expanded to provide group and individual health and life insurance and other employee benefits to its clients. Since then the Agency’s employee benefits department has steadily grown with the addition of talented, experienced insurance professionals. These include: Melvin Howard, who joined this Agency in November 1996; Darin Stanfield in March 2004 and Kim Logan in May 2006.

In addition to serving the general insurance needs of businesses, families and individuals, we have developed programs and expertise for specific commercial insurance niches. Nick Clark, who joined this Agency in August 2000, has focused on insuring labor unions. Steve Riggs, who joined this Agency in September 2002, has developed a broad knowledge in insurance and risk management solutions for fire departments as well as radon service technicians. In 2003, this Agency successfully initiated a property and casualty insurance program for apartment complexes and other habitational risks. Curt Royce, who joined in March 2008, has long been a leading Kentucky insurance agent for marinas and other marine related risks, as well as wholesalers and manufacturers.

Brad Stewart joined this Agency in March 2011, and is endorsed by the Kentucky Rural Water Association and the Kentucky Lawn Maintenance Association. In May 2011, Lisa Aubrey Bentley joined this Agency. Lisa concentrates on insurance and risk management solutions for the construction, non-profit and hospitality sectors. Joe McKune, who joined this Agency in August 2012, offers an insurance program for daycares. In June 2013, David Clayton joined this Agency, bringing broad experience in personal lines coverages. In June 2017, Lee Singleton joined our Agency with specific experience insuring Medical Professionals. Greg Nalley joined this Agency in August 2020, with a focus on property risks. In May 2021, Leigh Anne Ferrari joined this Agency.

In 1997, Tom Monarch joined the Nelson Insurance Group with the creation of Nelson/Monarch Insurance Services, Ltd., a Nelson Insurance Agency affiliate. Nelson/Monarch was founded to develop a program of comprehensive property and casualty insurance for public entities in Kentucky. By 2001, the aggregate annual premium for public entities placed through that program exceeded $14 million. In 2001, Nelson/Monarch was sold to Arthur J. Gallagher, the world’s fourth largest insurance broker, with Tom and his son Bryan joining Gallagher to continue developing that program.

In 2008, Bryan Monarch rejoined this insurance group with the licensing of Commonwealth Risk Solutions, Ltd., an affiliated agency. Through CRS, Bryan continues to provide insurance and risk management solutions for Kentucky School Boards.

In July 2008, this Agency created its Founder’s Club to honor longstanding key contributors to Agency success with John B. Nelson, Jr. and Donald A. Smith inducted as the first members. In April 2012, Carolyn Cox was inducted in honor and recognition of over 28 years of Agency service. In January 2021, Tom Monarch also joined this Agency’s Founder’s Club.