Steve Vlk, Vice President
svlk@howaltmcdowell.com
Steve received his BS in Marketing and Finance from Northern State University in 1984. After a long, distinguished career with three major insurance carriers, he started Vlk Consulting Group in partnership with Howalt-McDowell in 2003. He has over 20 years of experience in the planning, design and administration of employee benefits. Steve consults with employers throughout the Midwest and serves as an advisor to many large employers, insurance companies, insurance agencies and advisory panels on employee benefit related issues.
Howard Boote, CLU, ChFC, RHU Vice President
hboote@howaltmcdowell.com
With over 30 years of professional experience in the insurance industry, Howard specializes in developing Life, Health, and Employee Benefit programs for large businesses. He has had extensive experience in other independent agencies and insurance-consulting firms before joining Howalt-McDowell in 1991. His credentials include the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), and the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). A graduate of Northwestern College in 1973, Howard holds his degree in Mathematics. Howard currently manages the Voluntary Benefits department at Howalt-McDowell.
Wade Ericson, Account Representative
wericson@howaltmcdowell.com
With over a decade of experience in the insurance industry, Wade offers expertise paired with a high degree of customer service. As an Account Representative, Wade will work with employers to create custom Group Benefits and Employee Benefits Programs. Wade strives to align clients with a comprehensive plan that will provide an enhanced quality of life.
Justin Ingalls, Account Representative
jingalls@howaltmcdowell.com
With over 14 years of professional experience in the health care and insurance industries, Justin is knowledgeable in all aspects of Employee Benefit programs for all types of businesses. While Justin’s extensive insurance knowledge allows him to design many insurance programs, Justin specializes in group health and other benefit-related coverages.
Christy Westerman, Account Representative
cwesterman@howaltmcdowell.com
With over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry, Christy is well-versed in all aspects of Employee Benefits. However, she is highly experienced in designing group health and employee benefit programs for businesses. Christy earned her Health Insurance Associate designation (HIA) in 1997 and is an active member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). A graduate from St. Cloud State University in 1993, Christy holds her BS degree in Business Management