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Our Story

Charles P. Welter – Principal

Most people know Chuck as the President of First National Bank, Valparaiso for 24 years. He steered and formed the bank into one of the most stable and successful in the country, until his family sold the bank in 2007. In addition to banking, Chuck has owned Valpo First Insurance since 1974, shortly after obtaining his MBA at Notre Dame following his undergrad at IU. If you do not see Chuck in the office, then you may want to check the golf course. Even that may be tough though, as he is a Golf Digest world golf course rater and may be traveling the world on his next trip. With all of his business success, his largest contributions have come from his generosity and community service. Chuck has been President of several organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, Valpo Parks Foundation, YMCA Foundation, and Indiana Golf Association.

Jason Schwerdt, CIC – Commercial Lines, Personal Lines and Life

Jason grew up in Valparaiso, IN after moving from Logansport, IN at the age of 9 when his father retired from 20 years in the Air Force to continue flying commercially out of Chicago. After graduating from Valpo High School in 2001 he attended DePauw University finishing with an Economics major and was Captain of the Golf team. Jason joined First National Bank, Valparaiso as a Commercial Loan Officer and was there for 2 years until the opportunity arose to join Valparaiso First Insurance in 2007. A member of the Valpo Rotary Club and current Treasurer of the Valpo Schools Foundation, Jason believes in giving back to the community that supports him. He is also very committed to his clients by continuously increasing his insurance education and obtained his respected CIC designation in 2012. Focusing on Commercial Lines, Personal Lines, and Life Insurance he is a great asset to have on your side. Residing in Valparaiso and married to his wife, Joselyn, they welcomed their first child, Theo, in June of 2016. Their second child, Mia, entered the world in June of 2018.

Kyle Knutson, AINS, AU – Commercial Lines, Personal Lines and Life

Originally from Lake County, Kyle is a graduate of Crown Point High School where he was an accomplished track & field athlete competing in multiple state championship track meets. Upon graduating from Indiana University – Bloomington in 2006 he promptly began his career with Auto-Owners Insurance Company. Over the next nine years his positions included personal lines underwriter, commercial lines underwriter, field underwriting/inspector/auditor and marketing representative all while completing continuing education insurance courses. Kyle and his wife Nicole live in Chesterton, are avid dog people and enjoy spending time at Lake Michigan or exercising outdoors. They were blessed with their son, Jacob, in 2018 and daughter, Katelyn, in 2020. Kyle is a proud Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis member and is active in other organizations throughout the community.

Donna Howell – Personal lines

A lifelong Valparaiso resident, Donna began her insurance career in 2007 after working for First National Bank, Valparaiso for 27 years as Vice President of IT Systems. Her work ethic and knowledge of personal insurance is impressive, however her ability to assist clients is her true asset. She has many titles within the agency including IT Manager, Office Manager, and Personal Lines Manager, but she feels her title has parent of two successful children is her proudest achievement. Donna has many hobbies to keep her busy when she is not in the office so you may see her with her family, playing golf (did we mention that she is an accomplished golfer?!), traveling, or playing volleyball.

Cindy Faricelli – Personal Lines / Bookkeeper

Cindy is a licensed agent who also serves as the bookkeeper and human resources manager. Cindy is a lifelong NWI resident and obtained her Accounting Degree from PNC, has been a Certified Trust Auditor as well as a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking. Before joining Valpo First, she had a very successful career with First National Bank, Valparaiso as Assistant Vice President – Auditor. Cindy loves traveling to Hawaii and spending time with her husband and dog.

Lisa Pieters

Lisa is one of our licensed agents serving as a Customer Service Representative. Lisa loves to travel across the globe. Her favorite place she’s traveled to is Singapore. She also loves exploring nature and hiking. Her favorite hike was at Mt. Ranier in Washington. Lisa resides in Valparaiso with her husband, children and dog, Tahoe.