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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.

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.

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 August of 2018 . Kyle is a proud Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis member and is active in other organizations throughout the community.

Richard “Dick” Thompson – Personal Lines, Life and Health

After a successful 34 year career as Vice President, Auditor of First National Bank, Valparaiso Dick decided that he was not ready for retirement so he joined Valpo First in 2012 to work as our Specialist in Life and Health. With the many changing aspects of Health insurance and Life Insurance, Dick as spent countless hours preparing himself for any challenge in order to offer the best coverage for you and your family. Dick is a US Army veteran and has been a member of Kiwanis since 1978, including President in 1995. Dick has also served on the Valparaiso YMCA Board from 2000-2010, being the Treasurer from 2001-2008. When he is not assisting customers with insurance, Dick spends his time with his wife, loves to play golf, work in the yard, refinish furniture, exercise, and enjoy the company of his Springer Spaniel dogs.

Cindy Faricelli – Personal Lines / Bookkeeper

She is the friendly voice on the other end of the line when you call and the one that is willing to help you in any way she can. Very well educated, Cindy is a lifelong NWI resident and obtained her Accounting Degree from PNC in 1996, Bachelors of Liberal Arts in 2010, and has also been a Certified Trust Auditor as well as a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking. Before joining Valpo First in 2010, she had a very successful career with First National Bank, Valparaiso as Assistant Vice President – Auditor. If Cindy answers the phone saying “Aloha!” she is probably dreaming about her favorite place, Hawaii! Hopefully one day she, her dog Teddy, and her husband since 1996 will be able to move there and live the laid back life.