Meet the Team

Owner. David founded the agency in 2017 and oversees its multi-office portfolio and strategic direction. A Maryland native and former high school baseball coach, he brings a mentor's mindset to every client relationship, guiding families and businesses across Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas toward protection that fits their real lives.

With 20 years of insurance experience, Cole Turley serves as a Financial Representative focused on life and retirement planning. He finds it rewarding to help clients protect their families against life’s uncertainties and guide them toward meeting their retirement goals. Because insurance and investments can feel overwhelming, Cole takes pride in simplifying the process so clients feel informed and confident. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, whether it’s hunting, camping, or boating with family and friends. He also loves watching college football, spending time with his family’s golden retriever, and even finds time to surf whenever he can.

For nearly three decades, Michael Poppe has dedicated his career to helping people accomplish their financial goals, from protecting their families to managing retirement assets that last a lifetime. A graduate of Kansas State University with a degree in Financial Services, he finds his greatest satisfaction in guiding clients toward long-term security and peace of mind. Outside of work, Michael enjoys hunting and cooking, and life at home is full with his two German Shorthair Pointers, Diesel and Rigby, and his cat, Bonita. Though rooted in the Midwest, he shares a fun connection to Argentina, where his girlfriend lives. At heart, Michael remains a farm kid, having spent his summers growing up on the family farm.

With over 20 years in customer service and nearly six years on the team, Lauren Smith serves as Sales Manager and Trainer, leading the outside sales team and mentoring new hires. She enjoys getting to know clients personally to ensure their coverage truly reflects what’s most important to them, treating every interaction with the care she would give her own family. Outside of work, Lauren loves watching football, competing in fantasy football, swimming, hiking, and reading. Originally from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, she was also a competitive swimmer for 13 years. Her favorite local spot is Canoe Club in Lake Latowana.

As an Account Manager, Kendall Wright serves as a trusted point of contact for both policyholders and prospective clients, providing reliable support, answering coverage questions, processing policy changes, and guiding new customers through personalized quote options. He values the respect and kindness he experiences from clients, which makes every interaction meaningful and rewarding. Outside of work, Kendall enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending quality time with his family. Life at home also includes his dog, Kanyon, a Blue Lacy who has no idea he’s actually a dog.

As an Account Manager and Licensed Insurance Agent, Holli Baer focuses on handling service calls, reconnecting with past clients, and building meaningful relationships that last. Though new to the insurance industry in 2025, she brings over five years of customer service experience that have shaped her strengths in listening, empathy, and consistent follow-through. Holli enjoys getting to know clients on a personal level and strives to make each interaction approachable and stress-free. Outside of work, family plays a central role in her life. She is one of eight siblings and credits her upbringing with shaping her values today. A passionate Kansas City Chiefs fan, Holli has proudly attended every playoff game over the past three years, including the frigid showdown against the Dolphins.

Since joining the industry in July 2025, Sarah Deal has worked as an Account Manager and Commercial Specialist, helping clients better understand their policies with a kind and approachable style. She enjoys building connections and guiding people through the parts of insurance that can often feel overwhelming. Outside of work, Sarah loves bowling, dining at Fuji Japanese Steakhouse, and celebrating family traditions like Christmas cookie parties. A fun fact about her: she grew up with five brothers and two sisters.

With over six years of experience in the insurance industry, Erendida Amador specializes in outside sales and helping clients find the right coverage to protect what matters most. She’s passionate about building lasting relationships, providing personalized solutions, and making sure every client clearly understands their policies. Her goal is to make the insurance process simple, transparent, and stress-free. Originally from Chicago, Erendida enjoys spending her free time with her small chihuahua, Caufi—named after her favorite drink, coffee.

Julie Hughes assists clients with reviewing their insurance needs, explaining coverage options, and selecting policies that protect their families and assets. She takes a personalized, educational approach by listening first and helping clients make informed decisions that align with their goals and budget. Julie also supports clients with policy updates and ongoing service to ensure coverage continues to fit as life changes. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling to Puerto Rico to spend time with family and friends, discovering new restaurants, and starting her day with a great cup of coffee.

Lindsey Giffin is a Client Experience Coordinator with over 15 years of customer service experience and a passion for helping people feel supported and valued. She’s known for going above and beyond to create a positive experience for every client, always aiming to make each interaction as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Originally from Halfway, Missouri, Lindsey now lives in Springfield and is planning a move to Branson soon. Outside of work, she loves anything creative—art in all forms—along with spending time outdoors and making memories with her kids. Raised on a 300+ acre farm, she’s a true country girl at heart who used to barrel race horses, and when it’s time to unwind, you’ll likely find her at a local park or river enjoying nature.

Colleen “Kelly” Busch is a Licensed Account Manager and Commercial Specialist with a well-rounded background in the insurance industry, having served in roles such as Office Manager, Service, and Producer. She enjoys building genuine relationships with her clients and takes pride in helping them find the best coverage tailored to their specific needs. Originally from Minnesota, Kelly has also lived in South Dakota and Colorado before ultimately settling in Missouri. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active, reading, and unwinding with a good reality TV binge. A fun fact—she’s the youngest of nine—and you’ll often find her at one of her favorite local spots, The Landing in Liberty.

Kirsten Pratt is an Account Manager with a strong background in customer service since 2008, sales since 2018, and insurance since 2024. She enjoys helping clients find the right balance between saving money and improving their coverage, always keeping protection as her top priority. Kirsten believes her job is to make sure that if something unexpected happens, her clients are in a position to rebuild and move forward with confidence. Originally from Clarendon, Vermont, she now calls Rutland home. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, baking, playing video games, and hiking—and as a fun twist, she also loves building Legos.

Michelle Bailey is an Account Manager with 5 years of insurance experience and over a decade in customer service. She’s passionate about helping clients feel confident and protected, taking pride in building strong, dependable relationships and always being available to answer questions and ensure families are properly covered. Originally from Kansas City, Michelle also considers Florida home, where she spent many summers growing up. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring historic spots around the city—she’s a proud history enthusiast—and relaxing at Kauffman Memorial Garden.

Hanah Kizer is a Retention Specialist and licensed insurance agent since 2022 who genuinely enjoys getting to know each client and hearing their unique stories. She’s passionate about educating customers in a clear, honest, and caring way so they fully understand their coverage and feel confident in their protection. Hanah is known for treating every client with the utmost respect and going the extra mile to help problem-solve and find the best solutions for their individual needs. Originally from Maryville, Missouri—Bearcat Nation—she now spends time around the St. Joseph area. Outside of work, Hanah is a proud mom who loves staying active, exploring hiking trails, and getting lost in a good book. She’s also a personal trainer on the side and has recently started flipping properties—something she describes as both an adventure and a major learning experience.

Zoe Littleton is a member of our Outside Sales team with 5 years of experience in insurance and customer service. She’s passionate about helping clients save money while strengthening their coverage, making sure they’re truly protected—not just sold a policy. Zoe is known for her straightforward, honest approach and her commitment to doing what’s right for every client.

Originally from Trenton, Missouri, Zoe now lives in Savannah. Outside of work, she enjoys watching movies and staying informed on geopolitics. A fun fact—she was a cake decorator in college and still enjoys it when she gets the chance. You’ll often find her starting her day at Cabin Coffee or grabbing lunch at Felix Gourmet in St. Joseph.

Jordan Abner is a Remote Account Manager with 14 years of experience in the insurance industry, including 13 years as an Account Manager. He enjoys helping clients understand their coverage and the importance of being properly protected, taking the time to listen to their needs and provide guidance they can trust. Jordan is committed to building strong relationships and ensuring every client feels supported and informed when making insurance decisions. Originally from Charles Town, West Virginia, he now lives near Neptune Beach, Florida. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and relaxing at the beach. A fun fact about Jordan is that he has a free-roaming Netherland Dwarf Lionhead rabbit named Furby, whom he proudly considers part of the family. One of his favorite local spots is Mezza Luna Restaurant on Neptune Beach.

Christina Christensen is a Licensed Sales Producer with nearly two years of experience in insurance and a previous career as a Clinical Medical Assistant. She’s passionate about helping clients understand how their insurance works and identifying coverage gaps they may not realize they have. Christina believes in being a person first and an agent second, and she always hopes to be the reason someone smiles that day. Originally from New Jersey, she moved to Florida with her husband and four children in 2022. Outside of work, Christina loves spending time with her family, reading, watching telenovelas, and cooking or baking. A fun fact—she can clap with one hand! Her favorite local spots include Seville Quarter in downtown Pensacola and Crabs on the Beach.

Haley Georgie is an Account Manager with a year of insurance experience and over 11 years in customer service. She enjoys helping clients gain peace of mind knowing they and their families are properly protected, and she’s always happy to help no matter the circumstance. Originally from the small town of Lawson, Missouri, Haley moved to Kansas City 11 years ago and has called it home ever since. Outside of work, family is her top priority, and she loves spending time with them whenever she can. She’s also an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys camping, hiking, and just about anything that gets her outside. Her favorite local coffee spot is Fitti’s Espresso in the Northland, especially for their iced matcha lattes.

Katlin Worlledge is a Sales Agent with 5 years of experience in insurance. She enjoys building lasting relationships with clients and helping them feel confident and at ease when it comes to their coverage. Katlin wants every client to know they are protected, cared for, and have someone they can count on when life takes an unexpected turn. Originally from the Kansas City area, she now calls Odessa home. Outside of work, Katlin loves being a wife and mom to her three boys and spending weekends on the water making memories with her family. A fun fact about Katlin—she sang on television as a little girl! Her favorite local restaurant is Q39 BBQ.

The Insurance Agents Behind the David Starns Team

David Starns Agencies: Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas

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