Our Difference

Mission & Vision

Our mission is to provide superior risk management solutions powered by innovative technology and delivered through best-in-class customer service. Our customer-centric focus and ‘Extra Mile’ mentality must bring value to our clients beyond the standard scope of insurance.

Our vision is to become the leader in the trucking and logistics insurance marketplace by applying technology and innovation that challenge the status quo. This will be accomplished through a highly-motivated, diverse team of individuals focused around collaboration, innovation, and transparency. Forward, progressive thinking will differentiate Reliance Partners.

How You Benefit

Transportation & Logistics Expertise

Accelerate your growth by leveraging our extensive industry knowledge about the trends that will affect your business.

Risk Management
Foresight

Improve the safety and compliance programs key to your company’s success with our suite of risk management services and safety seminars.

Professional Resources

Boost your bottom line with resources geared to have a positive impact on your CSA scores and reduced premiums.

Preferred Underwriting Status

Leverage our extensive network and superior relationships with underwriters across the country. Get custom solutions and preferred access.

Best-in-Class Customer Service

Stay in control with support from our team. We will help you with reducing overall risk, loss forecasting and claims management.

24/7 Access to Policy & Certificates of Insurance

270+ Insurance Companies Networked

19 Languages Spoken by Our Staff

Our Leadership Team

Driving Reliance Partners to the forefront of the insurance industry.

Andrew Ladebauche

Co-Founder & CEO

Andrew Ladebauche Bio

Andrew Ladebauche

Co-Founder & CEO

Andrew grew up around the transportation industry, earning an appreciation for its culture, challenges and hard work required to succeed. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. After starting his career in the insurance industry, he realized the value a company could bring to the trucking and freight brokerage business by specializing in their needs. That idea became Reliance Partners, which he helped found in 2009. He assembled a team and built the foundation of the company with an eye on the fast-changing marketplace. His goal is to become the best transportation insurance agency in the country. Andrew lives in North Chattanooga with his wife, Ashley, and their two children. On the weekends, he enjoys spending time outdoors, golfing, fishing and being with his family.

Hometown: Franklin, TN
First Car: 1985 Yellow Chrysler Lebaron Convertible
Dream Car: 1962 Chevrolet Corvette C1
A Quote That Motivates You: “It takes months to find a customer … seconds to lose one.” — Vince Lombardi
Chad Eichelberger

President

Chad Eichelberger Bio

Chad Eichelberger

President

Chad worked in freight brokerage at Access America Transport for a decade, serving as its president until its merger with Coyote Logistics in 2014. He continued as president of the combined entity before joining Reliance Partners a year later to work with his friend and Reliance Partners CEO Andrew Ladebauche. Chad is a graduate of the University of Tennessee where he earned a bachelor’s degree in logistics. He lives with his two children in Chattanooga.

Hometown: Kingston, TN
A Quote That Motivates You: “There are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either in or out. There’s no such thing as a life in-between.” — Pat Riley
What Have You Learned About This Business: Differentiation is incredibly important in an industry where buyers often have many options.
Favorite Sports Teams: St. Louis Cardinals baseball, University of Tennessee Volunteers football.
Laura Ann Howell

Chief Operating Officer

Laura Ann Howell Bio

Laura Ann Howell

Chief Operating Officer

Laura Ann, who goes by L.A., came to Reliance Partners to be part of a startup journey. She loves the fast pace, and works to build productive and positive teamwork that translates into positive client experiences. L.A. is a graduate of the University of Georgia, earning a B.B.A. in risk management and insurance and a B.A. in Spanish. She also served as the risk manager for Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods, where she founded an internal flatbed trucking company and brokerage division. She lives in Chattanooga with her husband, Jeff, and their newborn.

Hometown: Winchester, TN
Dream Car: Toyota FJ40
A Quote That Motivates You: “I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy — I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.” — Art Williams
Best Advice You’ve Been Given: Be an empathetic team member and remember to say things to in a way people can hear you.
Thom Albrecht

Chief Revenue Officer

Thom Albrecht Bio

Thom Albrecht

Chief Revenue Officer

Thom joined Reliance Partners in 2020, bringing 32 years of experience in transportation consulting, equity consulting, and mergers and acquisitions. He’s a graduate of the University of Central Missouri and was a Chartered Financial Analyst from 1993-2017. Thom was attracted to Reliance Partners because of the opportunity to join an energetic, innovative growth company while staying connected to the trucking and logistics industries.

Hometown: Godfrey, IL
First Car: 1966 Chevy Impala
Longest Road Trip: Driving from St. Louis to Chicago, then Detroit and on to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for a week before returning.
Do You Have a Hero? Two of my heroes are Jackie Robinson and Ronald Reagan. Both had courage and convictions, while Robinson demonstrated grace under fire and Reagan used humor to get points across and to defuse situations.
Ronald Ramsey

Chief Commercial Officer

Ronald Ramsey Bio

Ronald Ramsey

Chief Commercial Officer

A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps., Ronald brings more than 20 years of experience with asset-based companies and third-party logistics providers. He oversees sales and marketing operations at Reliance Partners, which he joined in 2017. Before Reliance, he served as executive vice president at Access America Transport from 2007-2014, and continued after its merger with Coyote Logistics. Ronald earned a degree in business management from Chattanooga State, and lives in Chickamauga with his wife and two children.

Hometown: Chickamauga, GA
A Quote That Motivates You: “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning form failure” — Colin Powell
Favorite Thing About Reliance: We are a people-first company and we represent all walks of life.
Volunteer Work: Board member of the East Tennessee Make-A-Wish Foundation, volunteer for Chickamauga Rec Association and supporter of Georgia’s Department of Children’s Services.
Paul Stenmark

Chief Financial Officer

Paul Stenmark Bio

Paul Stenmark

Chief Financial Officer

Paul has a CPA with 25+ years of experience in accounting, finance and operations management in a variety of industries. He graduated from North Park College in Chicago IL with a bachelor’s degree in accountancy and earned a Master of Business Administration with a focus in Financial Management and Control degree from DePaul University. He is a licensed CPA in Arizona and Illinois. Originally born in Chicago and has lived in Gilbert, AZ since now moving to Chattanooga with his wife Amy, two kids Emma (University of Arizona) and Cal (Baylor University) and two dogs Shelby and Bear. However, will always stay a lifelong diehard Chicago Cubs fan.

Hometown: River Grove, IL
First Car: 1977 Chevy Malibu
Dream Car: 1966 Pontiac GTO
A quote that motivates you: “Do. Or do not.” There is no try.” -Yoda
Mario Paluzzi

Chief Technology Officer
Brandon Richards

Chief Sales Officer

Brandon Richards Bio

Brandon Richards

Chief Sales Officer

Brandon joined the U.S. Army at 17, serving for six years in Virginia, Kentucky, Bosnia and Texas, where he now lives in Austin with his wife. Brandon oversees fleet sales efforts at Reliance Partners and manages our office in Austin. He brings more than 21 years of industry experience in the commercial transportation space. He and his wife are fitness enthusiasts who are active in several nonprofits.

Hometown: All over. I grew up as a Baptist missionary kid. I’ve lived all across the United States, and in France and the Caribbean Island of Dominica.
First Car: 1985 Chevrolet Camaro
Dream Car: Lamborghini Huracan
Best Advice You’ve Been Given: My father gave me a scripture verse when I left home, II Timothy 2:15 — “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Jason Coleman

Chief Marketing Officer

Jason Coleman Bio

Jason Coleman

Chief Marketing Officer

Jason says he was drawn to Reliance Partners because of the people who work here — and that’s what keeps him here. Since 2012, he’s served as executive vice president of sales. Jason earned his bachelor of science degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He approaches his job by thinking of the value he and his coworkers can offer to customers through their work. “Through training and camaraderie with my fellow producers,” he says, “we learn not only about insurance, but also how to assist clients when they most need us.”

Hometown: Duck River, TN
First Car: 1977 Ford F150 Stepside 4×4
Dream Car: Same.
Best Advice You’ve Been Given: No one will do it for you.
Tim Gerrish

Chief Growth Officer
Ashley Hammonds

Executive Vice President and General Manager

Ashley Hammonds Bio

Ashley Hammonds

Executive Vice President and General Manager

Ashley marks a decade with Reliance Partners in 2020, having been here almost since our founding. After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in finance, Ashley built experience in the industry operating a long-haul trucking company with a focus on refrigerated foods. He now serves as senior vice president of sales, where he manages a division of the Small Fleet Program. Ashley lives in Chattanooga with his wife and daughters. He enjoys fishing, paddle boarding and following Auburn football.

Hometown: Mentone, AL
Dream Car: 1973 911 Carrera RS
Longest Road Trip: Las Vegas and back.
Do You Have a Hero? My mom is my hero. She drives most of my decisions.
Mark Vickers

Executive Vice President and Head of International Logistics
Emily Wilkerson Baker

Senior Vice President of Finance

Emily Wilkerson Baker Bio

Emily Wilkerson Baker

Senior Vice President of Finance

Emily pursued a career as a financial analyst after graduating from Freed-Hardeman University with her bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master of Business Administration. She joined Reliance Partners in 2016, bringing experience in the manufacturing and transportation industries. As vice president of finance, Emily is a leader on the operations team and manages our finance department.

Hometown: Winchester, TN
Longest Road Trip: From Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Yaak, Montana.
Favorite Thing About Reliance: The benefits, ability to work from home and competitive spirit.
How Do You Enjoy Your Time Off? Spending time with my fiancé, Alex, my dog, Holly, and being in the mountains.
Stephen Copeland

Sr. Vice President of Compliance & Claims

Stephen Copeland Bio

Stephen Copeland

Sr. Vice President of Compliance & Claims

Stephen began his insurance career shortly after graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in economics. He’s a certified Transportation Risk Specialist (TRS), and brings more than 25 years of industry experience in sales, marketing and independent agency management. As vice president of customer service, Stephen plays a large role on our operations team and leads Reliance’s service and claims department. Stephen, who moved to Tennessee to join Reliance Partners in 2017, is married with three children and a grandchild.

Hometown: Clarkesville, GA
First Car: 1979 Ford Mustang
Dream Car: 1997-2002 Plymouth Prowler
Do You Have an Industry Mentor? Marie Romano. She was my sales manager in 1995, when I started my insurance career with Sentry Insurance. She was the most encouraging person I’d ever met. She gave me the opportunity for an insurance career and I’ve never looked back.
Missi Shelton

Vice President of Enterprise

Missi Shelton Bio

Missi Shelton

Vice President of Enterprise

As Vice President of Customer Service for National Accounts, Missi Shelton leads Reliance Partners’ customer service division focused on the agency’s largest fleet accounts. Shelton joined Reliance Partners’ Customer Service team in 2016, bringing with her more than 17 years of insurance experience. Prior to Reliance, Missi spent the majority of her career in sales and customer service in the commercial insurance industry. She enjoys photography, camping, and spending time with her family, especially outdoors.

Hometown: Chattanooga, TN
First Car: Plymouth Lazer
Dream Car: Mercedes G550
Quote that Motivates You: “Recognize that every interaction you have is an opportunity to make a positive impact on others.” Shep Hyken
Jamie Cannon

Sr. Vice President of Logistics Services

Jamie Cannon Bio

Jamie Cannon

Sr. Vice President of Logistics Services

Jamie spent several years in real estate and property management before transitioning to the insurance industry in 2010. One of her inspirations was the late Bob Stiles, the owner of a P&C agency in North Georgia and Chattanooga, TN. Jamie counts herself fortunate to have learned from someone so well respected within the insurance community. She’s always had a bird’s eye view of the transportation industry, growing up with her family’s trucking company based in Knoxville, TN. Jamie leads our marketing team and oversees the marketing of our Large Fleet Trucking and National Accounts. Jamie lives near Jacksonville, FL, in St, Johns, and enjoys biking, camping and traveling with her family.

Hometown: St. Johns, FL
First Car: A CJ-7 Jeep. But it was lifted and I couldn’t drive it, so my parents traded it for a Mazda 626.
Dream Car: 2020 Bronco
A Quote That Motivates You: “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” — Winston Churchill
Taylor Hodges

Vice President of Operations
John Seidl

Vice President of Risk Services

John Seidl Bio

John Seidl

Vice President of Risk Services

A veteran of the U.S. Army, John has more than 20 years of experience in the industry — working for the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He joined Reliance Partners in 2018, where he found the perfect fit of family atmosphere, open work concept and a dedication to customers. He says he prides himself on helping companies be safer. “In addition to the cost savings,” he says, “safe companies with low loss ratios are less likely to cause injuries or fatalities.” John is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and three children.

Hometown: Racine, WI
First Car: 1977 Ford Maverick – V8
Dream Car: Ford Raptor
Longest Road Trip: From the frozen tundra of Wisconsin to Sunny Florida.

Mission & Vision

How You Benefit

Transportation & Logistics Expertise

Risk ManagementForesight

Professional Resources

Preferred Underwriting Status

Best-in-Class Customer Service

24/7 Access to Policy & Certificates of Insurance

270+ Insurance Companies Networked

19 Languages Spoken by Our Staff

Our Leadership Team

Andrew Ladebauche

Andrew Ladebauche

Chad Eichelberger

Chad Eichelberger

Laura Ann Howell

Laura Ann Howell

Thom Albrecht

Thom Albrecht

Ronald Ramsey

Ronald Ramsey

Paul Stenmark

Paul Stenmark

Mario Paluzzi

Brandon Richards

Brandon Richards

Jason Coleman

Jason Coleman

Tim Gerrish

Ashley Hammonds

Ashley Hammonds

Mark Vickers

Emily Wilkerson Baker

Emily Wilkerson Baker

Stephen Copeland

Stephen Copeland

Missi Shelton

Missi Shelton

Jamie Cannon

Jamie Cannon

Taylor Hodges

John Seidl

John Seidl

Company News

Reliance Partners Named 2024 Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation

Ranked Among Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance

Recap: 7th Annual Modernization of Cross Border Trade Event

Third Annual Trucking Matters Seminar Series Recap

Reliance Partners Welcomes Paul Stenmark as Chief Financial Officer

Reliance Partners Collaborates with Highway to Enhance Fraud Prevention and Protect Profits in Transportation Industry

Reliance Partners Elevates Cargo Insurance Experience with McLeod TMS

Reliance Partners Honored as Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Company 2023

Executive Announcement: Reliance Partners Announces Promotions of Tim Gerrish, Jason Coleman, and Ashley Hammonds

Reliance Partners Expands Western Footprint in Salt Lake City

Reliance Partners Announces Investment from Carousel Capital

Reliance Partners Ranks In Top 100 Commercial Insurance Agencies By Hales

Reliance Partners celebrates 6th-straight year on Inc. 5000 list

Reliance Partners Appears on the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Privately-Held Companies for the 6th Consecutive Year

Reliance Partners Acquires Borderless Coverage Insurance Agency

Missi Shelton Promoted to Vice President of Customer Service, National Accounts

Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe Announce Reliance Partners, LLC. To Expand Chattanooga Headquarters

Reliance Partners Acquires Assets of Capacity Southeast Agency

Reliance Partners Expands Senior Leadership Team with Appointment of Chief Financial Officer & Chief Revenue Officer

Inc. Magazine Announces Annual List of Best Workplaces for 2020

Reliance Partners Named on 2020 FreightTech 100 List.

Reliance Partners is One of Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces 2019

Reliance Partners, Proud Sponsor of the FreightTech Innovation Challenge

Reliance Partners Named Top Workplace in Financial Services & Insurance by FORTUNE

The Reliance Way

Reliance Partners Names Chief Sales Officer and Location in Austin, TX

What Makes Reliance Partners a Great Place to Work?

RELIANCE PARTNERS NAMED 8TH BEST WORKPLACE IN AMERICA 2018 BY FORTUNE MAGAZINE

RELIANCE PARTNERS NAMED A GREAT PLACE TO WORK FOR 3RD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Reliance Partners Named as Freight.Tech 100 Company by Freight Waves

Reliance Partners’ John Seidl to Speak at 49th Annual IAICDV

Reliance Partners Names Howell Chief Operating Officer

Reliance Partners Named to Inc. 5000 List

Inc. Magazine Recognizes Reliance as a Top Workplace

Reliance Partners Announces New Office Opening in Central Florida

Risk Management
Foresight