Business Insurance
Business Insurance Solutions
PROPERTY INSURANCE
Whether you are a large or small business, you want to protect your office and equipment. Don’t let a claim or property damage put your business at risk.
LIABILITY/ UmbrelLA INSURANCE
You don’t want to jeopardize your business and should protect your existing assets. This coverage takes over when your other liability coverage limits have been met.
AUTO/FLEET INSURANCE
Protect your company vehicles and drivers while on the road with comprehensive liability and physical damage
coverage.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
A company’s workforce is the engine that keeps a business going. Give your team peace of mind with protection in case of an injury or accident.
INLAND MARINE INSURANCE
You shouldn’t have to worry about cargo theft or item damage when you ship products. If your business frequently ships products or equipment, this coverage will help protect your assets as they travel on land.
CONSTRUCTION / BONDS INSURANCE
When a customer hires a contractor for construction work, they are trusting that company to fulfil their project request. Help protect yourself in the event a dispute arises.
Captive Solutions
Captive solutions are a unique and tailored approach to insurance designed specifically for your business needs. Instead of relying solely on traditional insurance programs, captive strategies allow you to take control over your current and future insurance program.
CYBER SECURITY INSURANCE
If your company’s information falls into the wrong hands, it could be devastating to your business and hurt your company’s reputation. This coverage helps protect your assets from online attacks.
Management Liability Insurance
Management Liability Insurance provides essential protection for key decision makers within your organization, including directors, officers, and managers. This coverage is crucial in safeguarding your leadership team against potential claims arising from their managerial duties.
Sales and Business Development
We help align insurance and risk management approaches with growth, ensuring coverage remains appropriate as operations and opportunities expand.
Business specializations
Construction | Manufacturing | Fire Departments | Schools | Contractors | Trucking | Small Business Team | Food Distribution | Hotel and Hospitality | Auto Dealerships | Municipalities | Health & Wellness
Clear and Simple Insurance Process
Risk Management Plan
We’ll first meet with you and will conduct a thorough review and analysis of your operations and risk management policies.
Negotiating Power
With over 90 years of experience, we’re able to negotiate exceptional programs, which reduces claim frequency and severity for our clients.
Personal Support
Each of our team members are hand-picked based upon their professional experience and familiarity with a client’s risk profile.
Business Insurance Team
Mary Cheatham
Director of Business Insurance
Mary Cheatham, Director of Business Insurance, joined Sterling Thompson Company in 2018. She has a diverse professional background which includes insurance, education, and human resources. Mary strives to provide professional and responsive customer support, with client satisfaction as her top priority. She is a proud graduate of the University of Louisville and enjoys cheering on the Cardinals in her free time. Outside of work, Mary enjoys reading, music, and spending time with her children, family, and friends.
Paul Baker
Senior Risk Advisor
Paul Baker is a Lexington native and second-generation insurance advisor with a career rooted in risk management. After attending the University of Kentucky, Paul began his professional journey in the banking industry, where he developed a foundational understanding of financial systems and institutional risk. He later transitioned into the insurance sector, first as a producer for a local independent agency and subsequently as a regional marketing director for a national managing general agency.
In 2015, Paul founded Baker Risk Management, a firm designed to serve both retail clients and specialized commercial sectors. His approach integrates strategic risk assessment with tailored insurance solutions, positioning him as a trusted advisor in complex risk environments.
Since joining Sterling Thompson Company in April 2025, Paul has continued to expand his expertise in enterprise risk management and remains committed to professional development in advanced insurance strategies and regulatory compliance.
Paul resides in Lexington, KY with his wife, Calhoun, and their two dogs. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, fishing, hunting, cooking, and traveling.
Barbara Boes
Business Insurance Account Manager
Barbara Boes came to Sterling Thompson Company in 2002 with a strong business insurance background. Barbara handles clients spanning a wide range of industries. Her attention to detail and her client-first attitude has produced a large number of long-term customer relationships. In her spare time, Barbara enjoys watching college sports, relaxing with her friends, and spending time her family. She is a dedicated wife, mother, and Gigi to her husband, 2 children, and 4 grandchildren.
Ned Booker, CIC
Business Insurance Advisor
Ned Booker was born and raised in Louisville, attending St. Xavier High School. After graduating from the University of the South, he began his professional career with a large shortline railroad and contracting company working across the U.S. Ned also worked with a New Albany-based logistics company, assisting regional shippers with managing their freight. Since arriving at Sterling Thompson Company, Ned continues his professional focus on manufacturing, construction, and emergency services. He enjoys sharing his passion and expertise with companies throughout the region. Ned earned the designation of Certified Work Comp Advisor (CWCA) as well as Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC).
Ned currently serves as Secretary of the Board at Pillar and as a board member of the Kilgore Samaritan Counseling Center. Ned and his wife live in Louisville with their three children, and he enjoys spending time outdoors golfing, fishing, and hunting.
Sara Bornemann
Business Insurance Account Coordinator
Sara has called Louisville home for ten years after sojourns in San Diego, St. Paul, Honolulu, Austin, and Boston. Sara received her M.A. in American History from the University of Louisville, writing her thesis on Irish-American political activities at the turn of the 20th century. She turned her curiosity and love of learning towards a new industry, and joined Sterling Thompson Company to provide expertise in research, planning, and support for the Business Insurance team. Sara is happiest with her daughter, a book about American history, her garden and live music.
Amanda Edlin, CISR
Small Business Insurance Team Leader
Amanda Edlin works as the Team Leader for the Small Business Team. Her favorite part of her job is the opportunity to explain a complicated situation/item to those who may not be familiar. She enjoys solving problems and organizing solutions for clients. Amanda values honesty, good communication, and serving others – all of which she tries to live out in her day-to-day relationships.
Amanda received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Indiana University. She has been a Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) for over 15 years. She currently lives in Indiana with her husband, daughter and Siberian Husky. She loves to travel and explore the United States. Her hobbies include painting, sewing, cross-stitching and watching basketball and football.
Jamie Eysenbach, MSC, CWCA, TRA
Business Insurance Analyst
Jamie Eysenbach brings a rare combination of entrepreneurial experience and industry-specific expertise to commercial insurance — giving his clients an advisor who understands business risk from the inside out.
Before joining Sterling Thompson Company, Jamie spent a decade building and advising businesses in the health and wellness sector. He began his career as a medical device sales representative for a Fortune 500 orthopedic firm, developing deep fluency in healthcare operations, liability exposure, and regulated industries. He then transitioned into entrepreneurship, helping build a series of health and wellness startups from the ground up, experience that gave him firsthand perspective on the insurance and risk decisions that determine whether a growing business survives a setback or doesn’t.
That background is what drew Jamie to commercial insurance. He joined Sterling Thompson in 2024, where he established and leads the firm’s Miami office — extending one of the region’s most respected independent commercial brokerages into one of the country’s most dynamic business markets. He specializes in designing coverage programs for clients in health and wellness, marine, and real estate, industries he knows well and where off-the-shelf policies routinely leave dangerous gaps.
Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master’s in Marketing and Management from the University of Virginia, where he graduated in the top 10% of his class with Distinction. He also holds a Yachtmaster Captain’s License from the Royal Yachting Association in addition to the Trusted Risk Advisor (TRA), Certified Workers’ Compensation Advisor (CWCA), and Certified Risk Architect (CRA) insurance designations.
Outside of work, Jamie’s time revolves around his wife, Tori, and their new daughter, Lily. When he’s not on family duty, he can usually be found sailing at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, on a mountain skiing, or somewhere cold, as Jamie is an avid ice bath enthusiast.
Jack Goldthorpe
Senior Risk Advisor
Jack is a long time Lexingtonian, and he has enjoyed putting Sterling Thompson on the map in Lexington. He was also the founder of Lexington Equine Insurance. Jack specializes in Equine Mortality and Horse Farms and expanded into the Business and Personal insurance world. In addition to his insurance experience, Jack is a member of the Lexington Country Club, The Thoroughbred Club of America, and the Turf Club of Churchill Downs. Jack is married to Janet and is a proud father of his daughter Megan, a recent law school graduate.
debbie Hisle
Business Insurance Account Executive
Debbie joined Sterling Thompson Company in 2022 where she brings over 37 years of insurance industry experience with her. She writes all lines of Business Insurance, but her expertise is Construction-Contractors and Habitational. Her interest in the contracting and construction side began with her husband’s construction business. After gaining experience on the company side, Debbie embraced a new challenge and switched to an agency. The agency offered her an opportunity to use her passion for problem solving and multi-tasking. She prides herself in providing outstanding service to all her clients.
Debbie has been happily married to Clifford since 1985 and they have two sons. She loves to travel and can be found on the beach anytime the opportunity presents itself. Her hobbies include reading on the beach, wedding coordinating, and travel planning.
Mark Howard, CIC, ARM
Business Insurance Advisor
Mark is a Kentucky native and graduated with a BBA from Eastern Kentucky University. He began his insurance career as a Claims Representative in 1994 before becoming a Commercial Property & Casualty Agent in 2004. Mark has obtained the CIC and ARM designations and is also a licensed Insurance Consultant. He works with a wide variety of companies but specializes in providing insurance and bonding solutions to companies within the construction industry.
Mark and his wife Andrea reside in Lexington and are the proud parents of their daughter Afton who recently graduated from the University of Kentucky.
Amy Howell
Business Insurance Service Specialist
Amy joined Sterling Thompson Company in February 2019, bringing over 30 years of experience in the banking and customer service industry. She has a wealth of knowledge, gained by working with both personal and commercial clients in the financial services sector. This has already served Amy well in the insurance industry, contributing to her professionalism and efficiency in working with customers. She looks forward to getting to know her clients even more, and learning how she can help meet their insurance needs.
Amy lives in Leitchfield, KY on Rough River with her husband of over 30 years, Harry. They are the parents of two daughters, Jessica (Jeremy) and Alexis, and delight in their two beautiful grandchildren. Amy also dotes on her lovable yellow lab, Daphne. Amy enjoys spending time with her family and friends on the lake.
Jennifer Johnson, CIC
Business Insurance Account Executive
Jennifer joined the Sterling Thompson team in October 2009 and has over 25 years of insurance experience. She graduated from the University of Louisville in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Jennifer holds a license in Property and Casualty, Life and Health, and has obtained her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation. Jennifer is an advocate for her clients and strives to build long term relationships. She is committed to finding insurance solutions for complex situations and has an array of experience in the commercial insurance field, specifically manufactures, contractors, and construction.
Jennifer was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky and has two grown children and two grand-dogs. She shares a home with her partner and they enjoy summers at the lake, going to music festivals, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Leigh Anne Karnes
Business Insurance Account Manager
Leigh Anne joined Sterling Thompson Company in 2022 as a Business Insurance Account Manager, bringing over 20 years of industry experience. She began her career in 2001 as a receptionist and has since gained experience in several areas of insurance, such as equine, bonds, administration, personal, and business insurance. Leigh Anne’s experience in business insurance spans a wide range of industries. She obtained her Property and Casualty license in 2003 and her CISR designation in 2018.
Outside of work, Leigh Anne enjoys spending time with her husband, Kevin, their three children, son-in-law, and three beautiful grandchildren.
Benton Keith
Senior Risk Advisor
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Benton Keith grew up as a member of the Boy Scouts of America earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Upon graduating from St. Xavier High School, Benton attended Southern Methodist University where he received a degree in Art History. Since his return to Louisville in 2004, Benton has been a licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent, working with Sterling Thompson Company.
Benton is a committed member of his community serving as a board member for several nonprofits. Currently, he is Chairman of the Board at Pillar and a Trustee of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. Benton serves as Principal to a Louisville based venture capital fund, Radicle Capital. He strives to create a local impact and has a profound respect for those who devote their lives to finding healthy, sustainable ways to support their communities. He and his wife live on their family farm where they enjoy the outdoors with their three children.
Janet Mercker
Business Insurance Account Manager
Janet began her career in insurance in 1984 starting as an assistant. There, she gained experience and knowledge by working in every department. She joined a large local agency, obtained her Property & Casualty License as well as her Resident Independent Adjuster License, and began a 26-year career as a Claims Manager.
She joined Sterling Thompson Company in 2020, where she serves as a Business Insurance Account Manager utilizing her extensive background in the insurance industry to serve her clients. Janet is very client-focused and driven to understand the clients’ insurance needs, working to find the most comprehensive coverage for them. She shows great attention to detail and builds strong client relationships.
Janet has been married to her husband Lee since 1998. She is a mother to two wonderful daughters. Outside of work you will find her working in her yard, enjoying time with her family and friends, hiking or experiencing community events.
Matthew Miller, MBA
Business Insurance Account Executive
Matthew Miller graduated from Indiana University Southeast with Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Journalism in 2009 and an MBA from the University of Louisville in 2011. Matthew began his insurance career with The Hartford in 2013 as an underwriter. He then worked as an insurance broker from 2019 until joining Sterling Thompson Company in February 2024.
Matthew lives on his family farm in southern Indiana with his wife, Sarah. They enjoy spending time with their adult children Emily, Gracie, Andrew, and Katelyn, along with granddaughter Nova Raine.
Brandon Parrish
Business Insurance Advisor
Brandon Parrish is a Louisville native, former professional motorcycle racer, and Business Insurance Advisor with Sterling Thompson Company. With more than 24 years of experience in the insurance industry, Brandon works with business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals to help develop thoughtful insurance programs for their unique risks.
Brandon joined Sterling Thompson Company in December 2021, bringing his long-standing client relationships, industry experience, and specialized background in action sports, motorsports, and internationally mobile clients to the firm. His work is supported by Sterling Thompson’s deep business insurance expertise and history of serving clients since 1937.
Outside of the office, Brandon enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends, mountain biking, snowboarding, and staying connected to the racing community.
Scott Pippen
Senior Risk Advisor
A native of Lexington, Scott received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Insurance and Risk Management program at Eastern Kentucky University in 1981. He has also completed extensive insurance studies at the University of Hartford as well as the American Institute of Insurance. Licensed since 1977, he has also served on the boards of both the local Lexington and state Kentucky Independent Agents Association.
In 1985, Scott acquired full ownership of Blue Grass Insurance Agency. He has extensive experience in commercial insurance and risk management on a national level as well as with high net worth personal accounts.
Having served on numerous boards of local non-profit organizations, Scott has also been significantly involved with the Christ the King Church parish and Lexington Catholic High School. Married with four children, Scott is a devoted father and husband with interests in thoroughbred horses, golf, and wine collecting.
Sarah Scott
Business Insurance Account Executive
Sarah Scott joined Sterling Thompson Company in 2016, where she serves as a Business Insurance Account Executive. As insurance is an ever-changing industry, Sarah enjoys learning about new coverages and how they will impact her clients. Sarah handles a variety of businesses and has an expertise in Fire Departments, Municipalities, and Medical field related coverages. As a Kentucky native who now lives in Southern Indiana, she enjoys getting to explore the best of both sides of the river with her husband, Nick, and their dogs, Annie and Benny.
Josh Smalley
Business Insurance Service Specialist
Josh was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, attending Holy Cross High School. He graduated from Bellarmine University in 2024 where he majored in English and was a member of the Cross Country and Track and Field teams. After graduating, Josh joined Sterling Thompson Company in October 2024. Josh continues to learn the industry eagerly every day and is always ready for a new challenge. Around the office, he leverages his academic and professional experience to clearly and effectively communicate with colleagues and clients. As his career at Sterling Thompson progresses, Josh hopes to find new ways to maximize his contributions to the team.
Outside of work, Josh enjoys reading, hiking, playing video games, and is still an avid runner. He is often spending time with his family, which includes three sisters and four nieces.
Judy Thomas
Business Insurance Account Executive
Judy joined Sterling Thompson Company in 2022 and has over 37 years of experience in the insurance industry. She began her career with Ohio Casualty in 1985 and then transitioned to the agency side of the business in 1987. Judy obtained her property and casualty license in 1991. Since then, she has been an account executive for a wide variety of businesses, including contractors, habitational, restaurants, equine farms, and bonds. Judy strives to provide excellent customer service as she believes it is important to build relationships with her clients and to make each client feel their business truly matters.
Judy has been married to Stuart for over 35 years. They have a son, daughter, and three grandsons. She enjoys the simple things in life like spending time with family and friends, “Nana” time with her grandsons, and beach vacations.
S. Gwathmey Tyler
Senior Risk Advisor
Gwathmey Tyler is a seasoned property and casualty risk advisor for dozens of businesses and affluent families in the Louisville, KY area, including ones that operate nationally and internationally. His insurance career began in 1993 working with his father’s insurance agency, Tyler & Associates. He then became a professional liability underwriter with DPIC before moving to Sterling Thompson Company in 2001. It is here where he established his current book of business and ownership. Gwathmey’s risk management expertise ranges from complex professional/management liability, multi-location high value property schedules, large vehicle fleets and personal insurance for successful individuals and families.
Gwathmey is married to Ginny Tyler. They have 3 children, Esme (19), Levi (15) and Briggs (5). He enjoys mountain climbing, backpacking, skiing, music and reading history.
