We are an “Independent Agent” insurance agency with two locations in Macomb and Lapeer counties. As independent agents go, First Independent-Descamps Agency represents more insurance companies than most, with a great mix of national, regional, and state-based carriers, providing us the ability to maintain our customers in the best possible position when it comes to price and coverage. We differ from the “direct writers: such as State Farm, Allstate, AAA, and Geico in that we are not employed by an insurance company; we work for you! We are here to advise you when you have a question about coverage, or experiencing a claim. The concept of being an “Independent”, places our focus on what YOUR needs are, not the insurance company’s.
Half of our customers, many of which are in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, Lapeer, and St. Clair counties are businesses large and small. Due to our mix of carriers, we service local regional and multi-state businesses with the expertise to help you acquire and maintain proper insurance protection at a reasonable cost. The other half of course are our “personal insurance” customers; Auto, Home, Boat, RV’s, yachts and much more, with the same ability to find the right company for your needs.
We provide a thorough review of your policies, whether you are seeking our offering for the first time, or if you are renewing a policy through us. Our agency promotes “relationship building” which presents a higher level of knowledge not only about products, but your long-term needs.
And… First Independent-Descamps Agency is a great place to have a career. We present a “family” atmosphere, promote community involvement, and fully understand that if we do RIGHT by our customers and employees, good things will happen!
Our Management Team
Tom Sokol- Managing Co-Owner
Tom Sokol is a co-owner and producer at First Independent-Descamps Agency in Sterling Heights, Michigan. He was previously the owner and operator of a local captive agency. Prior to his insurance career, Tom worked for GE Healthcare where he was responsible for $900 million profit and loss – including sales, service, installation, service contract sales, and consulting services for a diagnostic imaging business. Tom specializes in respect and leveraging human capital – that is, he motivates, mentors, and leads talented professionals. He believes in living the culture and leading by example. Tom is respected as a proponent of empowerment and accountability. He has been able to overcome complex business challenges and make high stakes decisions using experience-backed judgement, strong work ethic, and irreproachable integrity. He thrives on using interactive and motivational leadership that directs cross-functional teams to willingly give 100% effort and loyalty. Tom received a Bachelor of Science in business management from Washington State University, attending on a full academic scholarship. He went on to receive an MBA from Walsh College and graduated summa cum laude. Tom is a recipient of the Blue Ribbon Customer Service Excellence award, is working on his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation, and has received the Farm Bureau All American award multiple times. He has served in a myriad of community groups and service organizations. A native of metropolitan Detroit, Tom is married and has three daughters. He enjoys mixed martial arts, reading, shooting sports, and motorcycles. He loves to travel and spend time with his family, including playing soccer with his daughters.
Daniel (Dan) Steele- Managing Partner, Commercial Lines Dept. Manager, and Commercial Sales
Dan joined First Independent Insurance Agency in 1991 as a commercial and personal lines producer and partner. His expertise in business insurance is exemplary. Dan has also volunteered his time to the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) committees, insurance company round-tables and state and local insurance groups to offer benefit to the Independent Agency system. Dan consults with great Independent Agents across the state to share ideas and concepts to continually improve our industry. Sterling Heights Branch
Jules (Joe) Descamps, Jr.- Managing Partner, Commercial Lines Marketing Manager, and Commercial Sales
Joe’s agency, Charles L. Descamps & Son merged with First Independent on January 1st, 2016, to make First Independent-Descamps Agency. His expertise is in commercial insurance sales, product, and marketing. Joe’s strong ethical business practices and vision for success, matches well with his new partners, and has helped make our agency a dynamic place to provide the best in insurance products and services for the Sterling Heights Branch. Joe is a member of the Warren Kiwanis club and also sits on the board of directors for the Kiwanis Club of Warren Foundation, has served on the Warren Zoning Board of Appeals and volunteered for many years as a youth hockey coach.
James (Jim) Daniel- Managing Partner, Personal Lines Department Manager, and Commercial / Personal Lines Sales
Jim joined First Independent Insurance Agency in 1994, as a Commercial/Personal producer and partner. His expertise is in total exposure review reflecting 50/50 commercial to personal mix of his business. He has served as President of the Independent Agents of Macomb County (IIAMC), various Michigan Association of Independent Agents (MAIA) committees and board member of the Michigan Future Foundation promoting the industry as a great career choice. In 2007, the MAIA awarded Jim the Forsetlund award as Independent Agent of the year for the state of Michigan. Sterling Heights Branch
Lynn Zarate- Almont Branch Manager, Personal / Commercial Lines Sales
Lynn joined our agency in 2005 to provide the Lapeer, western St. Clair, and northern Macomb area’s largest array of insurance carrier choices, products and services. Her expertise includes agricultural, retail, and small manufacturing as well as auto and home insurance products. Lynn has served on, and is an active member of local chambers, rotaries and other service organizations promoting her local communities. Almont Branch
Kim Mifsud- Commercial Lines Marketing Manager
Kim joined First Independent in 1989. With a strong background in all commercial standard and excess/surplus lines markets, she brings a high level of expertise in matching our new and current business/commercial customers to the right carriers in pricing and coverage.
Wayne Bell- Personal Lines Projects Manager, Personal & Commercial Lines Sales
Wayne joined the Charles L. Descamps & Sons agency in 2006 as a producer with several years’ experience in underwriting at major insurance companies. He possesses superior knowledge of how an insurance carrier operates, and benefits its customers.
Patrick (Pat) Green- Commercial Lines Sales / Management of Large Accounts
Pat joined the Descamps agency in 2010, from a producer position at a large regional broker with expertise in trucking, manufacturing, and various complicated risks. He also is currently serving his first term as State Representative for Michigan’s 28th District. (2016)
Lisa Vincent- Personal Lines Marketing & Sales, Personal Lines Customer Service Manager
Lisa joined First Independent in 2006 as a Customer Service Representative. She serves on insurance carrier roundtables to provide feedback to our partner carriers to help improve their products and services to be more customer centered. Lisa also keeps the Personal Lines Department up to date on trends and new product offering.