Employee Spotlight Series
At ICAT we put relationships over titles. We want you to be able to put a face to the name of the person on the other end of the phone, so we've created this staff spotlight series. Check back often and get to know more of our employees! Click the name of the employee you'd like to learn more about!
Andy Munro - ICAT Online Underwriter
Kristen Day - Supervisor, Underwriting Operations - Homeowners
Emily Alexander - ICAT Online Underwriter
Ashley Lyborg - Underwriter I
Channon Dorr - Underwriting Services Manager II
Annalise Bowen - ICAT Online Underwriter
Dale Ary - Senior Middle Market Underwriter/Relationship Manager
Courtney Janak - Middle Market Underwriter II
Colin Tinley - VP, Homeowners
Krista Nordqvist - Underwriting Services Manager II
Tony Laudenbach - Middle Market Underwriter
Kari Barrios - ICAT Online Underwriter
Get to know Andy Munro, ICAT Online Underwriter
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in the Susquehanna Valley in Lancaster County, PA, and attended college at a small, private, liberal arts school close to Pittsburgh, Grove City College. I've really enjoyed exploring the big city of Denver, in contrast to the rural areas that I've lived in the past. In five years of living in Denver, I've been able to fill my weekends with great hikes, going to restaurants and bars with friends, attending concerts and sporting events, snowboard and ski trips, and long bike rides (both on road and on mountain). This is my fourth year with ICAT. I really enjoy the people that I work with, both here at ICAT and the producers that I assist on a regular basis. I also enjoy the challenge of underwriting the website accounts on a daily basis.
Where is your favorite place you've traveled and why?
Sevilla, Spain. Experiencing the Southern Spanish culture was very cool. I loved the architecture, the food, history, and feel of the city, as well as the surrounding mountains and the beach to the South.
What's the weirdest job you've ever had?
It was a long, long time ago, but I was an editor for a skateboard magazine that some of my neighborhood friends put together. We didn't make much money (if any)...
What would you do for a career if you weren't doing this?
I would probably be in some type of sales or business development position in the auto industry. I enjoy learning about the constant race to be the top performing car brand, in terms of technological innovation, engine performance and sustainability.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
As long as the weather is nice, I head outside. I'll most likely go for a bike ride or grab the current book I'm reading (Into Thin Air). I've also recently been playing more card games.
What is something you learned in the last week?
I learned how to make some tasty Pad Thai at home.
What is your favorite hobby?
I have a lot of hobbies I enjoy, but more recently I've spent a lot of my days fixing/updating my road bike and going for long rides - sometimes to breweries for take-out beers.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
My favorite outdoor activity would have to be snowboarding. I've been fortunate to snowboard all over the country, and hope to someday go abroad for a snowboarding trip.
What is the first concert you attended?
The first concert I attended was a Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt concert in Harrisburg, PA.
What is one thing you can't resist?
I can't resist morning coffee. Even when I go camping, we have to have it on the stove right after we wake up.
What's an fun/interesting fact about yourself?
I threw the javelin, sprinted and did the high jump on my college track and field team.
What is a TV show you could binge watch again and again?
The Office. One of my favorite quotes from the show, “Sometimes I’ll start a sentence and I don’t even know where it’s going. I just hope I find it along the way.” – Michael Scott
What is one time period you wish you could've been a part of?
I think I would have done alright in the roaring 20's. I've always liked jazz and the art-deco style, and it was an important time for the development of the telephone, movies, the car, aviation.
Do you have any pets?
I do not have any pets but my neighbor has a Boston Terrier named Bosley that comes over quite a bit.
If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I think I would enjoy a conversation and dinner with Anthony Bourdain. He seemed like an honest and witty guy. He lived an interesting life and I always enjoyed his shows. A lot of our conversation would be centered around travel, culture, and food.
Thanks Andy! ICAT is lucky to have you on the team!
Get to know Kristen Day, Supervisor, Underwriting Operations - Homeowners
Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm originally from a small town in Illinois (GO CUBS GO!) and moved to Colorado with my family after high school. I attended the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. My insurance career started with GEICO in 2010 and I've never looked back! My husband and I are blessed with 4 active and amazing boys - ages 9, 7, 4, and 11 months! Outside of work our lives are occupied with their baseball practices & games.
Where is your favorite place you've traveled and why?
Maui. My husband and I have been able to go kid-free a few times and absolutely love the island!
What's the weirdest job you've ever had?
I don't know about weird, but I was a pastry chef for the local country club my senior year of high school. It doubled as an internship for school.
What would you do for a career if you weren't doing this?
Probably still working on the agency-side of insurance.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
Free time with 4 kids?!? Silly silly!
What is something you learned in the last week?
We are slowly but surely remodeling our house. I've learned I am not good at picking the finishes and making design choices. That is best left to the professionals!
What is your favorite hobby?
I love spending time watching my kids play on their competitive/tournament baseball teams and learning the sport better and enjoy it with them! It's a blast!
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Spending the day at the lake boating with my family and friends.
What is the first concert you attended?
Oh my, this is embarrassing. Hanson. MMMMBOP!
What is one thing you can't resist?
A good nap!
Thanks Kristen! ICAT is lucky to have you on our team!
Get to know Emily Alexander, ICAT Online Underwriter
January 7, 2021
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I grew up on a farm outside Missoula, MT and attended the University of Montana (go Griz!) where I studied communication. I moved to Colorado in 2011, living in Denver for a year before settling in Boulder. I'm married to a fellow Montanan (though it took moving to CO to meet him!), and we have two cats. I started with ICAT in March 2020 and have worked previously in commercial underwriting and both commercial and personal lines claims.
Where is your favorite place you've traveled and why?
My husband and I honeymooned in Punta Cana, DR, and it was absolutely incredible. Take me back!
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
Sing loudly to show tunes.
What is your favorite hobby?
Singing and writing poetry.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Floating the rivers of Montana! Absolutely nothing beats a sunny day, friends, and a good Blackfoot River float.
What is the first concert you attended?
Dave Matthews Band at the Gorge Amphitheatre (in George, WA) around 1997
What's an fun/interesting fact about yourself?
It certainly was not fun, but I once got stuck in an elevator with 10 other people for about 90 minutes. We were leaving my husband's company Christmas party on the 25th floor of a San Francisco skyscraper, and we were all in pajamas, as that was the party theme. It was absolutely ludicrous.
Do you have any pets?
Two cats: Saba and Stringer Bell
If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Probably Jason Isbell. I'd argue that he's the best songwriter of my generation.
Thanks Emily! ICAT is very lucky to have you on our team!
Get to know Ashley Lyborg, Underwriter I
October 19, 2020
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I was born in Sun Valley, Idaho, but raised all over the world - moving from the continental US to the Czech Republic, Hawaii, Indonesia, Peru, France, Switzerland, back to the US, then to Mauritania where I met my now-husband, Mike (a Swede serving in the American Marine Corps at the US embassy in Nouakchott). In 2014 I graduated with honors from the University of Colorado Boulder and joined ICAT soon after. Today, Mike and I live in Superior, CO with our 1-year-old daughter Ava and our rambunctious yellow lab, Gumnut.
Where is your favorite place you've traveled and why?
Antarctica, because how many people get lucky enough to make it to the South Pole in their lifetime?? But also, penguins!
What's the weirdest job you've ever had?
I was once a 'scarer' at a haunted corn maze. I've also been a Budweiser rep, a cashier, and a mystery shopper.
What would you do for a career if you weren't doing this?
My wild post-retirement dream would be to work as part of a Safari outfit in East Africa.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
Squeeze in a workout, preferably a quick session at the climbing gym with my brother or husband.
What is something you learned in the last week?
How to sing 'Happy Birthday' in Swedish.
What is your favorite hobby?
Does eating count? No? Okay, then a close second would be hiking and road tripping around Colorado with my family.
What is the first concert you attended?
'Nsync at the old Mile High Stadium. Long live 90's boy band pop!
What is one thing you can't resist?
Anything with sugar, and a good IPA.
What's an fun/interesting fact about yourself?
I was once bitten by a piranha. I have run with the bulls in Pamplona....twice! I was in the Army ROTC in college. I earned my Scuba certification at the age of 10, and went bungee jumping that same year. I lived on a guinea pig farm in Peru.
What is one time period you wish you could've been a part of? (wild west, roaring 20s, dinosaur age, etc.)
Ancient Egypt. The great pyramids have always captured my imagination, and I think it would have been incredible to watch them being built!
Do you have any pets?
Yes! I am a huge animal lover and always had dogs growing up. At different stages I also had parrots, fish (a full saltwater aquarium including an octopus and eel), turtles and hermit crabs.
Thanks Ashley! ICAT is lucky to have such an adventurous and well-traveled employee on our team!
Get to know Channon Dorr, Underwriting Services Manager II
October 19, 2020
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am a Colorado native and see myself living in Colorado forever. I have a twin sister that is my best friend and am super close to my mom. I got married last year and we welcomed our baby boy this March! I have been with ICAT for 5 years and cannot say enough about this wonderful company. The culture is amazing and they always give you all the tools to do your job. During this pandemic, ICAT has shown they care for not only their employees but also the community.
Where is your favorite place you've traveled and why?
My favorite place is Disneyland, we used to go there every year while I was growing up.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
Play with my son. He takes up all my time these day, but I love it:)
What is your favorite hobby?
Walking with family or playing volleyball.
What is the first concert you attended?
Savage Garden
What is one thing you can't resist?
Sweets (any and all sweets)
What's an fun/interesting fact about yourself?
I have always grown up with dogs. Mostly German Shepard's
Thanks Channon! We're happy to have on you the ICAT team, enjoy those snuggles with that new baby boy!
Get to know Annalise Bowen, ICAT Online Underwriter
October 3, 2020
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I grew up in the southeast my entire life (FL, NC, SC) and graduated from the University of South Carolina before moving out to Colorado to work at ICAT in 2018. I am one of five kids and am very close with my family. I love to run, act, play tennis, hike, cook and go out on the boat (not much of that here in CO though). I am described as outgoing, funny and warm. I am the type of person once we are on good terms will send memes in emails.
Where is your favorite place you've traveled and why?
Sorrento, Italy because it is where I studied abroad. In addition to being beautiful, the friends I made there are amazing! I miss a lot of aspects of their culture and I want to go back every chance I get.
What would you do for a career if you weren't doing this?
Teach English abroad or Event Coordinator
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
It depends, what I am doing before and after, but the safe answer is scroll social media.
What is something you learned in the last week?
I learned in the It Was Said podcast by Jon Meacham about President Barrack Obama coming to my hometown in 2015 and spoke at Clementa C. Pinckney’s funeral after the Emmanuel A.M.E. shooting.
What is your favorite hobby?
Playing tennis or traveling.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Going out on the water.
What's an fun/interesting fact about yourself?
I successfully crashed a wedding once.
What is a TV show you could binge watch again and again?
Gilmore Girls!
Thanks Annalise, ICAT is so lucky to have such a fun and outgoing person on our team! We also love your memes ;)
Get to know Dale Ary, Senior Middle Market Underwriter/Relationship Manager
September 2, 2020
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I'm a Colorado native and currently live in Denver with my dog, Rosie. I grew up in Wheat Ridge and graduated from the University of Colorado as a finance major. I was in the U.S. Naval Reserve for 8 years, I've been a volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, a volunteer scuba diver at the Denver Aquarium for 10 years and was a volunteer Firefighter/EMT in Commerce City and Boulder for 15 years. I've been at ICAT for 14 years and love that I get to do such meaningful and challenging work with so many wonderful people.
Where is your favorite place you've traveled and why?
Belize – enjoy the people, culture, and the excellent scuba diving. Moab is a close second, as it is so beautiful and a great place to go jeeping (yes, that is a verb…it’s a Jeep thing).
What's the weirdest job you've ever had?
I volunteered several years as a Firefighter/EMT at the Burning Man Festival in Black Rock City, Nevada.
What would you do for a career if you weren't doing this?
Veterinarian
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
I love to read.
What is something you learned in the last week?
Yoga and stretching makes me feel just as good as ibuprofen does.
What is your favorite hobby?
Spending time with friends and family.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Skiing!
What's an fun/interesting fact about yourself?
I am adopted, and I was able to meet my birth parents and siblings about 20 years ago.
Do you have any pets?
Rosie - a three year-old Australian Shepherd, and I'm an Uncle to two horses, two dogs, and two dozen Nigerian Dwarf Goats.
If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Franklin D. Roosevelt – elected to four terms as President and guided our country through some pretty tough times with vision and courage.
Thanks Dale, ICAT is lucky to have you! We're glad you make time for us between all of your other volunteer and outdoor activities!
Get to know Courtney Janak, Middle Market Underwriter II
August 11, 2020
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am a Colorado native, I grew up in the Arvada/Westminster area. I attended the Metropolitan State College at Denver, and my first adult job was at Starbucks where I met my husband, Shane. We now live in Lakewood, Colorado with our 2 weenie dogs. I have been at ICAT for 14 years!
Where is your favorite place you've traveled and why?
Aruba will always have a special place in my heart because its where my husband, Shane proposed. Otherwise our favorite vacation spot is a private fly in fishing lake our friends own up in Northern Saskatchewan.
What would you do for a career if you weren't doing this?
I would most likely be involved in dog rescue.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
I love being outdoors, and love to read a good thriller.
What is something you learned in the last week?
I recently made homemade ricotta cheese, and now I am hooked!
What is your favorite hobby?
reading, binge watching favorite shows, and most recently more baking.
What is the first concert you attended?
My first concert was Seals and Croft. My favorite concerts were both Heart and Metallica.
What is one thing you can't resist?
Butterscotch.
What's an fun/interesting fact about yourself?
I grew up in dance (ballet, tap, jazz), and played the flute, piccolo and oboe. I would love to take up tap dance again!
What is a TV show you could binge watch again and again?
Friends.
What is one time period you wish you could've been a part of?
I would have been a flower child in the late 60's, early 70's. That is when music was the best!
Do you have any pets?
We have 2 miniature dachshunds, Roscoe who is 6 years old and Elsa who is 4 years old. Both are rescues, and we love to spoil them rotten!
If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Steven King and Dolly Parton because I think they are both fascinating people and I would love to just listen while they tell stories.
Courtney, ICAT is lucky to have your dog-loving self on staff!
Get to know Colin Tinley, Vice President, Homeowners!
July 14, 2020
Colin, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I grew up in the Northern suburbs of Chicago and after attending the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk!), I worked for Allstate in Chicago followed by the California region in Sacramento. I'm an insurance nerd and I hold the CPCU, ARe, and ASLI designations.
Where is your favorite place you've traveled and why?
I love traveling to Coastal California. Having access to beaches, mountains, and culture checks all the vacation boxes for me!
What's the weirdest job you've ever had?
I was a nanny for a single mom for five years through the end of high school and most of college.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
I like to make time to meditate and walk the dog every day.
What is something you learned in the last week?
I'm taking some courses on predictive modeling and last week I learned how to optimize supply chains for a trucking company. Obviously super exciting stuff!
What is your favorite hobby?
It's a tie between running and playing basketball.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Skiing!
Do you have any pets?
I have a four year old Goldendoodle named Lucy and she's an adorable monster.
Thanks Colin! ICAT is so thankful to have your outdoorsy, insurance nerd self as an ICAT team member!
Get to know Krista Nordqvist, Underwriting Services Manager II!
June 24, 2020
Krista, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I grew up in Gainesville, FL and went to college at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, FL. My degree is in Communications with a focus in Public Relations. In 2014 I graduated from college, then made a New Years resolution of, "New Year New State," which resulted in me moving to Colorado as of January 5, 2015. I have worked at ICAT for 3.5 years on the WindOnline team.
Where is your favorite place you've traveled and why?
Since I am Flo-Grown I am a water child. My favorite vacation place is the Abacos in the Bahamas. There is nothing like renting a beach house and a boat. Tropical vacations are my favorite because fishing, sunshine, seafood, palm trees, music and the ocean.
What would you do for a career if you weren't doing this?
I would 100% be working in the music industry. I have always wanted to work for a record label or at an event center. Concerts and music are life.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
It could be any one of these: relaxing, painting, cooking, cleaning or doing something active.
What is something you learned in the last week?
I'm not a huge fan of drinking coconut milk.
What is your favorite hobby?
I love to paint and draw. Being creative is both relaxing and rewarding.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
I just enjoy being outside. Hiking, running and biking are what I spend most of my time doing out here in Colorado.
What is the first concert you attended?
Miranda Lambert
What is one thing you can't resist?
2% Milk!
What's an fun/interesting fact about yourself?
During college I interned at a radio station. I was Daisy on the Big Mama And The Wild Bunch morning show. I was also a National Anthem Singer at my college.
Thanks Krista! ICAT is thankful to have your creative, music-loving self as an ICAT team member!
Get to know Tony Laudenbach, Middle Market Underwriter!
June 15, 2020
Tony, can you tell us a little about your job, job history and yourself?
I grew up in the unofficial Canadian province of Minnesota in a town of 1,000 people. I dreamed of escaping to Colorado once I finished college at Mankato State University. I achieved that dream in 2015 and have been with ICAT ever since!
Where is your favorite place you've traveled and why?
Banff National Park, Canada. If you're an outdoor enthusiast and love quirky mountain towns, you'll probably already have this destination on your bucket list.
What's the weirdest job you've ever had?
Being my college apartment's mascot in the homecoming parade - Reggie the monkey.
What would you do for a career if you weren't doing this?
Backpacking trail guide or woodworking.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
Go for a walk or play guitar.
What is something you learned in the last week?
Life hacking how to pull the tendon out of a chicken breast.
What is your favorite hobby?
I can't pick just one, I enjoy disc golf, throwing the Frisbee, playing Spikeball, playing the guitar, backpacking and beer!
What is the first concert you attended?
Three Days Grace, Seether, Breaking Benjamin
What is one thing you can't resist?
Dill pickles!
What's an fun/interesting fact about yourself?
I solo hiked the first section of the Appalachian Trail.
Thanks Tony! ICAT is thankful to have your adventure-seeking self on staff!
Get to know Kari Barrios, ICAT Online Underwriter!
June 8, 2020
Kari, can you tell us a little about your job, job history and yourself?
I went to High School in Miami, FL and then went to school at North Carolina Wesleyan College and played soccer there. There are many years in between the end of school and the start of my professional career, when I focused on raising my family. I also built a photography business that I recently retired from. I took portrait photos for 23 years. I came to ICAT from the dental world where I was an administrator for the office. I am an ICAT Online Underwriter, working on the website team for 6 years. There are a wide variety of tasks I work on from day to day, but helping our partners is my favorite and is the main reason I love my job! My husband and I have 2 daughters, and 2 grandsons. I've lived in Minnesota, Miami FL, North Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana and Colorado.
Where is your favorite place you've traveled and why?
Tuscany, Italy- good food, good wine and good scenery.
What would you do for a career if you weren't doing this?
Photographer! I recently retired from my photography business.
When you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you do?
Read, exercise, cook or rest.
What is something you learned in the last week?
I learned about Protection classes and how they're determined.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing, camping, going to the beach and sitting on my porch swing.
What is the first concert you attended?
Quiet Riot...lol
What's an fun/interesting fact about yourself?
I played soccer in college.
What is a TV show you could binge watch again and again?
"Property Brothers" on HGTV and "That 70's Show".
Thanks Kari! ICAT is thankful we have you on staff!