Our Team

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Email Bob Van Cleave

A native Nashvillian, Bob has been part of Bandy Van Cleave & Williamson since 1985, selling personal and commercial property and casualty insurance. After graduating with a BS from Tennessee Technological University,Bob began his career with American General Life Insurance Company, marketing group insurance products in Cincinnati, Kansas City and his home turf, Nashville. In 1985, he came on board as a producer at the agency, working alongside his father, William Van Cleave. Bob believes his early work representing insurance carriers has shaped his ability to understand the big picture of insurance and represent his client’s needs better. He has co-owned the agency since 1996 and finds great reward in the long-standing client relationships he’s developed over the years. In the industry, Bob has served as president of Insurors of Nashville and chairman of Young Agents of Tennessee, and in the community, Bob has held many posts as a civic leader. When he’s not managing day-to-day sales or agency details, he enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, golfing and competitive rifle shooting. You can count on Bob to tell you the truth, and tell it straight.

“Every day, we work with a diverse group of people, juggling multiple tasks to help you be prepared to meet unknown outcomes, but because this agency places a premium on relationships with our clients and among team members, we enjoy a shared experience of life beyond the details of insurance. You can’t exist as an agency for nearly 60 years without learning from your experiences. And even though the insurance as an industry has become less personal, we’re old school in our approach and plan to stay that way.”

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Email Chuck Williamson

Following in his father’s footsteps, Chuck joined Bandy Van Cleave & Williamson in 1987 as a producer after graduating from the University of Tennessee, where he earned a BS in Business Administration, and following a number of years working as an underwriter for Crum and Forster. Chuck credits his expertise in commercial risk management with his time spent on the actuarial side of the insurance fence, noting that his underwriting experience has given him a broader understanding of the industry and has enhanced his work in sales and management. He became a principal owner in 1996 and has been overseeing the business with his partner, Bob Van Cleave, ever since. Chuck is the past president of Insurors of Nashville and stays busy spending time with his family and attending his children’s sporting events and other activities. He serves as the secretary/treasurer for Love Tennis, Inc., a non-profit company formed in 2001 by his wife Beth to teach the game of tennis to children and adults with special needs. Their teenaged children, Trey and Lauren, both tennis players, are heavily involved in this endeavor, making it truly a family affair. In his spare time, you may find Chuck playing golf or feeding his passion for University of Tennessee sports.

“I’m proud that our agency has remained unchanged in focus, even as the landscape of the insurance industry has changed: we empower people to make smart decisions to protect their businesses, livelihoods and possessions. We‘re a little like dinosaurs in a time when small, locally owned businesses are being gobbled up by big corporations, but we like it that way and don’t plan on becoming extinct.”

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Mr. Van Cleave is a native of Chapel Hill, Tennessee, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Tennessee. He was an active member of Pi Kappa Alpha and received his commission as a first lieutenant in the United States Army upon graduation. He was honorably discharged after serving two years in the Transportation Corps during the Korean War.

After a brief career managing the family farm in Chapel Hill, Mr. Van Cleave joined The Travelers Life Insurance Company in Nashville. He marketed life insurance products to middle Tennessee independent insurance agents representing The Travelers Insurance Company. Mr. Van Cleave joined The Joe T. Bandy Agency in 1961.

Consequently, the name of the agency was changed to Bandy & Van Cleave Agency, and it remained on James Robertson Parkway until 1974 in the Nashville branch office of Travelers. The agency’s name was subsequently changed to Bandy, Van Cleave & Williamson Agency and moved to White Bridge Road. In 1979, the agency moved to its current location on Twentieth Avenue.

During his business career, Mr. Van Cleave was active member of the Insurors of Tennessee, Better Business Bureau and the Nashville City Club. He served as President of the Insurors of Nashville in 1987 and still enjoys coming to the office a couple days a week.

In addition, Mr. Van Cleave is active member of St. David’s Episcopal Church, enjoys bird hunting and still plays in his Wednesday evening tennis group. He and his wife, Eleanor, have three grown children: Bill (Ann) in New Orleans, Caroline (David) in Atlanta and Bob (Lea) in Nashville. Together they have five grandchildren.

1935 – 2011

Mr. Williamson was a native of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and held a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University. Upon graduating, he worked briefly with State Farm Insurance Company adjusting automobile claims in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

In 1960, Mr. Williamson joined The Travelers Life Insurance Company in Nashville and began marketing life insurance products to middle Tennessee independent insurance agents, as well as working with his future partner, Mr. Van Cleave. Mr. Williamson joined the firm in 1965 and the name changed to Bandy, Van Cleave & Williamson Agency.

Mr. Williamson had a distinguished career in the Army National Guard serving over 35 years, retiring with the rank of colonel. He flew helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. He was active with the Insurors of Tennessee and served as the president of the Insurors of Tennessee in 1990.

In addition, Mr. Williamson was anactive member of Calvary United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Sara and two grown children: Sandra (Rick) in Lebanon and Chuck (Beth) in Nashville. Together they have four grandchildren.

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Email Mike Dill

A new member of the Bandy Van Cleave & Williamson producer team in 2009, Mike brings great perspective to the company from his 42 years in the insurance business. Educated at Vanderbilt University and a seasoned producer and manager, he moved his insurance business to the Nashville area from Memphis twelve years ago.

“I enjoy the daylights out of my job, especially the interaction with a diverse range of personalities and the opportunities to enhance your knowledge. I appreciate the old-school philosophy at Bandy Van Cleave & Williamson and working in a locally owned business that has been around as long as I have.”

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Email Mike Dyer

Mike joined the Bandy Van Cleave & Williamson team in 2004, after completing his service as a captain in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division. Educated at the United States Military Academy and systems engineer by training, Mike has expertise in assessing risk and enjoys the analysis process of understanding his commercial clients’ businesses, believing that to be the key to developing sound relationships.

“My job is to act as a go-between with the insured and the insurance company and develop comprehensive risk protection plans that meet their business needs. We are not a big firm, so we really get to know our clients well. I write a lot of commercial business, but am able to -and enjoy- taking care of the personal insurance needs of clients, as well.”

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Email John Ridenour

A member of the Bandy Van Cleave & Williamson team since 2007, John enjoys visiting with clients on-site and values the one-to-one contact, which is especially important in the personal lines arena. Having previously worked with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, John brings a broad understanding of the local business community to the company and uses that knowledge to help meet the personal and commercial insurance needs of new and existing clients. He is a Certified Insurance Counselor and received his BS in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee in 1982.

“I like knowing that my clients are backed by an
honest, reputable agency.”

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Email Eulene Arnold

Eulene has worked in commercial lines for 12 years at Bandy Van Cleave & Williamson quoting and writing new business, renewing and reviewing existing policies and processing endorsements, certificates and evidence of coverages.

“I enjoy commercial rating most of all and find our clients to be friendly and familiar with their insurance needs.”

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Email Sandy Johnson

Sandra has worked for Bandy Van Cleave Williamson for 21 years quoting, billing and processing commercial policies, as well as issuing bonds.

“I have built relationships with clients over the years and enjoy working with our commercial clients to solve problems.”

 

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Email Linda Cole

Linda has been part of the Bandy Van Cleave & Williamson family for 22 years, working to make sure clients are properly protected.

“My priority is helping our clients find the right insurance protection by quoting new and additional coverage, providing coverage reviews and assisting with claims.”

 

 

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Email Janet Harwood

Janet has been a Bandy Van Cleave & Williamson team member for 26 years quoting new business, servicing existing accounts and handling claims.

“I love the close personal and business relationships that have developed with our clients over the years and I enjoy educating our clients about the type of coverage they need.”

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Email Becky Wolberg

Becky is a 2011 addition to the Bandy Van Cleave & Williamson team. As a personal lines account manager, Becky will quote new business, make requested changes on existing accounts, help with claims processing and renewal reviews. She has years of experience in the industry and comes to BVCW with a lot of knowledge about many insurance carriers - those we represent, as well as those we do not - and her input is helpful for our producers and our clients alike.

“I really like renewal reviews. When there’s a big increase on a policy, I like the challenge of re-marketing the account to find savings. Although that can’t always happen, with the economy the way it is today, I like it when I can help save someone money.”

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Email Karen Hall

Karen is the go-to person for questions about bill payment. Since 2003, she has managed accounts payable and accounts receivable.