Meet our wonderful team!
We could not be more proud of our amazing team that makes WAP so special. Click on their picture to see their bio!
Paul Rose
Co-CEO
602.955.5353 Ext. 281
Paul@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
Paul Rose, Co-CEO - Peace, Love and Medicare!
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
I enjoy the freedom and leadership opportunities. I love working with a team that is focused on developing new ideas and services for our clients. I like how we try to make everything fun.
Ask me about (at WAP)...
How to start an agency… How to organize for carrier meetings… How to strategize strengths and build an agency… Technical Medicare questions… How we run Western Asset… Where we will be in five years…
Where I am from and what brought me here...
I was born in Portland, Oregon and moved to Iowa and Michigan, as my parents were pastors for many years. We landed in Arizona to seek new opportunities in 1993. Mel hired my twin sister Mari and I in 1999. I haven’t looked back since!
What I can’t stop talking about...
How we wouldn’t be here without our agents and agency partners… How fun it is to work with our team…How fun it is to launch into new markets and grow our company!
What you might not know about me...
I have three grandkids! I like a good game of disc golf, poker tournaments and any sporting event. I like to make people laugh…maybe you knew that!
Mari Rose Tautimes
Co-CEO
602.955.5353 Ext. 294
mari@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
Mari Rose – Co-CEO of Dreams, Visions, and ACTION!
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
It’s a wonderland of positive energy that inspires me to become more, and I also get to help others do the same.
Ask me about (at WAP)...
Salesforce, marketing, building teams and business strategy. My passion is to find ways to leverage technology for the heavy lifting, but balance that with amazing humans who use it. Tech doesn't replace people, it enhances their efficiency and options.
Where I am from and what brought me here...
We moved a lot growing up and we settled in beautiful sunny AZ when I was in junior high. I've been here longer than anywhere else, so now I consider myself to be from AZ. It's just easier to describe in short conversations this way too.
What I can’t stop talking about...
I'm a talker...so there's a few things I'm always talking about...
1. How lucky I am. I have 4 beautiful children (19, 19, 8 and 4), an amazing opportunity to help others through our business.
2. Tony Robbins. The man has influenced me to lead a most empowered and fulfilling life. The result? He comes up in conversation pretty regularly.
3. Whatever I'm learning, because I'm ALWAYS feeding my mind. My favorite books this year were The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni, Daring Greatly and Rising Strong by Brene Brown, First Things First by Stephen Covey, The E Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber, Good to Great by James Collins and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
What you might not know about me...
I wanted to be a race car driver, a professional business woman or a paleontologist when I grew up. One out of three isn’t bad!
Mel Rose
Chairman of the Board
mel@westernassetprotection.com
Direct Line: 602-770-5063
My business card should say...
It has been suggested that rather than CEO, perhaps another title would be CIO - Chief Inspiration Officer.
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
Inspiring others to reach for their highest good simultaneously creates the space for increased happiness and success.
Ask me about (at WAP)...
Everything! Since acquiring WAP in 1998, I’ve had the joy of assembling an extraordinary team of individuals who complement our mission of treating everyone we encounter with kindness and integrity.
Where I am from and what brought me here...
Northern CA is where I was raised. After completing my BA and M-Div I served as a Christian minister for 20 years in So-Cal, Oregon, Iowa and Michigan. Our family moved to AZ in 1994 as I was searching for a different career to fulfill my calling to help and inspire people.
What I can’t stop talking about...
Our wonderful people here at WAP… I am blessed to work side-by-side with truly amazing, kind and caring individuals that bring joy and effective solutions to everyone associated with our business.
What you might not know about me...
In 1994, I suffered a closed head injury from a motorcycle accident while not wearing a helmet (it is questionable whether it knocked any sense into me!). This prompted my looking into a new career. Since I loved working with people and math, my occupational therapist connected me with an insurance business. I interviewed and began my insurance career in 1995. The rest is history!
Mary Rose
Managing Partner
mary@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
Mary Rose, PhD
Owner, Managing Partner
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
The people. The energy.
Ask me about (at WAP)...
How we’ve grown as a company.
Where I am from and what brought me here...
The Midwest. Mel had to lure me out of a teaching contract to work full-time in our business.
What I can’t stop talking about...
Being able to fire myself from many jobs and tasks and watching everyone grow here.
What you might not know about me...
I hold three degrees. I am a professional singer. I was a pastor, church music director, and taught voice and piano privately for 30 years, as well as English, Public Speaking, Reading, Music Appreciation and Choir in the classroom.
Ana Iamandi
Account Executive
602.955.5353 Ext. 291
ana@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
I will figure it out!
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
I have learned and grown more than I would have ever thought possible during my time at WAP. I have been given amazing professional opportunities. I have been encouraged and nurtured every step of the way. Most importantly, I get to be myself!
Ask me about (at WAP)...
Any of the insurance carriers making up our amazing portfolio, their benefits, networks, trainings, and marketing materials.
Where I am from and what brought me here...
I am from Romania and a plane brought me here.
What I can’t stop talking about...
Helping the Earth and getting involved in a cause.
What you might not know about me...
I enjoy reading and traveling quite a bit. I love Mother Nature and all animals, but dogs definitely take the cake for me!
Damon Rose
Logistics
602.955.5353 Ext. 275
damon@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
Can Do! You Betchya’! I’m on it!
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
Complimentary Chocolate. And Helping Agents Sell of course!
Ask me about (at WAP)...
The supply room! I eat breathe and sleep Kits! In an organized fashion, no doubt.
Where I am from and what brought me here...
Life-long Phoenician, strong people in a positive environment.
What I can’t stop talking about...
Anything science. And Rick and Morty.
What you might not know about me...
2nd best underwater basket weaver in my Saturday Underwater Basket Weaving Club.
Erin Toscano
Contracting Relationship Specialist
602.955.5353 Ext. 303
erin@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
Contracting Service Specialist with big ambitions and big hair.
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
Being a part of an organization where not only our agents but the staff are acknowledged for their value and encouraged to grow and educate themselves. Everyone at WAP is genuinely good natured and willing to help in any way possible. Integrity, support, and innovative thinking make coming to work every day a positive experience.
Ask me about (at WAP)...
Anything. Each day I leave the office knowing more about this industry and our company than when I walked through the doors, so ask me whatever you need to know! Either I will have answer or I will find it for you.
Where I am from and what brought me here...
Most of my life was spent growing up in Montana until college brought me over to Portland, OR where I graduated from PSU. I spent the next decade moving around quite a bit both on the East and West coast until I landed back in Portland were I started my family. We ended up in Phoenix the summer of 2017 so far loving the weather!
What I can’t stop talking about...
My kids! They are 3 and 6 and my entire world. They keep me busy but I am very lucky to be surrounded by so much love on a regular basis.
What you might not know about me...
I have two different colored eyes. One blue and one half blue and half green. The technical term is Heterochromia and Arizona has been the only state I’ve lived that allows me to indicate this on my driver’s license.
Jean Lentsch
Compliance Officer
602.955.5353 Ext. 295
jean@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
“The Mediator”
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
They recognize your accomplishments and celebrate your creativity and potential.
Ask me about (at WAP)...
All things compliance!
Where I am from and what brought me here...
The Windy City, which is still the greatest city on earth! While I will always appreciate the toughness and work ethic of Chicago, I’m loving the more comfortable climate of Arizona.
What I can’t stop talking about...
How communication and building healthy relationships are critical elements to building a successful family, a successful business, and a successful self!
What you might not know about me...
I started working for an insurance company at the tender age of 17, having grown up in the insurance industry since that age.
Jessica Smith
Digital Producer
602.955.5353 Ext. 306
jessica@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
Smiles are contagious, pass it on.
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
They encourage you to be the best of what you want to be. I love the work out of the mind that happens in this awesome company.
Ask me about (at WAP)...
I’m ready to learn it all, and learning it all is what I have been given!
Where I am from and what brought me here...
Your past molds you but I am not partial to fungus (pass on the mushrooms please). I live today for what it is - a gift - and don't look back or you might trip on that huge opportunity in front of you.
What I can’t stop talking about...
I can't stop talking about the website. Who knew that coding and web design had so much in common with art and music .
What you might not know about me...
I am a music major, with an art minor, though I dabble in botany, home repair, homesteading, and all things that bring joy. Seriously, I am willing to try almost anything once.
Joe Weirather
Application Architect
602.955.5353 Ext. 300
joe@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
01101000 01100101 01101100 01101100 01101111 00100000 01110111 01101111 01110010 01101100 01100100
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
From the front desk to the corner office, everybody is smart, friendly, helpful, creative, and dedicated to the bone. That kind of alchemy is a rare find, and I appreciate being a part of it!
Ask me about (at WAP)...
Pretty much anything technical, though my focus is on new application initiatives, features, security, and support.
Where I am from and what brought me here...
Alameda, CA. A great little town in the Bay Area. I came to AZ in 1993 to attend ASU's School of Architecture, planted roots quickly, and have no plans to leave.
What I can’t stop talking about...
Business. Security. Technology. Dogs. Crock pot and outdoor cooking. Making things. Progress. Remodeling. WAP.
What you might not know about me...
I love my tech job, but I also enjoy creativity though music, visual and performing arts, photography, home improvement projects, etc.
Mitch Shelton
Network Administrator
602.955.5353 Ext. 293
mitch@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
Challenge Accepted!
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
I get to share the work days with fun and brilliant co-workers, watch the company grow and diversify, and see us consistently & successfully crush goals and set new ones! Talk about motivation!
Ask me about (at WAP)...
The Raptor….
Where I am from and what brought me here...
I am from South Dakota, known for Mt. Rushmore and the Sturgis Bike Rally. It is also known for very cold winters, which has led to my permanent vacation in Arizona!
What I can’t stop talking about...
My son Leif and my family, my work family, and Daisy (aka my Jeep Wrangler).
What you might not know about me...
I am a pin-up style grease monkey that loves to work on cars and trucks. I have always wanted to custom build a motorcycle from scratch! And I have played the violin since age 9.
Molly Barrett
Sales Support
602.955.5353 Ext. 311
molly@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
“Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about” – Oscar Wilde
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
The amazing family environment and the opportunity to learn something new every day!
Ask me about (at WAP)...
Where the good snacks are! I’ll hook you up!
Where I am from and what brought me here...
I’m a military brat, so I’m from a little bit of everywhere and then eventually landed in Phoenix. Despite all the sunshine and the heat, I decided to stay in Arizona to stay closer to my Dad and Brother.
What I can’t stop talking about...
My cats! You can also count on me to always be talking about movies and T.V. shows.
What you might not know about me...
I am Batman.
Nic LeClair
AP/AR Manager
602.955.5353 Ext. 302
nic@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
Golf Fanatic and Numbers Guy
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
I enjoy being at WAP because I feel like I’m one of the family - which means I’ll be taken care of as much as I’ll be heckled!
Ask me about (at WAP)...
Where your money is! If you have any commission questions, I’m your guy!
Where I am from and what brought me here...
I am from the frigid state of Wisconsin where we love our cheese (especially deep fried cheese curds, yummmm). Most recently, I was in Colorado where my better half is from, and we’re now in Arizona so she can get her doctorate in Psychology. I’m happy to be along for the ride!
What I can’t stop talking about...
Technology and sports. Elon Musk is my hero.
What you might not know about me...
I am a former PGA Professional and I play all the instruments needed for a rock band (even vocals).
Nieves Noriega
Sales Support
602.955.5353 Ext. 284
nieves@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
The creativity, innovation, constant strides towards growth and the feeling of working as a family.
Ask me about (at WAP)...
Kits, materials on our website/how to gain access to carriers on our site, carrier take-home goodies (pens, band-aids, pill boxes, etc) , “Who handles _____?”
Where I am from and what brought me here...
I am a Phoenix native and the daughter of an immigrant father from Guatemala and my wonderful mother, who was raised on the border in Nogales. My mother raised me to be a hard worker and to always create positive connections with people. That, paired with my best friend from high school (Damon Rose!) brought me to volunteer at WAPCon2018, which turned out to be a chance at a working interview that landed me a home at WAP.
What I can’t stop talking about...
All things Tiki! Local bars, restaurants and other hotspots. Travelling, my little family, and all things DISNEY!!
What you might not know about me...
I can’t curl my tongue like a taco.
Rachel Fanguy
Business Operations Specialist
602.955.5353 Ext. 301
rachel@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
BOS(S) and Problem Solver Extraordinaire
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
The energetic, positive atmosphere and the fun people are great. There’s always something new to learn and someone willing to help teach it.
Ask me about (at WAP)...
Contracts, licenses, our systems, your growth – whatever you want to know, I will help you find an answer.
Where I am from and what brought me here...
I grew up in Austin, Texas, the live music capitol of the world. After eighteen years of fun there, I came to Phoenix to attend Arizona State University, and after graduation I found WAP.
What I can’t stop talking about...
Whatever documentary I watched most recently. I am a trivia fanatic and love learning new things. Nature, history, science – anything that captures my interest. My degree is in psychology and I consider myself a lifelong student of the human condition and the world around me.
What you might not know about me...
I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie. I love roller coasters, climbing, white water rafting, and my latest passion, aerial arts. Life’s an adventure if you live it right.
Rosemary Moreno
Account Executive
602.955.5353 Ext. 297
rosemary@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
Excel Queen! There’s nothing you can’t do in Excel!
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
They inspire my “learn and grow” mantra.
Ask me about (at WAP)...
How reports can help improve your sales production. Oh and anything Excel – I’m WAP’s Official Excel Queen!
Where I am from and what brought me here...
I was born and raised in Phoenix, the youngest of six, by two immigrant parents who wanted a better life for their children. Hard work and responsibility were embedded in me by example early on, which has shaped my career and life.
What I can’t stop talking about...
Pivot Tables…Pivot Tables…Pivot Tables…I call them PT’s!! Wanna see one?
What you might not know about me...
I LOVE the arts! My mother is a dramatic poet, and my father, a pastry chef. My brother is a singer and I can work a karaoke bar pretty well too! My children play a variety of instruments, sing, and write. I’m also dabbling in acting, having appeared as an extra in small budget films for a friend who has a production company.
Sherri Johnson
New Business Development
602.955.5353 Ext. 288
sherri@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
Game Changer
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
We don't have co-workers at WAP. We have work-family. Our magic starts at the top with phenomenal leadership who inspire, motivate and empower our entire team. WAP's success is a direct reflection of that. I LOVE IT HERE!
Ask me about (at WAP)...
Everything we will do to help you win. LET'S DO THIS!
Where I am from and what brought me here...
I was born in Queens, New York and lived in Tucson, Arizona for 25+ years before relocating to Phoenix. My career in healthcare began in 2002 and 9 years later I ventured into the world of Medicare. In 2013, I joined the best team in this industry. I've been with WAP ever since!
What I can’t stop talking about...
My children – Asia, Johnny and JayQuon. They are my "WHY" and inspire me to live my best life everyday.
What you might not know about me...
I'm a hardcore football mom of 2 college kids and an 11 year old genius. Food is my love language and I enjoy traveling to new places, trying new things. I am passionate about helping people succeed. Combining that with my never-ending hunger for knowledge and personal & professional growth is my recipe for success.
Solana Bottem
Vice President of Operations
602.955.5353 Ext. 226
solana@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
Solana Bottem, Vice President of Operations and “IT” Girl, problem solver!
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
I love the innovation and creativity here at WAP. I am extremely proud of our technology products, projects and the ability to collaborate with other IT partners to develop world class technology solutions. We work hard to put the best tech in the hands of the best people. Speaking of the best people, here at WAP, there is not a day that goes by without amazing feats of collaboration and high fives galore!
Ask me about (at WAP)...
Technology projects here at WAP including Salesforce, Service Cloud, our new Contracting Wizard. WAP technology vision in general. And anything to do with branding and process improvement.
Where I am from and what brought me here...
I grew up under the grey cloudy skies of the Great Pacific Northwest, in Seattle and on Bainbridge Island. In 2008, I moved to San Diego for obvious reasons. I came to Phoenix in 2013 to be closer to family and now also have a whole new extended family - my WAP family.
What I can’t stop talking about...
Design blogs, business articles, books, GOT, travel and adventure, including culinary hits and misses. Wine!! Or the daily adventures of Handsome Harvey, the best-looking Boxer you have ever met and my small but mighty Lulu Pug. I LOVE anything to do with tech, so any tech toy or app discovery!
What you might not know about me...
I love travel! I have seen the start of the Iditarod in Anchorage (cold and loud), a bull fight in Madrid (never again), the Mona Lisa in Paris (smaller than expected), a perfect Spring day in Prague (magic) and enjoyed a pint of Guinness in Dublin (Slainte). My latest love is Mexico City!
TJ Faletoi
Contracting Service Specialist
602.955.5353 Ext. 286
tj@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
Your Contracting Service Specialist with a flair of Aloha!
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
WAP has become my family away from home. WAP has allowed me to be myself and have been very supportive with my career and personal goals. I hate having to call my work a “job” because unlike other companies I’ve worked for, I’m always excited to show up and fulfill my duties as a Contracting Service Specialist and know that I’m making a difference in and out of the company. The dynamic here at WAP is like no other and our agent partners can vouch for that.
Ask me about (at WAP)...
Contracting with any of our carriers – my team and I are here to assist you!
Where I am from and what brought me here...
I am from the beautiful 50th State, Hawaii! I moved here at the end of 2010 from Honolulu, O’ahu to escape the cost of living and unstable economy. Although it’s been rocky for the first few years here in Arizona, my life has definitely changed for the better! WAP has definitely been a deciding factor as to why I’m planted firm here in Phoenix.
What I can’t stop talking about...
Other than WAP, I can’t stop talking about food, volleyball, and the paranormal. I love food! Especially Korean, Chinese and Polynesian dishes! Volleyball - I’m an indoor player, setter, with a strong left hand. It’s the only sport I’m good at. And last but not least, the paranormal – I’ve experienced many unexplained occurrences in my life and am intrigued about the subject. It would be a dream to become a parapsychologist and a paranormal investigator.
What you might not know about me...
I am a genealogist. I’ve been working on my maternal family lineage for the past 15 years – I’m fascinated by the way our ancestors traveled around the world and their circumstances that led them to sacrifice so much in their lives. My great-grandfather was a paramount chief of Samoa and I am his name sake. I take pride in my Polynesian culture and I’ve come to appreciate it more since moving to Arizona.
Todd Welch
Director of Finance
602.955.5353 Ext. 299
todd@westernassetprotection.com
Toll Free: 800-955-5390
My business card should say...
Director of Finance, Advisor, Friend
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
I love being a part of a growing business that puts integrity and quality first! We have a stellar team on the pitch at all times! (Big soccer fan!)
Ask me about (at WAP)...
Where’s my check? What time is meditation?
Where I am from and what brought me here...
I came from the health care industry and started working with the great people at WAP as a consultant while completing my MBA. I was excited to join them full-time because of their dedication towards achieving REAL success.
What I can’t stop talking about...
Success principles, management articles.
What you might not know about me...
I like to write.
Cord Moorhead
Senior Marketing Manager
cord@westernassetprotection.com
My business card should say...
The man behind the scenes.
Why I enjoy being at WAP...
There is such a positive energy here. It’s unlike any other organization I have worked with as a consultant or as an employee. You can feel the relentless dedication to helping our agents in every single WAPPER.
Ask me about (at WAP)...
How we are innovating to help our agents. From the new TheMedicareLibrary.com through live streaming our popular training events through an online marketing support and printing tool, WAP is constantly bringing new concepts and products to our agents to make their lives easier.
Where I am from and what brought me here...
After running my own Marketing Communications and Graphic Design business for 15 years, I was struck by the energy, potential, and culture at WAP. I was excited to be asked to be part of this team that is helping to empower each agent be their best self.
What I can’t stop talking about...
Bonzai. Right now I am kind of infatuated with shaping and wiring bonzai. It’s not ideal in Arizona climate, but I still find the process a great creative outlet.
What you might not know about me...
It’s really hard for anyone to get a good photograph of me. While you can usually catch the little smirk on my face on camera, it seems like I am just a little out of focus in every picture. I’m always on the move and usually behind the scenes. It has been suggested that it has something to do with all the espresso. Maybe.