MEET THE ASPEN RIDGE TEAM
Joel Peterson
Owner | Agent
Hi, I'm Joel, and thanks for visiting! I was born and raised in Munising, Michigan where I spent my time snowmobiling, skiing, and playing sports- mainly baseball, football, basketball, and track & field. After graduating from Baylor University in 2002, I served 4 years in the Air Force at Lackland AFB in San Antonio. I met my beautiful wife Suzanne in 2007. We got engaged at the Lonestar concert at the Texas State Fair on my 29th birthday, and got married 5 months later here in Louisville. We lived in Denver for about 3 years after getting married and both loved it. I bought an old Jeep, went mountain biking, and together we went to Colorado Rockies baseball games, hiked in Rocky Mountain National Park, and took several trips to Breckenridge (our favorite!) and other mountain towns.
My first insurance job was with AAA Texas beginning in the Fall of 2007. I began my career with Liberty Mutual in Colorado in 2009 and transferred to Louisville in November of 2010 to be closer to family. I stayed with Liberty Mutual until starting Aspen Ridge Insurance in August of 2018. After being a captive agent for over 10 years, I decided I wanted to better serve my policy holders by providing more options available only through an independent agency. I've always been an entrepreneur at heart, and I'm very excited to couple that with my expertise in the insurance field.
Suzanne Peterson
VP of Marketing
Hi, I'm Suzanne 🙂 I'm so excited to share our story with you! I was born and raised in Louisville and went to Butler High School. After graduation, I went to Western Kentucky University (go Hilltoppers!) where I received my Bachelors degree in Marketing and Communication in 2004. After spending a year in Nashville, I moved back home to Louisville where I began my career in healthcare marketing. Joel and I met online in 2007 and got married in March of the following year. We spent the next 3 years enjoying life as a newly married couple in Colorado! We moved back home in 2010 after I got pregnant with our oldest daughter. I continued my marketing career until the spring of 2016 when I became a stay-at-home mom to our two beautiful girls, Hannah and Taylor.
During my 12-year marketing career, I’ve utilized my healthcare marketing expertise and creative thinking skills to exceed sales and marketing goals. I’ve designed and built external outreach programs for two large local companies from scratch. I’ve developed professional referrals and maintained business relationships and even had marketing positions designed specifically for my unique skill set. I have a compassionate heart and love serving others, and am excited to use my talents to help grow our insurance agency!
Tracy Peterson
Licenced Customer Service Representative
Hi, I'm Tracy. I was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan. I attended Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI where I received my bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with minors in General Science and French. After graduation, I married an amazing Air Force pilot (Joel’s oldest brother) and began my career as a military spouse. As we travelled around the country, I taught math at a few public and private high schools.
After starting our family, I chose to be a stay-at-home mom, and later, homeschool mom, to our three girls. We love being together and doing all things outdoors! As the girls have finished school and left the nest, I decided it was time to reenter the workforce. I am so excited for the opportunity to work with Aspen Ridge Insurance!
Anna Oliva
Administrative Assistant
Hi, I'm Anna! I worked for five years as a supervisor in the claims and eligibility department for a healthcare company before joining Aspen Ridge Insurance in May of 2020 as an administrative assistant.
When I'm not at work, I spend my time with my nephew and niece painting and watching movies. Sometimes, I volunteer at a local animal shelter (I want to have my own someday, although a world without the need for animal shelters is a lot better!) and spearhead a donation drive for victims of calamities.
I am so delighted to be part of a team that values integrity and gives excellent customer service!
Pia Canillas
Administrative Assistant
Hi, I'm Pia and I've been with Aspen Ridge Insurance as Administrative Assistant since 2020.
Before joining ARI, I worked as a Manager for Sales & Customer Service for a popular internet, phone & cable company for 9 years, and a retail company for 2 years.
I am a certified Fur-Mom with 9 (yes, nine - 6 Shih Tzus, 2 Japanese Spitzes & 1 Alaskan Malamute.????!) furbabies -- all without bite history -- and "Mom" to my 2 boys. I adore all of them! All 11 of them, with and without fur.
Despite taking a backseat from actual selling and marketing, the admin part is just as fun since I get to learn new things each time, and everyone in ARI (just like family) jumps in to help anytime I need it!
Tom Arnold
Insurance Agent
Hi. I am Tom. I was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. My wife Shari and I currently live in Fisherville which is located within Jefferson County, Kentucky.
I have over 42 years of fire & emergency service experience. I served 25 years with the Louisville Fire Department, retiring as an Assistant Chief. I went on to work 10 years for the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security and the Kentucky Fire Commission. There I developed the State Homeland Security WMD Training and the State National Incident Management System program. I also served as the KY fire service liaison to the Kentucky Intelligence Fusion Center. I’ve always considered myself to be a problem solver. In June of 2015, I was appointed the Fire Chief of the Eastwood Fire Protection District in eastern Jefferson County. On July 1st, 2019, Eastwood merged with Anchorage/Middletown, Worthington, and Harrods Creek Fire to form the 2nd largest fire and EMS service in the Commonwealth. I served as the Executive Assistant Fire Chief before retiring in September of 2021. After being retired for a little over a year, I was offered the opportunity to work for Aspen Ridge. I am looking forward to utilizing my past experiences in fostering and developing new relationships.
Austin Jones
Person of Many Skills
Hi, I’m Austin and I look forward to the opportunity to serve our customers in a way that only an independent agency can. I was born in Louisville, KY and went to Trinity High School 13’. I went on to earn a B.S. in Communication, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Louisville 17’. I have always been fascinated by economics and business so I decided a formal education in this field would best suit me. I earned an M.B.A., Summa Cum Laude, from Sullivan University 19’. I look forward to taking the skills and knowledge I have acquired through years of experience in the insurance industry and putting it to use for our customers.
I previously worked for Liberty Mutual both as an intern (which was a fantastic experience for me to learn the ropes), and as a captive sales representative. However, it is clear to me that the best way to serve a client’s need is via the independent route. I can non-partially promote the best product for each individual circumstance, without being tied down to one product offering.
My wife Jordan and I tied the knot in 2018. We love playing golf, skiing, watching sports, and traveling. Personal interests of mine include investment research, playing the piano, and flying RC airplanes.
I am committed to serving our customers to the best of my ability. Thanks for taking the time to read a little bit about myself, and I look forward to working with you. You can rest assured I will always make sure you and your family are properly covered, for the right price.
Daniel Steele
Insurance Agent
Hello! My name is Daniel. I am originally from Sturgis, MI, where I grew up the 3rd oldest of 8 kids. I studied theology and philosophy at Holy Apostles College & Seminary and afterwards moved to Denver, CO. There, I met my wife, Julia; we met through a mutual friend and got married just over a year later. She is a native of Crestwood, where we now reside with our son, Leo. Julia and I enjoy trail running, rock climbing, biking, snowboarding, indie-folk music, and coffee. I have a passion for working with and helping people and look forward to assisting with all of your insurance needs!