Meet Our Team
At The Magnolia Agency, we've built our team with individuals who have the highest standards for client communication and servicing. No matter who you interact with at The Magnolia Agency, you'll have the best experience possible.
Get Familiar With The The Magnolia Agency Team
RICH VARRATO
is one of the Principals and Co-Founder of The Magnolia Agency. Something that most people don’t know about Rich is that he was a PGA Golf Professional for 12 years prior to his insurance career. His golf career was the perfect training ground for his transition to agency ownership as exceeding customer expectations was always something Rich prided himself on. Another little known fact, Rich gave thousands of lessons in his career and actually gave Adam Levine from Maroon 5 a lesson (see pic).
Rich writes some of the largest construction and home healthcare agencies in New England and has a passion for collaborating with our carriers to find the best solutions for our clients. Rich is often described as hard-working, determined, competitive, and laser-focused on achieving his goals when he commits to doing something. He looks forward to leading the sales team here in Essex for a long time.
When Rich isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his family, watching the New York Giants, golfing, and traveling.
Rich currently resides in Essex with his wife, Jessica with their daughter, Maggie Rose and son Jack
LOUIS GOLD, CPCU, CLCS
Principal, The Magnolia Agency
More than ever, business owners rely on their service providers to possess specialty knowledge of their business risk. With over decade of underwriting experience Louis is an expert at understanding your business functions and uncovering the risks you face every day to create the best possible outcome; an insurance experience and risk management program that optimizes your company’s total cost of risk and ultimately enhances your business’ profitability.
Prior to joining the insurance industry, Louis served 6 years in the United States Army. As a Sergeant, and Team Leader he successfully led his men on over 200 combat missions during Operation Enduring Freedom. His passion about serving his community continues to shine through with everyone he meets. Providing unmatched service to his clients and a determination to keep your business protected.
Lou currently resides in Meriden with his wife, Stephanie and his 2 children, Abigail and Andrew.
Misha Vergason
Director of Operations
The Magnolia Agency
Misha Vergason is the Director of Operations at The Magnolia Agency.
Misha worked for 8 years at Arremony’s Bakery in Jewett City, CT while attending Johnson & Wales University for Pastry Arts. It was here she honed her discipline, work dedication and problem-solving skills learned in her 10 years as a fencer.
Misha made the switch to the insurance industry in 2014 and enjoys the variety of work insurance offers. She also enjoys helping clients keep their business properly covered, so they may continue to grow.
Life has gotten a bit busier for Misha and her husband, Nicholas, since welcoming their son in September of 2021. Misha enjoys being with her family, and when baby allows, baking, reading, and antiquing and is thrilled to be part of the Magnolia team!
Bella Susi
Senior Account Manager, The Magnolia Agency
Studied at Stonehill College in the Meehan School of Business and graduated in 2021 with a degree in Marketing, with a special interest in social media.
Since beginning her career post-graduation Bella has gained experienced in logistics, recruiting, and social media marketing and is now looking forward to dominating the insurance space.
Bella grew up in Litchfield, CT but currently resides in Essex Village just down the road from the office with her dog Coco. Bella loves to run and be active, spend time at the beach and on the water. You can often find her running local road races with her friends and neighbors.
Julio Sierra
Senior Account Executive, The Magnolia Agency
Julio began his insurance career in 2017 with Travelers in Hartford supporting producers in underwriting. He also worked at Insurity Inc working directly with Insurance carrier accounts. With experience in multiple insurance spaces Julio will bring diverse knowledge, skills, and a client first attitude to the agency.
Outside of the office Julio loves to read, workout and spend time with family. Julio currently resides in Essex with his wife Chelsea and his 3 children Catalina, Aubrey, and Maya.
Dan Dias
President of Massachusetts
As a Trusted Risk Advisor with over 20 years of experience, Dan specializes in helping businesses, individuals, and families protect what matters most.
Dan’s approach is simple: listen first, educate thoroughly, and build lasting relationships based on trust and transparency. He works closely with clients to assess risks, explain coverage options in plain language, and provide tailored policies that offer real peace of mind.
When Dan’s not working with clients, you’ll likely find him spending time with his family, who love to travel, love the beach and are avid Manchester United fans!
Dan currently resides in Ludlow, MA with his wife Kathy, and sons Cruz and Enzo.
Heather Ruwet
Senior Account Manager
Heather Ruwet grew up in Lenox, MA, and earned her degree from Springfield College. She began her career as a special education teacher before transitioning to the insurance industry in 2014. Heather has experience in commercial and agricultural, having worked for Stamford Insurance Group and Relation Insurance. She is dedicated to building strong client relationships and takes pride in ensuring that each client’s insurance needs are met.
Outside of the office, Heather enjoys gardening, walking, paddleboarding, skiing and golf. She especially values time spent with her husband, Aden, and their two sons, Brady and Owen.
Marc Philo
Account Executive - Captive and National Accounts
Is an account executive, focusing on Captives and National Accounts, at The Magnolia Agency. Marc has been in the insurance industry for over 15 years, supporting carriers in various roles in the areas of analytics, operations and finance.
Marc has always had a passion for helping people and businesses, which started in high school working at a local sport store. In his last role, Marc identified a gap in the market that could help businesses with their insurance challenges using Captives! Marc is excited to bring his unwavering belief and passion of the captive concept to The Magnolia Agency to support its current and future clients!
Marc lives in metro Hartford area, with his wife Lori and 2 chocolate labs, Brooke and Bert. For fun – besides hiking and any outdoor activity, Marc is an avid golfer in the summer and platform tennis in the winter. Marc likes to be involved in the local community, sitting on multiple boards, to help promote growth of both sports.