Office Locations
Miami, Florida
T: 305.722.2663 | F: 305.558.9650 | [email protected]
8000 Governors Square Blvd., Suite 101 | Miami Lakes, Florida 33016
Nielson, Hoover & Associates
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Charles J. Nielson
Chairman of the Board / CEO
305.722.2673
Charles J. Nielson Chairman of the Board / CEO
Charles (Chuck) is not only the Chairman of the Board for all Nielson Hoover Group Companies, he’s also a top producer. With over 52 years in the business, Chuck still prefers to spend his days actively working as a Surety Bond Specialist, securing new accounts while servicing and maintaining existing clients. His passion for the surety industry not only shows in his daily activities but in his corporate responsibilities as well. Along with his associates, Chuck has created and managed a strategic plan that enables the Nielson Hoover Group of companies (NHC, CAFF and CAL) the ability to continue to grow their revenue and profits and, most importantly, maintain NHC’S position as the #1 surety bond agency in the Southeast and for CAFF and CAL to have the reputation as the most aggressive and professional construction insurance operations in South Florida.
While pursuing a degree at the University of Utah, Chuck joined a large Surety Company, where he received a formalized underwriting training. A promotion with the same company lead to a move to Miami, and eventually the position of Surety Underwriting Manager for South Florida and the Caribbean, which he held for several years, leading that Surety operations to the fastest growing office in the nation.
In 1974 Chuck moved to the Agency side of the business and started his own agency, underwriting and servicing surety bonds for construction accounts. With a prevailing culture of fairness and consideration towards the staff, and relentless passion and hard work, Chuck and his associates have built what is now the leading surety agency in the Southeast.
With over 50 years’ experience in Surety Bonds, Chuck’s expertise has earned him the respect and trust of those in the surety and construction industries as the foremost Surety Bond professional in the business.
Chuck has arguably written more bonds, both in number and aggregate liability, than any other surety broker in Florida’s history. He has also penned numerous articles over his career for publications pertinent to the construction industry. In addition, Chuck is regularly asked to speak at various construction related events for sureties, CPA, attorneys, and others.
Chuck has has been actively involved in the Construction Management program at Florida International University for nearly 30 years, with eight of those years as an adjunct professor for their Construction Management school. Chuck is Chairman of the Advisory Council for the School of Construction Management at FIU and has been a member of the Advisory Council for the past ten years. He has been on the Board of Directors for the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind for more than 25 years and has served as the Chairman of the Board. He is also actively involved in other South Florida charities including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County.
Chuck has an MBA from the University of Miami, and the Surety industry AFSB designation.
Chuck has lived in South Florida for over 50 years. He is married to Olga Nielson and has 7 children and 15 grandchildren. -
Olga Nielson
Vice President, Administration
305.503.9109
Olga Nielson Vice President, Administration
Olga began her insurance career in California working at one of the largest insurance companies in the nation, while attending school in the San Fernando Valley. She immediately became interested in the insurance industry and realized the numerous opportunities for advancement available to a woman. After working in various units and roles, in a few years Olga accepted an underwriting position at another major insurance company in California.
Moving to Miami in the 1970s, Olga also made the change to the agency side of the business as Commercial Lines Manager for a large insurance agency. She has held positions in two other agencies as Marketing Manager, Agency Manager, and Producer.
With over 40 years of experience in most facets of the insurance industry, Olga has also worked in Administration and HR. Currently, Olga is Vice President of Nielson Hoover Group (NHG), as well as Vice President and COO of Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & French, LLC (CAFF), one of the NHG agencies specializing in Commercial Insurance, to which she dedicates most of her time and expertise. CAFF has seen a substantial growth in the last few years and continues to increase its presence as one of the premier Commercial Insurance agencies in the area.
On the personal side, Olga is married to Charles J. Nielson. She enjoys time with their 7 children, and their spouses, and 15 grandchildren, who all live nearby. An annual family vacation with all 29 of them is something she and Chuck look forward to and relish. Spending time in Marco Island in their second home with family and friends throughout the year is a favorite diversion. Olga has been active with the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind for many years. -
David R. Hoover
President
305.722.2670
David R. Hoover President
With nearly 30 years of experience in the surety, insurance and risk management industry, Dave’s knowledge and expertise is unparalled. As the President of the Nielson Hoover Group of companies, Dave oversees all facets of the business including operations, accounting, budgeting, planning, legal, compensation, IT, and staffing. He is a results-driven professional who doesn’t like to lose and has a proven track record of increasing sales and profits while building a sales culture around customer centric organizations. Dave is responsible for a multi-million dollar book of business and coordinates service with agency key clients. In addition, he develops and markets new surety business to keep current with the marketplace and remain active in production activities.
He is involved in all aspects of business acquisition, planning, budgeting, contract negotiation, compensation and integration. He is also responsible for all sales associate hiring, training and retention. Dave serves on the Agency Council for several Insurance & Bond Companies as well as Company Technology Committee as Agency Council representative. In addition, he is actively involved in numerous professional associations in the industry.
Prior to joining the surety and risk management industry, Dave (or “Hoov” as his friends call him) served 12 years as a Staff Sergeant (E-6) in the United States Marine Reserve. Throughout his tenure in various capacities, he was responsible for performance, training, administration, and career development of up to 100 U.S. Marines. This experience has proven invaluable when it comes to managing all 13 of the Nielson Hoover Group companies including Nielson, Hoover & Company’s 8 offices, Collinsworth, Alter, Fowler & French, Collinsworth, Alter, Lambert and Suretegrity.
Dave received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Masters of Business Administration with a focus on Accounting from Saint Joseph’s University.
David and his family currently reside in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. -
Keith Nicholson
Chief Financial Officer
305.722.2678
Keith Nicholson Chief Financial Officer
As Nielson Hoover Group’s Chief Financial Officer, Keith brings with him over 25 years of unsurpassed experience in the field of Accounting and Business Insurance. In this position, he is responsible for overseeing all of the company’s financial and administrative duties including budgeting, financial planning, and payroll. Keith also plays an integral role in the design and implementation of the company’s producer incentive programs and is in charge of 401-K compliance, surplus lines tax compliance, and multi-state licensing requirements.
Throughout his career, Keith has seen it all and done it all. Starting in the late 80’s, he quickly worked his way up the corporate ladder to the position of Vice President/Controller for the Southeastern region of a large national insurance firm. In 2005, he took over a retiring agent’s portfolio of business and nearly doubled it in a little over 2 years.
In the search for new challenges, Keith made the move to a regional Risk Management firm based in the Southeast when they were looking to start a new bond department. Here, he successfully organized and implemented programs that taught him all he needed to act on his entrepreneurial instincts and start his own firm. So, in 2009, Keith hung his shingle in Palm Beach, Florida. A little over a year and a half later, he came to the attention of the Nielson Hoover Group and after some healthy conversation, he joined the agency as their CFO.
Keith is a graduate of Dowling College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. He is a licensed CPA in both Florida and New York and a recipient of numerous awards and honors.
Originally from Long Island, today, Keith and his wife of nearly 30 years reside in Boyton Beach, Florida. You can take the boy out of New York but you can’t take the New York out of the boy – Keith is and will always be a life-long New York Giants fan. -
Shawn A. Burton
Surety Bond Specialist
305.722.2666
Shawn A. Burton Surety Bond Specialist
Shawn has been a Surety Bond Specialist for Nielson, Hoover & Company for the past five years. In his current role, his duties include, but are not limited to, establishing and maintaining new bond accounts and creating long term Surety relationships.
He possesses twenty years of experience writing bonds and insurance for contractors in the South Florida market. Prior to joining NHC, Shawn was employed by Brown & Brown Insurance in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where was a leading producer. He is a graduate of the University of Florida earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Communications.
Throughout his years in the industry, Shawn has amassed several surety production awards that demonstrate his many accomplishments. For the past ten years, Shawn has also been a Certified Insurance Counselor and uses his skills and talents on a daily basis to provide his clients with an outstanding level of service.
Shawn is a native Floridian and enjoys all that the South Florida lifestyle has to offer. -
Olga Iglesias
CCSR – Contract Bond Specialist
305.722.2685
Olga Iglesias CCSR – Contract Bond Specialist
For more than a decade, Olga has been a Contract Bond Specialist for Nielson, Hoover & Company. She is a highly skilled, experienced and qualified contract and miscellaneous bond specialist with more than 30 years of diverse industry experience in both the corporate and agency spectrum.
In her position, Olga is a liaison between large contract accounts, bond producers, surety underwriters and obligees. Her responsibilities include marketing new business opportunities and renewal of existing surety account, coordinating underwriting information, bond approvals, bond preparation, execution, rating, invoicing, reporting, and daily client file maintenance. On a daily basis, Olga provides professional advice and guidance to clients. She possesses a strong work ethic, has the ability to multi-task, and handle workloads effectively and efficiently. She has an in-depth knowledge of the structure and content of legal contracts and she maintains her professional designation License 440.
Olga has been a South Florida resident for most of her life and resides there with her family. In her free time, she is committed to engaging in activities that allow her to give back to the community. -
Jarrett Merlucci
Surety Bond Specialist
305.722.2664
Jarrett Merlucci Surety Bond Specialist
As a Surety Bond Specialist, Jarrett is primarily responsible for maintaining strong client relationships and developing new business opportunities for Nielson, Hoover & Company. Since joining the company in 2015, his focus has been to broker relationships between general contractors, owners of construction companies, and insurance companies, helping them facilitate surety bonds for new construction. He is an experienced surety specialist with a proven history in the insurance industry. Jarrett is skilled and prides himself in providing his clients the best solutions in the industry.
Jarrett earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and a Master’s degree in Science and Health Services Administration from the University of Central Florida. He is an active member in the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Southeast Florida, the Associated General Contractors (AGC), as well as a member of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers. Jarrett has completed the highest level of coursework in the surety industry and is committed to continuing his education and professional growth.
Jarrett currently lives in Fort Lauderdale and as a South Florida native, he looks forward to raising a family in the Sunshine State. -
Kristi Messel
CCSR – Contract Bond Specialist
305.722.2679
Kristi Messel CCSR – Contract Bond Specialist
As a Contract Bond Specialist for Nielson, Hoover & Company, Kristi is responsible for creating and maintaining relationships with all surety clients and underwriters, servicing their contract needs and obtaining current financial and other pertinent information. She is also responsible for executing bid, performance, payments and other bonds in a timely manner which is consistent with state and federal laws, company policies and procedures. Kristi has more than 25 years of experience in the surety industry and has gained invaluable knowledge and expertise in her 20 years with Nielson, Hoover & Company. She possesses her 440 Insurance License and remains actively involved in industry organizations.
Kristi was born and raised in South Florida and currently lives with her husband in Pembroke Pines, Florida. She has 2 boys, both attend the University of Central Florida. -
Charles D. Nielson
Surety Bond Specialist
305.722.2680
Charles D. Nielson Surety Bond Specialist
Charles is a highly experienced surety bond specialist with nearly 30 years in the business. He has a broad background in the construction industry and uses this knowledge and expertise to guide his clients through the risks inherent in the construction industry. From large national and international contractors to mid and small size contractors, Charles makes sure that all receive the same dedication and attention to detail.
Born in Hollywood, Florida, Charles is a lifelong resident of South Florida. After serving his country in the United States Marine Corp, Charles attended Miami-Dade College. During this period, he developed an interest in the construction industry, working throughout college for various construction firms.
Today, Charles lives with his wife and two boys in Palmetto Bay, Florida. -
Joseph P. Nielson
Surety Bond Specialist
305.722.2676
Joseph P. Nielson Surety Bond Specialist
With nearly 20 years of experience in the surety industry, Joe shares his knowledge and experience with a broad range of clients. As a Surety Bond Specialist for Nielson, Hoover & Company, he specializes in the construction industry managing the needs of contractors ranging from small up-starts to large multi-million dollar firms. He prides himself on the relationships he’s built and works closely with his clients to make sure they have the strongest programs available. Joe works diligently with his surety underwriter partners to help tailor innovative programs that fit his individual client’s needs.
By working hand in hand with both his contractor clients and the surety underwriters he represents, Joe has gained extensive knowledge that has enabled him to continue to bring in new business for NHC’s Miami office.
Joe attended the prestigious NSABP Surety School where he received comprehensive training from industry leaders and established numerous professional relationships that have guided him still today.
Joe was born and raised in Miami, Florida, which is still home to him and his two children, his pride and joy. -
Ian Nipper
Surety Bond Specialist
305.722.2669
Ian Nipper Surety Bond Specialist
As a Surety Bond Specialist, Ian provides his clients with the tools needed to be successful. He works diligently to help mitigate their risk by aligning them with the best construction professionals in the industry which include bankers, CPAs, and attorneys. Ian is tasked with providing bonds on a national and international level. As part of the Nielson, Hoover team, he plays a crucial role in ensuring that the relationship between the contractor and the surety company is a highly successful one.
Ian has been an integral part of Nielson, Hoover, & Associates since 2010. His early experiences as an Eagle Scout and working for his family’s business helped build the foundation and showed him the importance of hard work. It also instilled in him a strong interest in the construction industry which continues today by his active involvement in many industry organizations.
Ian currently resides in Miami, Florida - or as he calls it, “Paradise”, with his wife and three children. -
Gicelle Pajon
CCSR – Contract Bond Specialist
305.722.2675
Gicelle Pajon CCSR – Contract Bond Specialist
As a Contract Bond Specialist for Nielson, Hoover & Company, Gicelle’s primary focus is to assist clients in meeting all their surety bonding needs. These duties include managing all administrative service delivery functions such as bond issuance, modifications, renewals and cancellations, invoicing, collections, file and database management, and other related activities. She helps to facilitate required information exchange between clients and underwriters to secure timely approvals and issuance and delivery of requested bonds. Gicelle is the day-to-day point person on assigned accounts and possesses her 440 Customer Service Representative License. She is a driven professional with a strong work ethic who works diligently to instill confidence in her clients.
With more than 16 years of industry experience, Gicelle has a keen understanding of the clients’ surety requests and a strong relationship with the respective insurance carriers. She has the ability to manage challenging issues and program-related matters for clients and leverage available resources. She maintains ongoing communication with clients and their underwriters to ensure they receive the highest level of customer service. Gicelle has the knowledge and understanding to respond quickly and efficiently to client’s needs.
Gicelle resides in Pembroke Pines, Florida with her two children and enjoys all that the South Florida lifestyle has to offer. -
Michelle Ramirez
Contract Bond Specialist
305.722.2681
Michelle Ramirez Contract Bond Specialist
As a Contract Bond Specialist and Customer Service Representative for Nielson, Hoover & Company, Michelle services clients daily by accurately preparing a broad range of bonds including bid, performance and payment, etc. to be used in a timely manner. Prior to joining NHC, Michelle worked in the healthcare industry providing clients with an outstanding level of customer service. Although new to the surety industry, Michelle applies her keen understanding of client needs and dedicated focus to her position.
Michelle lives with her husband and young son in Broward County, Florida. She enjoys reading, bike riding, and baseball. Her favorite pastime is traveling to Disney World. -
Dania Banks
305.722.2671