Office Locations
Miami, Florida
T: 305.722.2663 | F: 305.558.9650 | [email protected]
15050 NW 79th Court, Suite 200 | Miami Lakes, Florida 33016
Nielson, Hoover & Associates
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Charles J. Nielson, AFSB
CEO
305.722.2673
Charles J. Nielson, AFSB CEO
Charles (Chuck) not only oversees all the Nielson Hoover Group companies, he’s also a top producer. With over a half a century 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 companies (NHC, CAFF, NHG Specialty 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 formalized underwriting training. A promotion with the same company led 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 operation to the fastest growing office in the nation.
In 1974, Chuck moved to the agency side of the business and started his own firm, 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 of experience in the surety bond industry, Chuck’s expertise has earned him the respect and trust of those in the surety and construction business as one of the foremost surety bond professionals in the country.
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 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.
He and his wife Olga have lived in South Florida for over 50 years and enjoy spending quality time with their family which includes 7 children and 15 grandchildren. -
David Hoover, AFSB, CRIS
President
305.722.2670
David Hoover, AFSB, CRIS 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, CPA, CIC
Chief Financial Officer
305.722.2678
Keith Nicholson, CPA, CIC 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. -
Dania Banks, CCSR
Contract Bond Specialist
305.722.2671
Dania Banks, CCSR Contract Bond Specialist
In Dania’s role as an Administrative Assistant for Nielson, Hoover & Company, her primary responsibilities are to provide administrative support to ensure efficient operation of the office. Her duties are diverse and include bond issuance, preparation of applications and indemnity agreements, invoicing, etc. She plays a key part in supporting managers and employees through a variety of tasks related to the organization and communication.
As a recent graduate from Purdue University where she majored in Financial Counseling and Planning with a minor in Spanish, NHC is extremely fortunate to have Dania on board where her education and skills will benefit the continued growth of the company.
Since graduating, Dania has worked in the insurance industry where she discovered the importance and impact that client relationship building has on business and she continues to hone her skills in this area.
Dania lives in Fort Lauderdale, FL and in her spare time, enjoys family, playing sports, and pursuing volunteer opportunities. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Bill Parker, CRIS
Surety Bond Specialist
305.790.1320
Bill Parker, CRIS Surety Bond Specialist
Bill has over 30 year of experience demystifying the surety process, and focuses on relationships to help construction clients of all sizes and specialties establish, maintain, and/or grow their surety programs. After working in various aspects of the construction industry in Texas, Bill moved to Miami in 1986 to start his surety career as an underwriter with Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland (Zurich). He was recruited by Aon in 1995 to establish their Construction Services Group in Florida, and then moved to InSource in 2005 where became a partner and led their construction practice. In 2014, InSource became an Acrisure agency partner; and in 2019, Nielson Hoover & Associates also became an Acrisure agency partner.
In addition to surety, Bill has many years of experience negotiating and servicing insurance programs for contractors including Subcontractor Default Insurance Programs, Standard Insurance Programs, Controlled Insurance Programs, Project Specific Programs, and more. Bill attended SMU in Dallas, TX, and Florida International University in Miami, FL, and earned his degree in Finance. He has also earned his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations. Bill is a former Board member of the Associated Builder’s and Contractors of South Florida (ABC), Florida Council for Public Private Partnerships (FCP3), and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). He is currently on the Advisory Council for the JDRF.
Bill has three kids, and lives in Palmetto Bay with his partner Jennifer who has two kids of her own. Bill is also an avid boater, decent fisherman, mediocre golfer and struggling musician.
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Mike Megahan
Surety Bond Specialist
305.722.2681
Mike Megahan Surety Bond Specialist
As a Surety Bond Specialist, Mike works hard to develop new clients for Nielson, Hoover & Company and establish strong, professional relationships with his clients. His responsibility involves prospecting new clients and providing solutions to all of his client’s surety needs.
Mike joined Nielson, Hoover & Company in October of 2020 after working as an account executive for professional sports teams, including the Miami Dolphins. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration/Management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Since relocating to Fort Lauderdale from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mike enjoys the Florida lifestyle including fishing and golfing but remains a hard-core Pittsburgh sports fan. -
Kristy Collins
Contract Bond Specialist
305.722.2679
Kristy Collins Contract Bond Specialist
In her position as a Contract Bond Specialist for Nielson, Hoover & Company, Kristy acts as a liaison between clients and surety companies handling day-to-day bonding requests. In addition, she reviews bonding requirements, contracts, and bond forms for submission to underwriters; executes bonds; creates letters and other forms of correspondence.
Kristy’s background is well-versed in the insurance industry. She possesses 5 years of surety experience and 3 years of personal lines experience. Prior to joining NHC, she worked for RFF & Associates and Alliant Insurance Services in the surety sector and Liberty Mutual Insurance handling subrogation. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from New York’s Farmingdale College and she also obtained her Florida 02-20 Property and Casualty License.
Kristy was born and raised in New York and relocated in 2014 with her husband to the Fort Lauderdale area for the opportunity to work with Nielson, Hoover & Company. She took some time off to raise her three young children and came back to NHC motivated and driven to provide the best services to her clients and continue to build strong and long-term relationships.
She enjoys spending time with her family and doing anything and everything that is water-related, whether it be spending time at the beach, in the pool or traveling to any tropical paradise. -
Alicia James, CCSR
Contract Bond Specialist
305.722.2684
Alicia James, CCSR Contract Bond Specialist
In Alicia’s role as a Contract Bond Specialist at Nielson, Hoover & Company, her primary role is serving as a liaison between clients and surety companies and managing daily bonding requests. In this position, she is tasked with reviewing bonding requirements, contracts, and bond forms for submission to underwriters. In addition, she executes bonds and handles an array of corporate communications.
Alicia earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the University of Central Florida. Prior to joining NHC, she gained valuable experience working in various industries including finance, personal insurance, group retirement planning, and an architectural firm.
A New York native, Alicia currently lives in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale and enjoys all that city life offers. In her down time, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends and is devoted to taking care of herself with a rigorous workout regimen. Alicia is excited about her future as a new bride. -
Haley Blythe
Contract Bond Specialist
305.722.2674
Haley Blythe Contract Bond Specialist
As a Contract Bond Specialist for Nielson, Hoover & Company, Haley acts as a direct contact between clients and surety companies assisting them in their day-to-day surety bonding needs. In her position, she reviews bonding requirements, contracts, and bond forms for submission to underwriters, executes bonds and creates corporate correspondence.
Haley is a motivated, career-oriented professional who possesses strong customer service and problem-solving skills, and she is a proficient multi-tasker. Prior to joining NHC, Haley worked for Amazon as a Logistics/Transportation Specialist. As part of the Relay Operations Center (ROC), she was responsible for managing volume calls to communicate and coordinate between carriers and facilities to ensure trucks and packages arrived at their scheduled destinations. Haley earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Limestone University in South Carolina.
Haley lives in Davie, Florida. In her spare time, she enjoys working out at the gym, trying new foods and binge-watching TV shows. -
Samantha Ortiz
Contract Bond Specialist
305.722.2685
Samantha Ortiz Contract Bond Specialist
As a Contract Bond Specialist for Nielson, Hoover & Company, Samantha acts as a direct liaison between clients and surety companies handling the day-to-day bonding requests. Her responsibilities include reviewing bonding requirements, contracts, and bond forms for submission to underwriters as well as executing bonds and managing corporate communications.
Prior to joining NHC, Samantha worked as a research analyst where her role involved being the point of contact between the sales and research team. She brings this valuable knowledge with her to the NHC team. Samantha attended Broward College and she possesses a 4-40 Customer Representative License.
Samantha is a South Florida native and currently resides with her husband in Miramar. She loves the outdoors, and her passions include running on the beach and spinning classes. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, walks with her fur baby Coco, visiting museums, attending concerts, and trying new foods. -
Lily Rafford
Contract Bond Specialist
305.722.2675
Lily Rafford Contract Bond Specialist
As a Contract Bond Specialist for Nielson, Hoover & Company, Lily is a direct liaison between clients and surety companies. In her position, she is responsible for handling bonding requests, reviewing contracts, submitting bond forms to underwriters, and managing corporate correspondence on a daily basis.
Lily brings with her more than seven years of experience in the surety industry. She is a career-oriented and focused professional who is a fast learner and excels at multi-tasking. She is a self-starter who is skilled at working independently but also believes strongly that being a team player promotes growth within an organization. Lily obtained her Florida 4-40 Customer Representative License which allows her to transact insurance.
Originally from Nicaragua, Lily currently resides in Pembroke Pines, Florida. She says her happy place is being with her husband, children, and fur babies. Lily enjoys dancing and reading a good novel. One of her favorite quotes is, “By perseverance the snail reached the ark.” – a metaphor for her commitment to her work and life.
