Wisconsin risk management consultants
Carlos Barraza
Carlos came to SECURA in 2020 with over 12 years of experience in the safety industry.
Prior to joining SECURA, he worked for Pallet USA, LLC as a safety manager. Carlos was responsible for designing a variety of mandatory programs according to OSHA standards, developing employee safety programs to facilitate short and long-term strategic safety planning, and fostering relationships with local authorities. In addition, he conducted safety inspections and implemented safety trainings to ensure federal and state compliance.
Carlos is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in occupational safety with an emphasis in risk management from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.
In his spare time, Carlos spends time with his family, traveling, cooking, taking photographs, going on walks, and working out.
Prior to joining SECURA, he worked for Pallet USA, LLC as a safety manager. Carlos was responsible for designing a variety of mandatory programs according to OSHA standards, developing employee safety programs to facilitate short and long-term strategic safety planning, and fostering relationships with local authorities. In addition, he conducted safety inspections and implemented safety trainings to ensure federal and state compliance.
Carlos is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in occupational safety with an emphasis in risk management from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater.
In his spare time, Carlos spends time with his family, traveling, cooking, taking photographs, going on walks, and working out.
Rich Durkee
Rich Durkee is a seasoned expert in workers’ compensation, safety, and health management, bringing over 30 years of experience in the risk management field. His career began as a heavy equipment operator involved in golf course construction in Kohler, Wisconsin, where he learned an invaluable lesson: safety never takes a vacation. The real-life experiences he gained in construction and heavy equipment operations have equipped him with insights that he effectively shares with his clients.
After completing his education, Rich transitioned to managing safety and health compliance for a Fortune 500 company with operations in the United States and Mexico. His responsibilities encompassed a diverse range of facilities, including machining, fabrication, punch press, foundries, and assembly operations. He has been instrumental in consulting with clients to enhance their safety and risk management programs, fostering a culture of safety across all locations.
Rich holds several certifications, including Workers’ Compensation, Behavioral Aspects of Safety, Machine Guarding, and Ergonomics. His expertise also extends to safety leadership and supervisor training, making him a well-rounded professional in the field. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, recognized as one of the top risk management schools in the nation, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational safety and health.
Outside of his professional life, Rich enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. He is passionate about cooking and loves outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and golfing. Rich resides in Baraboo, Wisconsin, where he continues to promote safety and well-being in both his personal and professional endeavors.
After completing his education, Rich transitioned to managing safety and health compliance for a Fortune 500 company with operations in the United States and Mexico. His responsibilities encompassed a diverse range of facilities, including machining, fabrication, punch press, foundries, and assembly operations. He has been instrumental in consulting with clients to enhance their safety and risk management programs, fostering a culture of safety across all locations.
Rich holds several certifications, including Workers’ Compensation, Behavioral Aspects of Safety, Machine Guarding, and Ergonomics. His expertise also extends to safety leadership and supervisor training, making him a well-rounded professional in the field. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, recognized as one of the top risk management schools in the nation, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational safety and health.
Outside of his professional life, Rich enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. He is passionate about cooking and loves outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and golfing. Rich resides in Baraboo, Wisconsin, where he continues to promote safety and well-being in both his personal and professional endeavors.
Jonathan Flack
Jonathan was born in Freeport, Illinois, a small rural farming community in northwestern Illinois. He transplanted to Wisconsin to attend college at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. There, Jonathan studied occupational environmental safety and health and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree. Jonathan entered the insurance industry in 2003.
Prior to starting with SECURA in January 2015, Jonathan worked his way from a loss control specialist to a senior loss control specialist with Verisk Analytics (ISO Inc.). He now services the southern Wisconsin territory and holds the Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) designation. Jonathan earns it at SECURA by developing that relationship between the accounts he services and working with agents. Seeing different types of business and how they operates is what he enjoys about being a risk manager consultant.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family outdoors camping, kayaking, biking, cross country skiing, and hunting. Jonathan resides in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin with his wife, three kids, and dog.
Prior to starting with SECURA in January 2015, Jonathan worked his way from a loss control specialist to a senior loss control specialist with Verisk Analytics (ISO Inc.). He now services the southern Wisconsin territory and holds the Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) designation. Jonathan earns it at SECURA by developing that relationship between the accounts he services and working with agents. Seeing different types of business and how they operates is what he enjoys about being a risk manager consultant.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family outdoors camping, kayaking, biking, cross country skiing, and hunting. Jonathan resides in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin with his wife, three kids, and dog.
Mike Haugen
A lifelong resident of southern Minnesota, Mike has been working with agribusiness and commercial insurance clients since 2006. Mike comes to SECURA from Mayo Clinic where he was an auditor in the Internal Audit Department. In this role, Mike was tasked with conducting interviews, investigations, and walkthroughs of operations to identify and address risks and recommend controls to mitigate those risks. Prior to his role at Mayo Clinic, Mike spent time with Bremer Insurance and Winona Agency Group in various roles. He also spent time with Federated Insurance as a claims representative, giving him a well-rounded knowledge of the insurance industry.
Mike earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and criminal justice from Winona State University, an associate degree in safety engineering technology from Fox Valley Technical College, and holds his CIC designation.
In his spare time, you can find Mike spending time on his in-law’s farm in Galesville, Wisconsin, boating on the Mississippi River with family and friends, or golfing. Mike grew up on a hog and turkey farm near Hayfield, Minnesota and enjoys getting back there as often as he can to see friends and family.
Mike earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and criminal justice from Winona State University, an associate degree in safety engineering technology from Fox Valley Technical College, and holds his CIC designation.
In his spare time, you can find Mike spending time on his in-law’s farm in Galesville, Wisconsin, boating on the Mississippi River with family and friends, or golfing. Mike grew up on a hog and turkey farm near Hayfield, Minnesota and enjoys getting back there as often as he can to see friends and family.
Jarod Kruse
Jarod Kruse earned his AAS degree in Fire Science Technology from Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Previously, Jarod worked in safety roles for a variety of industries including nuclear power plants, coal power plants, oil refineries, metal recycling facilities, and medical device manufacturers. Most recently, Jarod was the customized training instructor/fire program lead instructor for Hennepin Technical College, as well as owner and operator of a consulting firm named Minnesota Fire, OSHA, and Emergency Planning.
Jarod joined SECURA Insurance in July 2024 as a risk management consultant. He has numerous designations and certifications including NFPA 1403 Lead Instructor, Hazardous Materials Operations Level State Certification, Hazardous Materials Technicians Level, Advanced Technical Certificate — Fire Investigations/Inspections, and Advanced Technical Certificate — Fire Suppression Technician.
Fire fighting has been a passion for Jarod since 2002 as both an on-call and an experienced shift firefighter. He was named Firefighter of the Year in 2010. Jarod resides in Prior Lake, Minnesota with his wife and three kids. He enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, and camping.
Jarod joined SECURA Insurance in July 2024 as a risk management consultant. He has numerous designations and certifications including NFPA 1403 Lead Instructor, Hazardous Materials Operations Level State Certification, Hazardous Materials Technicians Level, Advanced Technical Certificate — Fire Investigations/Inspections, and Advanced Technical Certificate — Fire Suppression Technician.
Fire fighting has been a passion for Jarod since 2002 as both an on-call and an experienced shift firefighter. He was named Firefighter of the Year in 2010. Jarod resides in Prior Lake, Minnesota with his wife and three kids. He enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, and camping.
Patti Lemke
Patti Lemke grew up on a dairy farm in Fond Du Lac County, Wisconsin. Patti joined SECURA in 2013 as an Agribusiness underwriter, and has 14 years of underwriting experience.
Patti earned her bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management from UW-Madison. She also has an associate’s degree in safety engineering technology from Fox Valley Technical College. She holds several insurance designations including; CPCU, ARM, AU, TRIP, and AFIS.
In her free time, Patti enjoys spending time outdoors and attending her kids sporting and music events.
Patti earned her bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management from UW-Madison. She also has an associate’s degree in safety engineering technology from Fox Valley Technical College. She holds several insurance designations including; CPCU, ARM, AU, TRIP, and AFIS.
In her free time, Patti enjoys spending time outdoors and attending her kids sporting and music events.
Sam Parmley
Sam joined to SECURA in 2019 after spending time with Ahlstrom-Munksjo where he was a Health and Safety Intern. In this role, he focused on data analysis, improved training programs, and researched potential safety controls for the company. Prior to his internship with Ahlstrom-Munksjo, Sam also spent time as an intern with the Wisconsin Department of Administration/Bureau of State Risk Management where he created and improved safety compliance programs, analyzed injury data, led training, and conducted risk assessments.
Sam graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety. He holds the designation of Graduate Safety Practitioner.
In his free time, Sam enjoys spending time outdoors. He enjoys hiking, camping, and boating. Sam also likes to spend time with his family and his dog.
Sam graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater with a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety. He holds the designation of Graduate Safety Practitioner.
In his free time, Sam enjoys spending time outdoors. He enjoys hiking, camping, and boating. Sam also likes to spend time with his family and his dog.
Jeff Vander Velden
Jeff Vander Velden grew up in the small village of Winneconne, Wis., and has a broad knowledge of the insurance industry. He joined SECURA in January 2011 as a workers’ compensation claims representative after graduating from college. In September 2013, Jeff transitioned into Commercial Lines, and he fulfilled his desire to become a risk management consultant in April 2015.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, Jeff received his bachelor’s degree in finance, and has completed his AAS degree in safety engineering technology. Jeff completed numerous training courses, and earned his Environmental Health and Safety Certificate. He also holds the ARM, AU, and AINS designations.
Menasha, Wis. is where Jeff calls home. He is a huge sports enthusiast and beer connoisseur. He loves his Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers. He enjoys boating and fishing in the summer, as well as snowboarding and snowmobiling in the winter.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, Jeff received his bachelor’s degree in finance, and has completed his AAS degree in safety engineering technology. Jeff completed numerous training courses, and earned his Environmental Health and Safety Certificate. He also holds the ARM, AU, and AINS designations.
Menasha, Wis. is where Jeff calls home. He is a huge sports enthusiast and beer connoisseur. He loves his Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers. He enjoys boating and fishing in the summer, as well as snowboarding and snowmobiling in the winter.