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New York

Our Insurance Agents.

Meet our experienced team—dedicated to providing exceptional insurance solutions and personalized service to ministries and nonprofits.

Here To Help With Church Insurance And So Much More.

Offering comprehensive coverage and tailored advice, we help protect churches, nonprofits, and other institutions as they carry out their unique mission. Reach out to learn how we can help.

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Agents
Jim Bower Jr.

Jim Bower Jr.

Owner | President

Jim Bower Jr. began working as an insurance agent at age 18 during his college years. After graduation, he joined his father’s newly formed agency,
and they built the James O Bower Insurance Agency in Pennsylvania together.
Jim brings that wealth of experience to Lightwell, effectively serving Christian churches, ministries, and other nonprofit organizations in the state of New York. He is a part of the Lightwell Executive Committee and has been an integral part of building the Lightwell brand and services nationally. He is excited to be able to expand the Lightwell opportunity from a state level to a national scale with products and services that support ministries and nonprofit organizations that are nationwide.
Jim loves being in a family business and making his work part of a great mission of service to others. He and his wife Karen have five grown children and eleven grandchildren. They love to travel and spend time outdoors.

“My agency staff and I are on a mission to free churches, ministries, and other organizations from the burdens and worries of insurance so they can focus on their mission and loving the people in their communities. That’s the Lightwell difference.”

Brandon Bower

Brandon Bower

Agent

Brandon Bower is a premier agent with Lightwell in New York. With a business marketing degree from Liberty University and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving insurance landscape, Brandon brings invaluable expertise to his customers.

His portfolio spans a wide range of organizations, from small tenant churches to large mega-churches, educational institutions, and nonprofits. Brandon's commitment to serving them extends beyond his professional role—he and his wife are actively involved in their local congregation and have participated in mission trips abroad.

Additionally, Brandon supports numerous local outreach initiatives, exemplifying Lightwell's passion for empowering ministries. His well-rounded experience and heart for ministry make Brandon an invaluable asset to our team.

“A big part of my daily life is serving ministries each day. I am thankful for the relationships I have built and look forward to helping the next customer with their insurance needs.”

Louis Shakkour

Louis Shakkour

Agent

Louis Shakkour's unique background blends business acumen with a deep passion for ministry. After earning his bachelor’s degree in business and enterprise data analysis from Liberty University, he pursued a master's in theology, further equipping him to serve the Church. Louis began his insurance career in 2009 and now leverages his expertise to protect ministries at Lightwell.

Born in Jerusalem as an Arab-Israeli Christian, Louis is a gifted athlete and active leader in sports ministry, running flag football and basketball leagues in his community. He is also involved in helping Arab-speaking refugees settle in the United States. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports and investing in the youth at his church.

“I take joy in supporting the positive impact of our customers and their communities by providing information and insurance services that help protect them.”

James Nguyen

James Nguyen

Agent

James Nguyen is a dedicated Lightwell insurance agent and has served the insurance needs of churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations since 2015.

Deeply involved in his church, he currently serves on the leadership team and has taught marriage classes, organized men's ministry events, assisted with youth ministry, and led classes for elementary students. James is an avid artist and has created his own comic book series. James also coaches baseball and T-ball for his two sons. He also enjoys quality time with his wife and children.

“I love being exposed to the many different ways God is working in our communities as I bring insurance solutions to local churches and related ministries.”

John Powley

John Powley

Agent

John Powley is a dedicated agent with Lightwell in New York. With a decade of experience in youth ministry and a heart for serving the Church, John brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to his role.

His educational background in human resources management coupled with his deep involvement in church life makes him uniquely equipped to understand the needs of ministries. John finds great joy in partnering with organizations of all sizes, from budding church plants to well-established institutions, as they pursue their missions. His genuine care for the stories and visions of the ministries he serves is a testament to Lightwell's commitment to walking alongside customers every step of the way.

“My passion is helping organizations evaluate their current programs and objectives and identifying strategies for achieving their goals more effectively. Having served as a camp staff member, church volunteer, and church leader, I understand and have experienced the unique needs and challenges faced by our customers.”

Jennifer Baney

Jennifer Baney

Account Executive

Jennifer and her husband Brian, along with their sons Simeon and Titus, make Grand Island, NY, their home. Jennifer’s background is in the Field of Education and she enjoys supervising student teachers in the area school districts for mentorship and advisement. They also enjoy camping and assisting with various ministries at Kenmore Alliance Church. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Customer Testimonial

“Lightwell understands our ministry. Our agent provides excellent customer service and responds to all of my questions with speed and consistency. We had an occasion to file a claim and he was wonderful. He was very responsive and provided excellent support and guidance through the claim process.”

Kay Gerlach

Finance Director, Faith Lutheran Church, Rochester, NY

“After a cancelled appointment with another insurance agency, I called Lightwell in search of an advisor that would meet my expectations. He spent the day with our staff and visited all of the properties, even the one that’s an hour and a half away. I’m a Type-A person. I think that when you run a business, you ought to do it with excellence. That’s what I saw right away.”

Charlie Sweet

Pastor, Compassion Coalition, Utica, NY

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