Who Are We: The People Behind Wampler Varner Insurance Group

Tonya Wampler was born and raised in Ohio before attending Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois. In 1981, she married her husband, David, and together they made Southwest Florida their home, settling in Englewood in 1984. Having grown up in a close-knit community herself, Englewood proved to be the perfect place to build their family and establish the business that would become Wampler Varner Insurance Group.

Tonya began her career as a Registered Nurse specializing in Intensive Care and Cardiology. She later joined the family business as the Bookkeeper and Office Manager, playing an integral role in its growth and daily operations. In 2008, she earned her insurance license, allowing her to take a more active role in serving clients and expanding the agency's services. Her medical background, combined with years of insurance experience, allows Tonya to provide knowledgeable, personalized guidance tailored to each client's unique needs.

Recognizing the challenges of today's evolving health insurance industry, she is committed to helping clients navigate these complexities while making the process as smooth and straightforward as possible. Tonya's dedication, experience, and compassionate approach have helped shape Wampler Varner Insurance Group into the trusted agency it is today.

Josh Mazza is the Director of Benefit Solutions at Wampler Varner Insurance Group, partnering with small and mid-sized businesses to develop employee benefits strategies that reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the overall employee experience. With more than 21 years of experience in the human capital management industry prior to joining Wampler Varner, he brings a deep understanding of workforce management and a consultative approach to helping businesses achieve their goals.

Known for building strong relationships and delivering tailored solutions, Josh works closely with employers to identify opportunities that create lasting value for both their organizations and their employees. His focus is on helping clients navigate the evolving benefits landscape with strategies that support business growth while attracting and retaining top talent.

Outside of his professional role, Josh is deeply committed to serving the local community. He serves as a board member for Englewood Area Youth Baseball and volunteers as a coach, investing his time in developing the next generation both on and off the field. Originally from Rochester, New York, he has proudly called Englewood home since 2019.

He and his wife, Jacqueline, a local business owner, are proud parents of two active boys who keep family life exciting. When they're not working or at the baseball field, they enjoy spending time on the water and exploring everything Southwest Florida has to offer.

Robert Buckley was born in Fort Lauderdale but raised in Englewood since the age of three, proud to call this community home. As Senior Account Executive at Wampler Varner Insurance, Robert is key in helping local businesses navigate and manage their employee benefit programs, ensuring that each group receives the care, clarity, and customized solutions they deserve.

With over 15 years of dedication to his fiancée Kayla and as a proud father of two adventurous boys, Robert knows the value of commitment at home and in the workplace. He and his family spend their free time soaking up the Florida sunshine, exploring nature, and cruising the coastline on their boat.

Driven by a genuine passion for helping others and a deep-rooted love for Englewood, Robert brings heart and expertise to everything he does. Whether supporting a local employer or sharing a day on the water with his family, he's committed to positively impacting the place he's proud to call home.

Michelle Gilchrist brings over 20 years of dedicated experience in the insurance industry, with a strong focus on Group Health plans. As an Account Executive at Wampler Varner Insurance Group for the past four years, Michelle is known for navigating complex insurance policies and delivering optimal coverage solutions for her clients.

In addition to her Group Health expertise, Michelle is skilled in Medicare and Individual insurance plans, offering personalized guidance to clients across various coverage options.

Outside of work, Michelle enjoys the scenic beauty of Venice's beaches and cherishes time spent with her family. Her commitment to her clients and the community is reflected in her proactive, client-first approach to insurance advocacy and service.

Aiden Howard is an Insurance Advisor at Wampler Varner Insurance Group, a family-owned agency serving Southwest Florida. His faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of everything he does, both in life and in his work. He is committed to serving others with integrity, attentiveness, and the desire to make a positive impact.

After serving in the United States Navy, Aiden made Southwest Florida his home and began building a career with a foundation in health insurance and the ACA marketplace, where he helps individuals and families find the right coverage for their unique needs. From there, his focus expands into advanced retirement strategy and generational wealth planning, helping clients keep more money in their own pocket and out of Uncle Sam's.

Outside of the office, Aiden has spent years training in martial arts, where he developed the discipline, focus, and perseverance that continue to shape both his personal and professional life. “It's so much more than fighting, it's a philosophy and a way of life.” He brings that same holistic mindset to his clients: taking the time to understand personal goals, and build a success plan designed to fit their unique circumstances.

Whatever your insurance needs are, Aiden can bring you to the solution.

Rachael Battaglia serves as the Office Manager at Wampler Varner Insurance Group, overseeing the company's daily operations and ensuring everything runs efficiently behind the scenes. She supports business operations, improves internal processes, and helps deliver an exceptional experience for both clients and employees. She also provides operational support to both the Employee Benefits and Individual Sales teams, helping ensure they have the tools, resources, and support they need to best serve their clients.

Born and raised in Englewood, Florida, Rachael is proud to call Southwest Florida her home. She finds joy in traveling, spending her summers growing up near The Great Smokey Mountains while also having an interest in photography, capturing the beauty of nature. In her spare time, she values the importance of spending quality time with her family and her dog, Luna.

Bryan Wallace has spent the past several years guiding individuals and families through the world of health insurance, life planning, and retirement strategies with clarity, compassion, and a healthy dose of humor. A former Army NCO with a background in behavioral health, he brings both structure and empathy to every conversation—helping people feel confident in the decisions they make for themselves and their loved ones. Whether it's health coverage, life insurance, or annuities, he cares most about protecting your family and leaving behind more than just good intentions.

Bryan has been married to his wife, Alona, for 17 years and credits her as his rock and greatest teammate. Together, they're raising two energetic daughters, a couple of spirited rescue dogs, and a pair of cats who think they run the house. When he's not working, you'll find Bryan chasing laughter with his girls, strumming jazz chords on his guitar, or enjoying the kind of quiet that only comes when the house finally settles down. He's proud to serve a community where relationships matter—and where being a little weird just means you're exactly where you belong.

Jaryd Clary is dedicated to serving the Englewood community with a personalized, people-first approach. As a valued member of the team at Wampler Varner Insurance Group, he works closely with individuals to navigate their health insurance, Medicare, and financial services needs. In addition to his client-focused role, Jaryd supports the employee benefits division, leads marketing efforts, and coordinates company events.

Originally from Massachusetts, Jaryd has proudly called Englewood, Florida home for over 20 years. He attended Warner University, where he played collegiate baseball and developed the work ethic, leadership, and team spirit that now defines his professional approach.

Outside of work, Jaryd gives back to the community as a coach for the Lemon Bay High School baseball team. He enjoys spending quality time with his son, Creed, and girlfriend Katie, making the most of family life and creating lasting memories together. When he's not working or coaching, Jaryd can often be found relaxing at home with their two lively dogs, Gunner and Vinny.

Passionate about both his profession and his community, Jaryd is committed to helping local families find insurance and financial solutions that fit their unique needs and goals.

Steve Arnett brings over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry and a passion for helping families make confident financial decisions. At Wampler Varner Insurance Group, Steve plays a key role on the financial services team, where he builds lasting relationships and supports clients in planning for their future. He also assists with health and Medicare solutions, contributes to marketing efforts, and helps organize company events.

Originally from Indiana, Steve made Southwest Florida his home several years ago and has been an active member of the community ever since. Outside the office, Steve is a devoted family man who enjoys fishing, traveling, and creating meaningful memories with his wife and two children.