Growing up around aviation, Steve shared his father Larry’s passion for flying. Steve started flight school in high school and soloed at the age of 16. Focusing on his education, Steve completed his training and received his private pilot’s license 5 years later.

After graduating from the University of Michigan, Steve joined Larry at LLJohns and began a journey that would last 30 years and counting.

Throughout his career, Steve has served both charitable and organizational groups in leadership roles. Steve served as Chairman of the Board for Angel-Flight Michigan, an organization providing flight services for those in need. Steve also spent 6 years on the board of directors with the National Aircraft Finance Association and is a member of the National Business Aviation Association.  He is also currently serving as the Treasurer on the West Michigan Aviation Academy Foundation board.

Today, Steve is responsible for leading LLJohns and running daily operations. Everyone at LLJohns is client focused and that comes from Steve’s leadership and dedication to their clients. While maintaining his own group of clients, Steve sets the standard for the rest of the team, fostering the culture that has made LLJohns a leader in the aviation insurance industry.

Along with leading the operational segment of the business, Steve enjoys digging into the numbers, identifying trends and developing efficiencies within the industry and his own business.

The time he spends with his wife, 4 children and 2 grandchildren is cherished and hard-earned. A proclaimed Jesus follower, Steve’s faith has been a guiding light in his life, family and business. Over the years, Steve has enjoyed participating in leadership roles within his church’s ministry and outreach. Today, he strives to live out the words attributed most commonly to Saint Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.”

Sean comes to aviation naturally with his father serving as an aviator in the United States Navy. That inspired Sean to attend the prestigious Center for Aerospace Studies at University of North Dakota and graduate with a degree in Airway Science Management.

After completing a nine (9) month internship with American Eagle Group in Dallas, Texas, Sean joined the team at LLJohns. First serving as an agent, he used his education and experience to provide his clients with exceptional coverage, consultation, and customer service.

Today, 25 years later, Sean serves as the Vice President of LLJohns providing leadership and guidance to their team of account managers. Sean’s commitment to excellence in his field led him to pursue and achieve his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation and he is currently completing his Certified Risk Manager (CRM) designation. Sean provides organizational leadership and direction for sales and marketing while still serving his own client base. Using a consultative approach, Sean navigates the complexities of aviation insurance to align his client’s needs with the appropriate products and coverages.

Sean routinely conducts leadership team meetings, along with leading weekly and quarterly business reviews and also serves as the point man for the company’s annual 2-day leadership event. Sean enjoys an active lifestyle with his wife Andrea and their four kids. Over the last 20 years, Sean has trained for and competed in numerous triathlons & marathons. Active members in their church community, the Kallsens enjoy serving in their church and participating in other outreach programs.

Cameron is a third-generation aviation insurance professional and Account Executive at LLJohns Aviation Insurance. After beginning his career in education, he joined the agency full-time in 2019 and has since served clients in the aviation insurance industry. His connection to the family business began much earlier, working in a variety of roles throughout high school and college.

Since joining LLJohns, Cameron has focused on helping clients navigate the unique risks and insurance needs of the aviation industry. In 2023, he earned his Private Pilot Certificate, providing firsthand insight into the aircraft operations, challenges, and exposures his clients face. He remains active in industry events and continuing education, enjoying the opportunity to keep learning as both aviation and insurance continue to evolve.

A graduate of Grace College with a degree in education, Cameron brings an educator's perspective to every client relationship. He believes insurance should be understandable and approachable, and he takes pride in helping clients make informed decisions with confidence.

Continuing the family tradition at LLJohns, Cameron takes pride in serving the aviation community and building lasting relationships with clients.

Outside of work, Cameron enjoys flying, distance running, strength training, traveling, and spending time with family.

Kaili Mae grew up around personal and business aviation and is a third-generation aviation insurance professional. She joined LLJohns over 20 years ago and has performed various roles. Most recently she has served as an account manager working directly with clients helping guide them through the complexities of securing aviation insurance.

Today, her systematic approach to business and keen understanding of business finance have led Kaili Mae to the financial side of the business. In addition to overseeing the accounting and finance responsibilities, Kaili Mae continues to maintain her Property & Casualty license and enjoys continued interaction with clients as needed.

Kaili Mae has a busy life with two youngsters at home and enjoys playing keys and singing in her church worship band.

Brie joined the team in 2001 on a part time basis and came on full time in 2007 after graduating from Oakland University. Since joining, she has been focused on serving LLJohns business clients as a part of the Corporate & Commercial Department team. Working closely with senior staff members, Brie provides data collection for underwriters, manages renewals and assists in securing pilot approvals to ensure their clients most complex insurance needs are met. As a dedicated insurance professional, Brie holds a Michigan license for Property & Casualty Insurance and Certified Insurance Service Representative.   

With 4 young children at home, Brie enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering for local charity organizations. 

Molly brings over thirty-seven years of experience in the insurance industry to her role at LLJohns. Starting before she was a teenager, Molly sorted mail at her family’s independent insurance agency, and when she passed her certification and received her agent's license just a few days after turning eighteen, she was the youngest person ever to become a licensed agent in the state of Michigan. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her role at LLJohns and she finds the world of aviation fascinating, engaging, and an exciting place to apply her skills. 

 Molly is married to Kirk and the mother of four children, Ellie, Nora, Lexi, and Ari. Over the years she has balanced those roles and her career like a pilot keeping the wings level.  She serves in a number of leadership roles at her church and in the community. She enjoys traveling, reading, and affecting entire rooms with her infectious laughter. 

With a background in customer service and marketing, Erika brings a hands-on approach to her role as Account Manager at LLJohns. She is passionate about helping clients navigate their needs and takes pride in finding the best solutions, no matter the challenge. For Erika, it’s all about building strong, lasting relationships based on trust and loyalty.

Erika also bartends part-time – something she does purely because of her love for it. Whether it’s the energy or the crowd, crafting the perfect cocktail, or simply connecting with people, this side passion allows her to unwind and tap into her creative side, all while building relationships and having fun in the process. 

When Erika’s not at work, you’ll likely find her and her husband Jason cruising on their Harley, enjoying a round of golf, or cheering on their favorite football team!

Patti has been with LLJohns since 1985. With a father who worked at Marsh McLennan and was also Larry Johns’ close friend, Patti grew up with insurance talk at the dinner table. Having learned the values of excellence, integrity, and customer service at a young age, stepping into a role at LL Johns after college was a natural fit.  During her full-time years at LLJohns, Patti further developed her aviation insurance knowledge, managing Corporate and Commercial accounts. Patti continued working part-time while raising four children, now all adults.

Patti spent 12 years working in Special Education within her local school district where she learned a new perspective through the eyes of children with multiple disabilities.   During that time, she continued assisting with the Workers’ Compensation policies at LLJohns and supporting team members with special projects.  In her return to a full time position with LLJohns, she now supports the sales team by developing relationships with new clients.  She will analyze their needs, help navigate the markets on their behalf, review their program and provide reliable service alongside the sales team. 

Outside of the office, Patti enjoys serving alongside her Pastor/husband in their local church, playing with her grandbaby, walking her golden retriever, and volunteering at the school where she once worked. 

Brenda Van Eck is an educator turned aviation enthusiast who now devotes her time to serving our Light Aircraft clients. Brenda is dedicated to providing a seamless experience, whether guiding policyholders through the renewal process or offering tailored coverage options for new clients. Her commitment to customer service, along with her keen attention to detail, enables her to address each client's unique needs. By taking the time to thoroughly understand their requirements, Brenda crafts personalized coverage plans that offer peace of mind and ensure they are well-protected.

Since marrying her aviator husband, Brenda has continuously expanded her knowledge of aviation, joining LLJohns in 2024. Her background in education, coupled with her love for learning, has made her a valuable asset to the team.

Outside of work, Brenda enjoys traveling with her husband in their RV-10 and spending time with their two grown children—her son, who serves in the U.S. Air Force, and her daughter, who is completing her business degree.

Jennifer brings a strong history of providing exceptional customer service to her role at LLJohns. A graduate of the University of Colorado, Jennifer spent 12 years in marketing and advertising with an emphasis on target audience research and national brand message placement in traditional and online/social media. Once her kids started school, she returned to the work force with a focus on customer service and risk assessment. Those skills are exactly what makes Jennifer a perfect fit for the LLJohns team. Jennifer oversees all aspects of account management from maintaining the policy renewal process to delivering quotes and focusing on customer retention. Conducting policy reviews, Jennifer ensures that both pleasure pilots and business aircraft owners alike are properly protected by their coverage plans.

Jennifer is a huge college football fan and enjoys spending time with family and friends tailgating, visiting cider mills, crafting, and riding a Harley.  She strives to follow the wisdom of Proverbs 3:27; “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is within your power to act” and likes to volunteer at her church working on special interest projects such as Back to School backpacks and Thanksgiving food basket initiatives.

Go Buffs!! 

When John joined LLJohns nearly 25 years ago, he brought with him an unparalleled abundance of aviation knowledge and experience.

Over the course of his life and education leading up to his current role with LLJohns, Mr. Gostinger has been immersed in the aviation industry. John started flying in 1962 and obtained his private pilot’s license in 1966. By 1969, John had earned his CFI and shortly thereafter added his CFII along with multi-engine and glider ratings. For decades since, John has been an advocate for flying both as an instructor pilot and serving honorably for six years in aircraft maintenance for the Air National Guard.

John worked in aviation insurance prior to joining LLJohns, spending 11 years as an underwriter for Global Aviation Aerospace. That experience, along with a lifelong involvement in aviation has made John a most valuable part of the LLJohns family.

Today, John focuses primarily on a light aircraft, private pilot client base. John works managing his existing client base while always seeking out new pilots that he knows will benefit from his experience and the LLJohns approach. John also maintains several flight school clients, sharing his wealth of knowledge in that area to ensure those clients are properly served.

In 2017, John was awarded the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. This is a prestigious recognition honoring private pilots who have flown for 50 years since their first solo flight without violation or accident. John was awarded this great distinction alongside LLJohns founder, Larry Johns. Since graduating from Western Michigan University with a liberal arts degree and an eye on teaching, John still enjoys his involvement in flight instruction working with and mentoring pilots, sharing his extensive experiences with new students both young and old.

Nancy brings many years of insurance experience to deliver exceptional client service. With 28 years at LL Johns, Nancy understands the needs of our Light Aircraft customers. She handles all aspects of account management from maintaining the policy renewal process to delivering quotes and focusing on customer retention. Conducting policy reviews, Nancy ensures that our pleasure and business customers are properly protected by their coverage plans.

When not hard at work, Nancy is an avid reader, with a book a week to her credit. As a devout Christian, she is active in her church community. 

Kim Townsend is the Ground Crew Lead at LLJohns Aviation Insurance, where she helps ensure the team has the support, training, and resources needed to serve clients well. She oversees day-to-day workflow, assists with team development, and works closely with coworkers across the organization to create efficient, consistent processes that help the business run smoothly. Kim is known for her attention to detail, passion for continuous improvement, and commitment to helping others succeed.

Kim enjoys finding ways to improve systems, streamline workflows, and create solutions that benefit both clients and team members. Her collaborative approach, problem-solving mindset, and dedication to excellence make her a valued member of the LLJohns team.

Outside of work, Kim enjoys reading, crafting, and especially cross-stitching. She also loves cheering on her children at sporting events and taking walks with her dog. 

Julianne Ammons is a valued member of the LLJohns Ground Crew team, helping ensure clients receive timely, accurate support throughout the renewal process. She is responsible for preparing and processing renewal applications, providing renewal documentation, and reviewing policies, all while helping maintain the high level of service LLJohns clients have come to expect.

Known for her attention to detail and process-minded approach, Julianne is always looking for ways to improve systems and create better experiences for both clients and teammates. Her commitment to accuracy, organization, and service helps ensure clients receive the responsive support and care that are at the heart of the LLJohns experience.

Outside of work, cross-cultural ministry is close to Julianne's heart. She and her husband, who serves as a pastor, are active in ministry and foster care. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, staying active, cooking, reading and watching football. Roll Tide! 

Rhys Townsend is a member of the Ground Crew team at LLJohns Aviation Insurance, where he supports both client service and internal operations. He helps ensure the details behind each account are handled accurately and efficiently, providing valuable support to clients and team members alike. His responsibilities include assisting with policy reviews, preparing applications and renewal documents, managing deposits and banking transactions, supporting company payables, and researching billing discrepancies.

With a degree in Finance and a natural aptitude for problem-solving, Rhys enjoys digging into the details and finding solutions when challenges arise. His analytical mindset, strong work ethic, and willingness to jump in wherever needed make him an important part of the LLJohns team.

Outside of work, Rhys enjoys staying active and spending time with family and friends. Whether he's playing basketball, pickleball, or bowling, or simply getting out for a run or walk, he enjoys activities that keep him moving and engaged.

Mary Jane (MJ) Johns has been supporting the LLJohns family business since she and Steve were married in 1988. In 2018, she officially joined the Ground Crew team, where she assists with renewal paperwork preparation and insurance summaries, helping ensure clients and producers have the information they need.

Known for her cheerfulness and friendly voice on the phone, MJ enjoys connecting with clients and colleagues alike. She also coordinates the company's card ministry and social events, helping foster the caring, family-oriented culture that has long been a hallmark of LLJohns. In addition, she is often found alongside Steve as he travels, supporting him in his work while building lasting relationships throughout the aviation community and extending the warmth and hospitality that have long been part of the LLJohns culture.

Outside of work, family is at the center of MJ's life. Her greatest joy is being known as "Bunnie" to her grandchildren, and she treasures time with her husband, Steve, their four children, and the growing family they've built together. She enjoys traveling to visit family near and far and, when life slows down, can often be found at the piano playing a favorite worship song.

As a Ground Crew member at LLJohns, Kim Agullana plays an important role in reviewing policies and ensuring every detail is accurate and complete. She enjoys the careful, detail-oriented nature of policy review and takes pride in delivering quality work with excellence and consistency. Her commitment to accuracy helps support both our team and the clients we serve.

Outside of work, family is at the heart of Kim's life. She treasures time spent with her children and grandchildren and takes great pride in being involved in their lives and creating lasting memories together. Kim also enjoys cooking, shopping, and singing, which has been one of her lifelong passions. Whether she's gathered around the table with family or sharing a favorite song, Kim finds joy in investing in the people she loves most.

Michelle Pietras is the System Administrator at LLJohns Aviation Insurance, where she helps build and maintain the technology, processes, and infrastructure that keep the organization running efficiently. She works behind the scenes to create systems that support the entire team, ensuring coworkers have the tools, resources, and information they need to serve clients effectively.

Known for her attention to detail, commitment to integrity, and problem-solving mindset, Michelle plays a key role in troubleshooting issues, reviewing data, and identifying opportunities for improvement. She is passionate about finding smarter, more efficient ways to work and is continually exploring technologies and solutions that help streamline workflows and support the growth of the organization.

Outside of work she enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, curling up with a good book, and kayaking with her husband as they take in the beauty of God’s creation together.

Larry founded LLJohns with a specific mission, to operate a business in an industry he’d come to love and to do it on what he believes to be God’s principles. Larry and Madge will tell you their faith has been the guiding principle in the way they raised their family and ran the business.

Larry first flew at the age of 10 when a neighbor invited him for a flight and a passion was born. Years later, after graduating from the GM Institute, Larry began working for General Motors. It wasn’t long before he and two friends had bought their first plane.

After a couple of years at GM, Larry came to realize that the corporate life wasn’t for him. He and his wife, Madge, began looking for ways to work and serve those in need through ministry and mission. Larry was asked to join an aviation insurance company where he would serve a 7 state territory. A change in ownership a few years later would set Larry and Madge on their path.

Larry founded LLJohns to serve the aviation community with honesty and integrity, running his business firmly on his Biblical principles. Together, Larry and Madge built LLJohns into an industry leader in private and commercial aviation insurance. Today, they employ a team of agents, account managers and leaders who have an unprecedented amount of aviation experience.

Larry is still a part of the leadership team and continues to foster the atmosphere and spirit the company was founded upon. Larry and Madge still both enjoy active roles in the operational aspect of the agency while allowing their leadership team to run the day to day business.

Family, integrity, experience and faith.