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About

 / Serving West Michigan for 100 Years

Waterstone Insurance Building

Waterstone Insurance Agency is the second oldest operating business in Muskegon County. The company, along with its predecessors, has been serving the insurance needs of Western Michigan for over 100 years. We like to think that our age has made us wiser, while we pride ourselves in our ability to adapt to changing markets. Waterstone employees are committed to a high standard of excellence in all that we do to ensure a firm relationship of mutual trust and service with each of our clients.

Currently, Waterstone Insurance Agency serves the insurance needs of about 10,000 individuals, families, and businesses throughout Michigan. We offer a wide array of coverage, including:

  • business insurance
  • personal insurance
  • life insurance
  • health insurance
  • group benefits

Waterstone Insurance Agency is large enough to offer an excellent array of insurance products and companies, but still small enough to provide our clients with the service for which we are known.

Waterstone Insurance Agency’s downtown Muskegon office is truly a one stop insurance agency. Our office includes a state-of-the-art computer system that includes special rating software that calculates real time rate comparisons with the most reputable and recognized insurance carriers in the industry. We are also connected online with all our carriers allowing us to promptly process claims and policy changes.

Our Values
We are an independent insurance agency. We work for our client and place insurance coverage with only the finest insurance carriers the industry has to offer.
Personal Service
We pride ourselves on personal service. The lost art can be found at Waterstone Insurance Agency 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Honesty
Our honesty and integrity is second to none. We value our clients' trust. All client information is treated with strict confidentiality.
Technology
We strive to continue to grow in the ways we communicate with our customers. Our goal is to stay abreast of technological changes, which will enhance our abilities to contact and be contacted.

 / Our Expertise

The Lakeshore is our home, and we’ve been servicing this beautiful city for over 100 years. From personal insurance to commercial, Waterstone Insurance Agency listens to your individualized needs and creates a plan fit for your budget.

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 / Our Team

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MICHAEL W. JOHNSON
President

Michael has been in the insurance industry for 23 years. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. Michael and his wife, Julie, have two children, Avery and Justin, and a dog named Brady. His hobbies include golf, hockey, fishing, boating, their kids’ sports events, and spending time with family.

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Stephon P. VanderWater
Account Executive

Stephon has 35 years of experience in the insurance industry. Not only did he grow up in the industry, but he also worked at a family-owned agency for 22 years. He joined the Waterstone Insurance team in 2007. Stephon’s hobbies include skiing, golfing, biking, and spending time with his partner, Lori, and their children.

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Riley D. Walcott
Account Executive

Riley is a Grand Valley State University alumni armed with a degree in finance and a passion for connecting with others. Riley dove headfirst into the insurance industry as a new agent, ready to bring a blend of enthusiasm and knowledge to cater to your insurance needs. Outside of the office, Riley enjoys baseball, fishing, hunting, music and spending time with family and friends.

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Julie R. Balgooyen
Health Insurance Executive

2020 marks Julie’s 35th year in the insurance industry. Before she started her own insurance agency in 2001, she worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Physicians Health Plan. In 2008, Waterstone Insurance Agency asked her to handle their health business, so Julie has housed her agency, Julie R. Balgooyen Agency, there ever since. She and her husband, Jay, have two dogs, four children, two grandchildren, and another one on the way! In her free time, she loves to cook.

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Patty A. O’Connor
Controller

Patty has over 20 years of accounting experience across various industries, including insurance, construction, and manufacturing. She graduated from Baker College with degrees in Accounting and Management. Patty has two children and one granddaughter, Norah, who is the light of her life. She enjoys creative writing, reading, knitting, running, beekeeping, and camping.

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Michelle L. Sorn
Commercial Account Manager

Michelle has been in the insurance agency for 34 years. She and her husband, Jeff, have two children, Noah and Victoriana. In her free time, Michelle really enjoys spending quality time with her close friends and family, helping people as much as she can, listening to music, shopping, and swimming.

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Michelle Hren
Commercial Account Manager/Licensed

Agent Michelle has been in the Insurance industry for 14 years. Michelle and her husband Tony have two children. Michelle enjoys spending her time with her family, camping, and traveling.

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Merri L. Woods
Commercial Customer Service Representative/Claims Processor

Merri graduated from Muskegon High School in 1978, and has spent the last 16 years working in the insurance industry. She and her husband have three children, one grandchild, and another one on the way! She enjoys painting, woodworking, knitting and crocheting, boating, spending time in Silver Lake, and spending lots of time with her family and friends.

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Sarah M. Strong
Commercial Customer Service Representative/Claims Processor

Sarah Strong is a family-oriented individual who finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loves camping, spending quality time with her loved ones, and enjoying outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. Sarah also has a knack for capturing beautiful moments through photography.

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Linda M. Perez
Personal Lines Account Manager

Linda has 16 years of experience in the insurance industry. She and her husband, Rick, have a combined 10 children, 16 grandchildren, and two Yorkies named Bella and Sophie. In her spare time, Linda really enjoys spending time outside by camping and gardening. She also loves reading and spending quality time with her friends and family.

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Kaitlyn V. Hren
Customer Service Representative for Personal Lines

Kaitlyn is embracing a new chapter of her life. With a rich medical background, she is now venturing into the dynamic realm of the insurance industry. This journey has equipped her with a keen eye for detail, empathy, and a commitment to a high standard of care for her customers.

On the weekends, you can find her on the shores of Lake Michigan, tending to her many plants & succulents, or at the pet store buying supplies for her dogs & bearded dragon.

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Mandy R. Sosnoski
Personal Lines Account Manager

Mandy brings her knowledge and experience to the team as a dedicated support professional working for many years in customer service. Although new to the insurance industry she has worked for several years in restoration for property damage claims. Mandy is a native of West Michigan. She lives with her husband Dan, two children Erin and Brady and their dog Finn in Norton Shores. She enjoys her hobbies in photography, reading and antiques. A strong passion of Mandy’s is advocating for individuals on the Autism Spectrum.