OUR UNIQUE APPROACH
We’ve all heard it, and it’s true…If you want different results, you’ve got to do things differently. You see, we’re not focused on selling insurance or promoting the carrier with the biggest bonus structure. We’re not satisfied with “phoning it in” or accepting low rate service.
Much of insurance has been regulated to be a commodity, and we understand that our service is what makes the biggest difference to you. I know, I know…all brokers say that, but what does service really mean?
At JC&A, it means prompt responses and answering phones with a real, live person. But we go a step further. We find new solutions to bring value and lower cost, new technology to make administration easier, and we know how to get the insurance company to act.
The bottom line: we work for you. We value clients over commissions and service over sales. With JC&A, Y-O-U are our priority. There are no investors and "their" bottom line or quotas to meet. Our unique structure and approach allows us to be far more nimble and creative in what we bring to those we serve.
We are family owned, which allows us to make decisions within our own office, and the only approval we seek is that of our clients. We are not a fit for everyone, and in fact, we only look to partner with employers who want something better.
With a combined 100+ years of service, we are an industry leader and hold positions on numerous insurance company advisory boards, giving us influence over how insurance companies operate. We’re licensed with all medical carriers and dozens of ancillary carriers. We have strategic partners in payroll, technology, HR, accounting, CFO services and other key areas of business.
MEET OUR TEAM
Hover over the team member's image to see their personality shine.
JOEY COSTA
Joey is the President of JC&A, and joined the family business in 2002. Born and raised in Athens, GA, he attended Lee University in TN, where he earned a degree in Intercultural Studies (that just means he likes working with people). As President, his primary focus is on serving self-funded employers, associations and supporting his team. Joey has also held positions on numerous insurance company advisory boards, and he served back-to-back terms as President of his local chapter of the Association of Health Underwriters.
Joey’s greatest passion is his family. His wife Amanda (she’s out of his league) and boys Noah (12) and Tate (9) enjoy being outside, playing in any kind of water, playing sports, eating BBQ and ice cream, and watching movies. If Joey manages a spare moment, you’ll likely find him on the golf course.
Fun fact: Joey once auditioned for David Letterman’s "Stupid Human Tricks"
Joe Costa
joe@costainc.com | mobile: (706) 338-5970
Joe is the founder of JC&A, and he is a life-long resident of Athens and third generation Athens-based entrepreneur. He earned his BBA from the University of Georgia in 1974, and opened JC&A in 1982. He and his late wife, Susan, built the business from small beginnings in their home office to the company that it is today, with an emphasis on customer service and helping clients find the benefit plans that they need.
Joe loves spending time with his four grandkids and playing golf.
Fun fact: Prior to starting Joe Costa & Associates, Joe owned Budwine, a cherry-flavored cola beverage company.
Steve Vorderlandwher
Steve is the Vice President of Business Development, joining the business in 2017. Born in Texas, but raised in Georgia, Steve currently resides in Gwinnett County. Steve focuses on uncovering new opportunities to help with employee benefits for current and new clients. With over 15 years in the insurance industry, he enjoys helping clients find solutions that benefit both the company/association, and their employees/members.
Steve has many interest outside the office, including spending time with his girlfriend, her two girls, their dog, Weller, and his family.
Fun fact: Steven is an avid hockey fan even though we don't have a NHL team in Atlanta.
Macy Bryant
Lauren Thackston
Macy is a Senior Account Executive with JC&A, and she has been with us since 2015. Originally from East Tennessee, she earned a dual degree at Walters State in Business Management and Administrative Assistance. Her goal is to provide exceptional service to our wonderful clients!
Macy is an avid horror movie fan – her favorite being Nightmare on Elm Street. She enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Nick, going to concerts, and finding a peaceful place to go fishing. Currently, she lives in Bethlehem, GA, and is enjoying life outside of the city. She has four rescue dogs – Willow, Kali, Boscoe, and Ozzy – and spoils them on a daily basis.
Fun Fact: Macy was featured in Family Circle magazine for Lil’ Dolly’s Dresses when she was 5 years old.
Lauren is one of our Account Executive’s at JC&A and has been here since March 2017. She was born and raised in Oconee County, GA, and graduated from Athens Technical College in 2016 with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administrative Technology. Lauren loves to decorate for special occasions at the office.
Outside the office, Lauren can be found reading or bingeing the latest reality tv show. Lauren has three wonderful fur babies - Drake (dog), Ash (cat), and Loki (cat).
Fun fact: Lauren claims that her chicken alfredo is better than any restaurant.
Kimberley Moody
Laura dickerson
Kimberley was born and raised in Oconee County. She graduated from Athens Technical College, with a degree in Business Administrative Technology, in 2016. She joined the JC&A team in 2017, and is an Account Executive.
In her spare time, Kimberley likes to spend time with her family and friends. She has a loving husband, Jonathan, and a beautiful daughter, Emma. Kimberley also enjoys finding new recipes to whip up.
Fun fact: Kimberley’s superpower is being able to sleep through almost anything.
Laura is an Account Executive with JC&A and has been with the company since July 2018. She was born and raised in Athens, GA. Laura enjoys serving our clients and going the extra mile to make sure they are well taken care of.
Laura stays busy as the mom to four incredible kids, Camille “The teenage drama queen” (18), Naomi “The quiet one” (13), Antonio “The athlete” (12), and Judah “The comedian” (10). They are her pride and joy! She loves to sing and listens to all different types of music. Laura also loves to make people laugh!
Fun Fact: Her son swallowed a $10,000 penny.
Scott Hayes
Scott is a Vice President of Business Development. Raised in Florida, Scott has lived in Greene County since 2000. Formerly a golf professional until 2008, Scott now focuses on helping employers attract and retain the most talented employees. Scott has strategic ties and a great deal of experience providing benefits to specific industries, including Pest Control and Education.
Scott has many interests outside the office, including spending time with his 5-year-old daughter, Addison, on Lake Oconee, jet skiing, boating, fishing, and golfing.
Fun fact: Scott is an avid golfer, a Florida Gator, Braves, and Falcons fan.