CLI Founder, Dawnyel Smink, launched AZ Insurance Agents in 2003. Her drive and love of the industry propelled her to acquire CLI in 2008 and grow it to 40 franchise locations strong in 11 years. From her original career path of elementary school teacher, Dawnyel soon chose to help even more people by becoming licensed in property, casualty, life and health. Her passion for education has continued as she now helps clients understand the impact the right insurance choices can make in life. A Mom to three, Dawnyel enjoys traveling, playing golf with her husband, Jason, and giving back. As part of Make-A-Wish Arizona’s Charitable Planned Giving Council, she helps others to know the sheer joy of helping brighten others’ lives when a crisis such as a deadly disease rocks a family. When CLI welcomes a new client, a donation is made to Make-A-Wish Arizona in their honor.
David joined Canyon Lands in April 2018 and has a total of 25 years of experience in the industry. He brings a unique perspective since he has served as a carrier and program underwriter for over 15 years and has now been on the agency side for the past 10 years. He handles the Commercial Placement for CLI as well as all referring/referral agents in the CLI Family. When he is not working, he is an avid softball player along with enjoying life with friends and family.
J-M recently celebrated her 32nd year in the insurance industry. Throughout her career, J-M has helped clients of all types and sizes protect what matters most – from mom & pop businesses to corporations with multiple locations worldwide. A frequent volunteer and avid animal lover, J-M finds working with nonprofits and animal-related businesses especially rewarding. She has been a licensed P&C agent for the past 16 years and sees her clients as more than a transaction. Her specialty is applying her passion of helping clients understand and meet their insurance needs, while also building a relationship with them.
Originally from Connecticut, she likes to return to the East coast each year to enjoy time with her nieces and nephews.
Jay has over 15 years of customer service/customer care experience under his belt, 11 of which in the insurance field. With a license in Property and Casualty Insurance, he is thrilled to be working with Canyon Lands Insurance as an Account Manager. He is incredibly reliable, hardworking, and detail-oriented. He and his amazing wife, Lindsay recently welcomed their first little one, River! Jay and his family are extremely passionate about community outreach. A fan of Arizona Sports Teams (most importantly, the Phoenix Suns -- GO SUNS!), listening to music, and anything outdoors, Jay is very adventurous in his free time and loves to stay active. He especially loves to travel and can’t wait to go on more road trips with his new family!
Curiosity feeds Kevin's urge to understand history's ancient civilization. And, this, combined with his love of everything outdoors, fuels his self-proclaimed title as intrepid explorer. Hailing from California, today, one can find Kevin scaling mountains or hiking the Arizona wilderness when he is not capturing his life-long painter's inspiration on canvas.
A book nerd, the four-year risk manager learned the business as a sales rep with State Farm. Today, he is excited to be on board with CLI and to earn the trust of Canyon Lands' valued customers with his enthusiastic, helpful nature.
Dad to Dylan, his eccentric daughter, and grandparent to three beautiful granddaughters, Annabele, Luna, and Kayce, Kevin is engaged to loving fiancé Sondra. The pair are pet parents to a gigantic Great Dane/Labrador puppy, Buster Brown.
Deborah has been a Personal Lines Risk Manager for 25+ years. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the CLI Team. She’s passionate about making sure her clients are taken care of and giving them peace of mind, at least as far as their insurance goes. Deborah fell in love with her husband on their first date(!) and has been married to him for 12 years. When not working with her clients, she enjoys her family and friends, cooking, traveling, and hiking. She and her husband spend the summers in Michigan with her husband’s family, but always return to Arizona as the seasons change, the best of both worlds! Deborah also believes in the power of volunteering and has a special place in her heart for animal rescues.
