Born in Garkida, Nigeria, raised coast to coast in 4 different states (CA, MD, NY, LA), 10 years as a Naval Officer traveling all over the Pacific, Jim finally found a home and put down roots in Carlsbad, CA in 1985. Starting as a Financial Planner in 1989, he found a greater calling, satisfaction, and purpose in serving others in the insurance side rather than investments. He and Leslie opened their own Independent Agency and have succeeded in growing and establishing their business as a community resource. With 20 years experience in the profession, Jim serves as President/CEO of the company, as well as Marketing Officer, Sales Manager, Commercial Lines Manager, and Risk Management and Protection Planning (Life, Annuities, Disability, and Commercial Insurance strategies).

Jim received his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Maryland, and his Masters degree in International Organizations & Negotiations from the Naval PostGraduate School in Monterey. He has earned the Insurance Industry designations of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Risk Manager (CRM). Jim currently serves as Community Services Director for the Carlsbad, Hi-Noon Rotary Club and has been selected to be President-Elect for next term. He also serves as Co-Chair on the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee, and is a member of the first Carlsbad Community Emergency Response Team. He loves sailing, golf, cooking and Leslie (not necessarily in that order).

Born and raised a Midwest girl, Leslie felt the call to go west in the early 1980’s. She and Jim met while she was visiting Monterey and were married shortly thereafter. They moved to Carlsbad in 1985 and knew they were “home”.

Leslie started her insurance career in 1990 when, after Jim left the Navy and became a licensed insurance agent, needed assistance from her. Together, they built their agency and have enjoyed 20 years operating their business.

Leslie’s insurance specialties are group and individual health, personal lines and claim resolution. Leslie has been a consistent top producer in the agency. Besides sales and service of insurance products, Leslie also handles the agency finances, payroll and executive administrative functions.

When not working, Leslie enjoys gardening, cooking, golfing, entertaining, reading, traveling, being with friends and just hanging out at home. Leslie’s favorite quote is “…live a lot, love a lot, laugh a lot, and from it all, learn a lot” – Richard Needham.

Charmaine Flansbaum has been active in the insurance field for more than 12 years. After a seven year tenure with USAA Insurance Company, being trained in all lines of individual insurance, Charmaine joined Allied Insurance as an Underwriter. While at Allied, Charmaine was active in many company sponsored community service-events to include the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer fundraisers, Asian-Pacific Islander Festivals, and United Way Fundraising. Charmaine was also hand-picked to participate in Allied’s “Emerging Leaders Program” where she received leadership training in all aspects of business and insurance. In September of 2008, Charmaine relocated to the Carlsbad, CA area and joined the Brubaker and Associates team. As the Office Manager and Commercial Insurance Service Representative, Charmaine brings her ability to gain customers trust and provides exceptional follow-up through her actions and organizational skills. Charmaine is actively working on completing the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) education course as well.

Charmaine, and her husband Sean, live in the beautiful San Elijo Hills area of San Marcos with their two dogs, “Shorty” and “Shizzle” as well as their cat “Sumo.” They enjoy the outdoors, and take advantage of the many trails in the area and can be found along Carlsbad’s amazing beaches on any given weekend. Stop by the office and Charmaine will be waiting there to greet you with a smile!

Originally from Indiana, Ross located to San Diego County a little more than 5 years ago. He brings nationally recognized business to business sales experience to the Brubaker Agency. All of his training and experience in the insurance industry has focused exclusively on meeting the needs of commercial clients. He is a graduate of the Hartford School of Insurance as well as the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research. He holds the Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) designation and is currently working to complete his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) education. Experienced in large and complex insurance cases, he specializes in Worker’s Compensation and Environmental Liabilities (pollution). Ross is a graduate of Ball State University where he received a Bachelors degree in U.S. History with an emphasis on 20th Century American Foreign Relations.

Ross is a founding officer of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s Sustainability Committee and a member of the San Diego chapter of the USGBC. He and his family reside in the Carlsbad/La Costa area.

Vicki has been a San Diego resident for most of her adult life. With more than 25 years experience in the insurance industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the Brubaker Team. She began her career working on the company side and eventually moved to the independent side having worked for two San Diego based agencies before joining Brubaker and Associates in 2007. Although she has extensive experience in both the commercial and individual lines of insurance, her focus has long been in meeting client’s personal insurance needs. Over the years, Vicki has earned her reputation by fulfilling the ever-changing needs that constitute individual insurance in Southern California. She enjoys building strong and lasing relationships with her clients and is committed to providing the very best service.

Vicki resides in Vista with her husband and two children. She takes joy in her pets, enjoying the wonderful outdoors of San Diego and living a great life of making good memories.

Born and raised in Southern California Lauren is the typical, but not average, Cali girl. A Pisces, she is one with the ocean. On her days off you can find her at the beach hanging ten. Lauren is a recent college graduate from Cal State University of Long Beach, with a Bachelors degree in International Studies and a minor in Spanish. After living the dream for four years and traveling abroad she has decided to stay in America and become a 9 to 5-er.