Meet the Team
A dedicated group of experienced professionals committed to helping you make confident financial decisions with personalized guidance and care.
Joe Garcia MBA, CLTC
“THE BEST PART OF MY JOB IS KNOWING I HELPED
PROTECT MY CLIENT’S RETIREMENT”
Founder and CEO of SafeHarbor Management Group (SMG).
Joe Garcia holds an MBA from Michigan State University as well as a CLTC designation. A CLTC designation is an insurance professional who has extensive knowledge in the area of Long-Term Care planning. He is also an Investment Advisor Representative (IAR) with SMG.
As an IAR, Joe offers his clients investment advice focused on a holistic planning approach, while keeping true to his fiduciary responsibilities. Joe’s 25+ years in the financial services industry gives him a unique perspective in the ever-changing world of insurance and retirement planning. Over the years, Joe has been featured on the Lori Moore show and has given countless presentations on retirement planning and Medicare.
Joe has made it his mission to grow and protect the assets of his clients through experience and education. He believes his vast experience in the industry, combined with his holistic approach to retirement, he gives his firm a unique advantage when developing a customized retirement strategy for clients.
MEET OUR STAFF
DAWN FISHER
VP OPERATIONS
Dawn Fisher was born and raised in West Michigan and is forever “smitten with the Mitten”. She has over thirty years of experience in the Insurance industry and recently graduated from KVCC’s Accounting program with honors. She has been married to her husband, Michael, since 1987 and together they share one son, three stepsons, eight grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. In her spare time, Dawn enjoys teaching Sunday School, kayaking and practicing yoga.
CHRISTINA CARTER
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Proud SMG team member for over 6 years.
Livonia-born, Portage-based. Spartan alum with a Bachelor's degree.
Happily married with two amazing children.
When not busy conquering projects, you can find me cherishing moments with loved ones and exploring new destinations.
Let's connect and share our travel tales!
JESSICA GARCIA
AGENCY RELATIONS
Jessica Garcia brings more than 23 years of professional experience to SMG, where she oversees Agency Relations and Event Planning. She enjoys building strong relationships with agents and carriers, helping make the contracting and licensing process seamless while staying connected with leading carriers and industry updates.
Beyond her role at SMG, Jessica has a true passion for giving back. She believes in being involved in the community and making a positive difference, and she leads SMG’s philanthropic efforts and supports a variety of charitable initiatives throughout the year.
Jessica graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication and Advertising. She lives in Florida with her husband, Joe, golden retriever Izzy and enjoys spending time with family and friends, being involved in her community, and creating memorable experiences through the events she helps bring to life.
DANIELLE BATES
RETIREMENT SPECIALIST
Danielle Bates is passionate about helping people feel confident and comfortable when making important healthcare decisions. With a background in Human Resources and benefits administration, Danielle has spent her career helping people understand their benefits and find coverage that fits their individual needs.
Danielle earned her Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Michigan State University. Now as a Medicare Specialist, she enjoys building personal relationships with her clients and taking the time to make Medicare easier to understand. She believes everyone deserves to feel informed, supported, and confident in their healthcare choices.
DAVE VERNIER
RETIREMENT SPECIALIST
Dave Vernier is proud to call Portage, Michigan home, where he lives with his wife, Amy, and their sons, Cam and Carter. Outside of work, Dave enjoys golf, fishing, and especially hockey, you can usually find him at the rink!
Dave enjoys helping clients with Medicare because he believes in making the process easier to understand. He takes the time to listen to each client’s needs, explain their options clearly, and help them feel confident in their Medicare decisions.
ERIN BUSH
RETIREMENT SPECIALIST
Erin Bush lives in Dexter, Michigan, with her husband and their four children. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University and her master’s degree from Northwestern University.
Family is at the heart of Erin’s life, and she spends much of her free time cheering on her children at basketball courts, football fields, baseball games, and track meets. With children ranging from college to elementary school, there is always something happening! When she finds a little extra time for herself, Erin enjoys baking and, of course, enjoying the desserts she creates.
Erin chose a career in Medicare because she enjoys helping people feel confident about their healthcare decisions. Her goal is to make Medicare simple, comfortable, and easy to understand.
“I love when my clients feel a sense of peace after talking with me. Knowing I’ve helped someone feel less overwhelmed and given them one less thing to worry about makes my day better, too.”
PAUL WALKE
RETIREMENT SPECIALIST
Paul Waltke is proud to call Portage, Michigan, home. He attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College and has spent the past 15 years staying active while coaching and mentoring children.
Outside of work, Paul enjoys grilling and cooking and spending time helping others. He loves working with Medicare clients because he enjoys educating people and explaining things in a simple, real-world way. His goal is to build lasting relationships, reduce stress, and help each client feel confident about their Medicare decisions and their future.
SHARON LEISS
RETIREMENT SPECIALIST
Sharon Leiss has been helping individuals and families with their insurance needs since earning her insurance license in 2001. She truly enjoys getting to know her clients, listening to what matters most to them, and making Medicare easier to understand. Her goal is to make sure every client has the information they need to feel confident in choosing the coverage that’s right for them.
Sharon lives in Jackson, Michigan, with her husband, Melvin, whom she has been married to since 2005. They have four wonderful children who keep life busy and fun! When she’s not helping clients, you’ll likely find Sharon in the stands cheering on one of her kids, enjoying an outdoor concert, or simply spending time with her family.
For Sharon, helping people is about more than finding a Medicare plan, it’s about building relationships, being there when clients need her, and providing the personal service they deserve.
