Edward W. Berends, CPCU, ARM
Ed Berends is a principal of Berends Hendricks Stuit, joining the agency in 1974. Ed is President of the agency and shares in the management of the commercial department. Before beginning his career in insurance, Ed graduated from Calvin College in 1972 with a B.A. in Economics and from the University of Michigan’s M.B.A. program in 1974. Ed holds the designation of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter and Associate in Risk Management. He currently serves on the board of Hastings Mutual Insurance Company and as a member of the Accident Fund’s Key Advisor Group, Hartford’s Jonathon Trumble Council and Indiana’s Agents Advisory Council. Ed recently served as the chairman of the Board of the Christian Counseling Center and is on the board of the Visser Family YMCA.

Jerry Niewiek, CIC, LIC, CRM
Jerry has been a principal of Berends Hendricks Stuit since 1995 after joining the agency in 1988. He shares the management of the Commercial Lines Department. Jerry graduated from Ferris State University with a B.S. in Business Administration. He worked as a claims manager before coming to Berends Hendricks Stuit in 1988 as a Commercial Producer. Jerry currently serves on the agent advisory councils of both CNA Insurance and Selective Insurance. He holds the designations of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Licensed Insurance Counselor (LIC) and Certified Risk Manager (CRM). Jerry is also active in Cutlerville Christian School and has served as the chairman of the major donor drive, board member and Board President.

Steven Olson, CIC, LIC
Steve Olson is a principal of Berends Hendricks Stuit, joining the agency in 1993 and became a stockholder on January 1, 2000; he also serves as the Director of Employee Benefits. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1980 with a B.A. in Business, Steve began his insurance career with a large national carrier as a Group Health Marketing Representative. During his time there, his office was awarded the “Office of the Year” for the entire country. Steve then worked at the Olson Insurance Agency before joining Berends Hendricks Stuit. Steve holds the designations of Certified Insurance Counselor (C.I.C.) and Licensed Insurance Counselor (L.I.C.). Steve serves on West Michigan Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan Advisory Committee and has consistently been awarded the Century Club Award by Blue Cross/Blue Shield for selling over 100 contracts in a given year. He is also a member of the Key Producers club with Priority health and serves on their Agent Advisory Board. The agency is also a member of Humana’s Leader’s Club. Steve is a past officer of the Northview Education Foundation and an active member of his church.

Thomas L. Stuit, LIC, CPA
Tom began with the agency in 1977 and serves the agency in financial and administrative matters. Tom graduated from Hope College with a B.A. in Business and Psychology and continued his education at Michigan State University where he received his MBA in 1974. He began his career in public accounting and obtained his CPA certificate in 1976. Tom is a Licensed Insurance Counselor (LIC). He has served the insurance industry through boards and committees, including the Michigan Association of Independent Insurance Agents, Great Lakes Casualty, Citizens, Accident Fund, The Hartford and Secura. Tom serves his community and church, including current participation with Christian Schools International, Camp Roger, Little League, Boys Scouts and church council.