Joe Race has spent more than two decades doing what he’s always done best, solving problems for people before they know they have one. He founded The Allen Thomas Group in 2003, building it from the ground up into an independent insurance agency licensed across 27 states and recognized for its client-first approach to risk management.

Joe’s path to insurance wasn’t a straight line — it was a logical one. After graduating from The University of Akron with a degree in Marketing, he began his career in the 1990s as an investment advisor. Working closely with clients to grow and protect their financial futures, he kept running into the same gap: the products they needed to safeguard those investments simply weren’t available through the captive market. So he built an agency designed to fix that — one that would put the client’s actual needs ahead of any single carrier’s product lineup.

That founding philosophy still drives everything at ATG today. Under Joe’s leadership, the agency has grown into a multi-brand platform spanning niche commercial markets including manufacturing, car washes, craft breweries, trade contractors, and high-value homes, among others. His areas of expertise include strategic planning, business development, employee benefits, and sales — all in service of one consistent goal: making sure clients are genuinely protected, not just technically covered.

Outside of the office, Joe is a self-described wine enthusiast and outdoorsman, equally at home exploring a new bottle as he is exploring the outdoors. It’s a fitting combination for someone who has always believed the best relationships, in business and in life, are built over time and with care.

Kyle Konet is the Chief Marketing Officer for The Allen Thomas Group, an independent insurance agency in Northeast Ohio.

With over 8 years of experience guiding teams all over the world, Kyle is an expert in insurance content, SEO, and sales automation strategy, dedicated to helping individuals and businesses find the best coverage solutions for their needs. As a passionate advocate for personal and business growth and success, Kyle works tirelessly to ensure that his insurance clients have access to the best possible information and resources available to help them protect what matters most.

He understands that one of the biggest challenges for any individual or business is protecting its assets, which is why he is committed to providing customized insurance solutions that help safeguard you from unforeseen legal challenges.

Ashley brings 19 years of comprehensive accounting experience to her role as Finance Director, including 9 years of specialized expertise in the insurance industry. With a strong foundation in financial management, she has developed deep expertise in areas such as budgeting, financial reporting, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger management, financial analysis, and regulatory compliance.

Ashley is also Mental Health First Aid Certified as well as CPR, AED, and First Aid Certified — a testament to her commitment to the well-being of those around her.

Outside of the office, Ashley enjoys traveling with her husband, experimenting in the kitchen with cooking and baking, and spending quality time at home with their four cats. She also has a passion for laser engraving, bringing the same creativity and attention to detail to her hobbies that she applies to her work every day. Most recently, Ashley and her husband embarked on an exciting new chapter, making a cross-country move from Michigan to Arizona — a big adventure that perfectly reflects her enthusiasm for new experiences and embracing the journey ahead.

Whitney Schaefer brings a well-rounded background in financial services and client relations to her role as a Commercial Account Executive at The Allen Thomas Group. She began her career in retail banking before transitioning into the investment division, where she supported three investment representatives across 14 branches. This early experience built a strong foundation in client service, financial strategy, and relationship management.

After taking time away from her corporate career to focus on family, Whitney stayed actively engaged in a professional capacity as an event manager at a local brewery. In that role, she successfully planned and executed a wide range of events — from weddings to large-scale celebrations — further sharpening her organizational skills and attention to detail.

When she returned to the financial services industry, Whitney explored both investment and insurance paths before discovering her passion for commercial insurance. Starting in a client service role, she quickly advanced into her current position, where she specializes in helping small business owners navigate their coverage needs with clarity and confidence. Her combined experience in banking and working closely with business clients allows her to take a thoughtful, well-informed approach to protecting what matters most to her clients.

Whitney is a proud alumna of The Ohio State University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and their two dogs.

Kerri brings over 15 years of insurance industry experience to the ATG team, having launched her career in 2011 at Barr’s Insurance Agency in Oil City, PA. During her time there, she built a strong foundation in personal lines before strategically transitioning into commercial lines in 2024 to broaden her expertise. Her passion for understanding every facet of the industry has made her a well-rounded professional and a valued contributor to every team she’s been a part of. Beyond her technical work, Kerri took on a natural leadership role in community outreach initiatives and served as a go-to resource for in-office technology and social media — a testament to her versatility and team-first mindset. She joined the ATG team in 2025 and has already hit the ground running.

Outside of the office, Kerri is a proud mom to two kids — a son and daughter — who keep life full and fun. Summer is the family’s favorite season, and you’ll often find them paddleboarding or floating the rivers of Pennsylvania. She’s also a self-described dance mom, cheering on her daughter’s competition team, and enjoys hunting and fishing alongside her son. When she’s not outdoors, Kerri channels her creativity into DIY home projects and acrylic painting. She shares her home with two beloved fur-babies — a Mini Bernedoodle and an Australian Shepherd who are rarely far from her side.

An insurance professional with a licensed background in both insurance and real estate. I primarily serve as a Commercial Account Manager, while also supporting personal lines and surety bonds. This experience allows me to approach each client’s needs with a well-rounded perspective and a focus on practical, tailored solutions.

I enjoy working closely with clients to simplify complex insurance decisions, whether that’s structuring commercial coverage, securing surety bonds, or comparing options across personal and business policies. Being involved in multiple areas of the agency has made me a dependable, go-to resource for both clients and colleagues, which gained me the nickname of “Swiss Army knife” at the office. I take pride in delivering responsive, detail-oriented service to each client.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and creative. I play guitar and am currently teaching myself banjo and steel tongue drum. I also love spending time outdoors, ranging from short hikes to extended backpacking trips. Most importantly, I value time spent with my wife and practice yoga, which helps me stay balanced and focused both personally and professionally.