At Nichols & Associates, we specialize in finding customized solutions to your insurance needs that optimize your benefits. We look at each client's unique situation and work closely with you to find solutions that will work for you now as well as in the future. Our customer service-oriented approach has helped us to develop lasting relationships that don't end when we start your policy.
Our highly trained staff is ready to help you throughout the life cycle of your policies and will always do anything we can to support your questions and ongoing needs. Our team constantly stays up-to-date on insurance laws and trends so you can always depend on us to provide accurate and informed answers.
To learn more about our staff, browse the profiles below for each of our team members.
Mike Nichols
REBC, RHU, LUTCF
Matthew Sowell
Terresa Philip
Chip Gramling
LUTCF
Michael Sheetz
Daniel Adams
Tricia Cotton Ressler
Robin DiRisio
Mike began his 30+ year journey within the insurance industry in 1986 working for a local Independent agency. In 1991, he opened Nichols & Associates of Bay County and has continued to provide prompt and thorough service for all of our clients. Mike holds designations from Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) and Registered Health Underwriter(RHU), while continuing with his education training to best advise clients on health care needs.
Mike has always stayed active in the Insurance Industry and has served as a board member for many state and local insurance associations. Mike has been a board member of the Panama City Association Insurance Financial Advisors (PCAIFA) since 1986 and served as President of the organization in 1994. Additionally, Mike has been a board member for National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors of Florida (NAIFA) since 1984 and served as President of the organization in 2001.
Mike’s commitment to his community is shown through his involvement with the Boys & Girls Club of Bay County, Optimist Club, and Jaycees. Mike served as a board member for the Panama City Chamber of Commerce, and was elected the first chairman of the Small Business Institute, which provides continuing education training for small businesses. He has held a position on the Development Board for Florida State University Panama City Campus since 2002, and has participated as a member for the Panama City Police Pension.
Mike formerly served as a Panama City Commissioner (Ward 4) and responsible for being the past Chairman of the Bay County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO). He also serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Panama City Community Development Corporation (CDC). Mike’s dedication to Panama City is proven through his track record of contributing to the betterment of the city and its citizens.
Matthew (Matt) attended Florida State University and Gulf Coast State College, is a long time native to Panama City, and joined our team at Nichols & Associates in 2014. Matt has a strong work ethic and a desire for knowledge. He specializes in Medicare, Disability, Health, Dental, Group Health, Life, and Vision Insurance.
He is a Certified Marketplace Expert and named a Top 30, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida agents. Matt is excellent at listening to his customers and with his vast knowledge of the health insurance industry, it allows him to focus on providing his customers with a tailored plan that can take an innovative approach to meet their insurance needs, budget, and goals.
A long-time resident of Bay County, Terresa joined Nichols & Associates in April 2001. She received her Insurance License in Health, Life & Variable Annuity. She has extensive knowledge of all insurances offered by Nichols & Associates and offers a wealth of experience. Terresa specializes in Medicare, Health, Dental Insurance and is a Certified Marketplace Expert. She is focused on serving Nichols & Associates clients with honesty and integrity and giving technical knowledge about our insurance products. With over 25 years of sales and customer services experience, Terresa is known for her exceptional professional service to all; individuals, groups, and business clients.
Welcome Chip Gramling, to our Nichols & Associates family (since March 2023). He is a lifelong resident of Panama City, attended Holy Nativity Episcopal School, St. John Catholic School, Rosenwald Jr High School and graduated from Bay High School in 1984. Earned a BS in Marketing from Florida State University in 1990. Chip is deeply committed and involved in Panama City and Bay County. Serving as a Board Member and on the Government Affairs Committee of the Bay County Chamber of Commerce, President and Board Member of the Children’s Home Society, a former Scout Leader, and a longtime member of First United Methodist Church.
Chip has over 31 years of experience in the insurance industry, basically his entire adult life, focusing on Employee benefits and education, Individual health insurance, Medicare, and life insurance. He is LUTCF certified, a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Let’s just say, he is extremely knowledgeable and wants to put that knowledge to work for you. Stop by and see Chip.
Michael Sheetz loves fishing, hunting, baseball and drag racing. Originally, a native of Kansas, graduating from Kansas City Kansas Community College in 2003. In 1994, he married a Panama City native, Mary “Cathy” Bowers, a Bay High graduate and together they moved here in 2022. Michael’s professional background has been to help people, especially during their darkest times, as a Funeral Director. He is now taking that knowledge and compassion to help people better prepare for the inevitable. He knows firsthand the benefits of planning and insurance. Michael specializes in Individual Health, Dental, Vision Medicare and Life Insurance. Looking for additional peace of mind? Contact Michael
Daniel Adams grew up in Northwest Florida, graduating from Chipley High School in 1991. He then served our country, enlisting in the Marine Corps and was a member of the infantry till 1995. He supports and assists with fundraising efforts for the Aflac Children’s Cancer Center.
After the military, Daniel decided to serve people in another way. He has over 23 years of experience in the insurance industry, specializing in Employee Benefits, Group enrollment implementation and retention. He is an authorized Aflac representative through Nichols & Associates. Aflac is the most recognized supplemental insurance, aiding with major medical expenses that are not covered/provided by regular insurance. Looking for additional peace of mind? Contact Daniel
Tricia has been an essential part of the Nichols & Associates team since 2013. Her extensive background in customer service shows as she provides excellent customer support for our clients. She assists employers with adding employees to their group plans. Her vast knowledge of industry helps her direct customers in the right direction and get the answers to the challenging questions, including billing. Tricia is our liaison between our agents and our customers. Her friendly smile and easy-going personality will make you feel welcomed the moment you walk into our office.
Tricia was born and raised in Panama City, is an avid University of Florida football fan. And if you visit our office during the month of October you are in for a real treat. Contact Tricia admin@bayinspc.com for any questions related to your insurance or scheduling an appointment to discuss your insurance needs or concerns.
Robin.DiRisio@BayInsPC.com
Robin is a server by nature. An Iowa native and attendee of University of Iowa. Robin joined the US Navy in 1985 and served for 5 years. She then turned her focus to family and raising children, two biological sons and three teenage boys who needed her guidance, security and a stable home life. In 1994, Robin would later start a 25 year career with the U.S. Postal Service, which would relocate her and the family to Panama City and eventually Wewahitchka in 2004. Where she would become a local PostMaster and later retire in 2021. In 2022, Robin decided she wasn’t done serving her community. So she decided to get her insurance license, and now enjoys helping people and families find health, dental, vision and life insurance that fits their needs and budget. Mike, owner of Nichols & Associates, who has been insuring the community for over 30 years, decided in November 2024, it was time to open a satellite office of Nichols & Associates in Port St. Joe, to help Robin serve the community easier. In Robin’s spare time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, decorating, sewing, reading, her grandchildren, her yellow Labrador, and walking on the beach. Stop by or call Robin, and let her assist you in finding the right insurance coverage.