About Ironwood Insurance Agency | Our Story & Values in California

Our Core Message

Protect the Legacy

Protect the Legacy is our promise in action. ‍

‍We put protection first so you can move forward with clarity today and for years to come. We serve homeowners, families, and business owners throughout California. We make recommendations, explain the trade-offs, and stay close when it matters most. And because legacies are not only financial, we invest in people by standardizing what works, teaching the craft, and creating real ownership for those who earn it. When clients and advisors both have a path forward, the whole Californian community becomes more resilient.

That is what we mean by Protect the Legacy.

Our Purpose & Vision

Deep roots for a secure future

At Ironwood Insurance Agency, we exist to protect and grow legacies for families and business owners across every region of California. We safeguard what you’ve worked hard to build through protection-first advice, clear explanations, and steady partnership through every season.

Our vision is simple: to ensure that families and businesses can live and operate at their best. Your peace of mind starts with Ironwood. We invest in strong leadership and a culture of growth, creating opportunities for the next generation of advisors to learn, lead, and eventually own, so our team reflects the communities we protect and the value they create. Together, we strengthen every corner of our community, with you at the core.

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Mission Statement

We grow together with Californian families and businesses by protecting what they’ve built and are building.

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Meet the team

The Best Insurance Agents in California

We invest in strong leadership and a culture of growth, creating opportunities for the next generation of advisors to learn, lead, and eventually own, so our team reflects the communities we protect and the value they create. Together, we strengthen every corner of our community, with you at the core.

Shannon Sevor

Founder & CEO

‍Shannon Sevor is the Founder and CEO of Ironwood Insurance Agency, a Bay Area insurance brokerage providing trusted personal, commercial, and life insurance solutions for individuals, families, and business owners throughout San Jose, Silicon Valley, and California. Shannon leads Ironwood with a clear mission: deliver clarity, reduce risk, and build long-term protection strategies clients can rely on.

Shannon’s leadership philosophy is rooted in service, discipline, and responsibility—values shaped by a multigenerational family legacy of service and entrepreneurship. That foundation drives his commitment to ethical guidance, long-term relationships, and client-first decision-making.

Born and raised in San Jose, Shannon developed an early appreciation for perseverance and high performance. He commuted nearly 100 miles daily to attend Bellarmine College Preparatory, earning a full-ride Division I football scholarship to the University of Nevada, where he competed at the highest collegiate level and won multiple championships.

Shannon earned a Bachelor of Science in International Business from the University of Nevada and later completed an Executive MBA sponsored by Hewlett Packard while advancing his career in enterprise technology. He also played professional Arena Football, worked abroad in Brussels, Belgium as an international sales consultant, and spent eight years with Hewlett Packard Enterprise Security, building deep expertise in enterprise sales, risk management, and strategic leadership.

Today, Shannon leads Ironwood Insurance Agency with a focus on insurance planning, risk mitigation, and regulatory-aligned best practices, serving clients across California while building a mentorship-driven agency aligned with Farmers Insurance standards. As a proven multi-business owner—including leading the #1 in-home personal training franchise in his market—Shannon brings a disciplined, systems-driven approach to leadership, team development, and scalable growth.

A Christian, husband, and entrepreneur, Shannon is committed to serving others, building trust, and improving every day—1% at a time.
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CANDICE SALCEDO

District Manager

‍Candice Salcedo is a leader, entrepreneur, and insurance executive who rose from humble beginnings in East San Jose to become an emerging District Manager within Farmers Insurance. Raised in a large Mexican-American family of seven children, she learned grit, gratitude, and service early on. She earned a Business degree from San José State University and, at age 20—while still a college sophomore—opened her first Farmers Insurance agency.

Her agency quickly grew into a top-performing operation serving hundreds of families across California. Over the years, Candice has hired, trained, and mentored many professionals who went on to successful careers within Farmers. Her connection to the organization runs deep, with multiple relatives in the company, including two sisters who are Farmers Agents and a niece in the Protégé program.

Now leading her District, Candice is focused on building a high-performance culture grounded in integrity, mentorship, modern systems, and long-term agency profitability. She believes extraordinary success comes from ordinary people with relentless determination. Beyond insurance, she has owned multiple businesses, managed real estate investments, and is passionate about helping agents improve operations, elevate client experience, and build generational wealth.

Outside of work, Candice is a devoted wife and mother to Sophie and Caleb, committed to family, personal growth, and empowering others. Her journey to District Manager of Farmers Insurance’s Titanium District reflects resilience, innovation, and a dedication to creating opportunities for others.
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Michael Tran

Sales Manager

‍Michael Tran is a results-driven marketing professional with a strong foundation in digital strategy, content creation, and analytics. A San Jose native, Michael graduated Magna Cum Laude from Cal State East Bay with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentrating in Marketing. His academic excellence and certifications in Brand Strategy, Digital Marketing, and Marketing Analytics reflect his commitment to continuous growth and professional mastery.

With over five years of experience, Michael has developed and managed successful digital marketing campaigns across multiple platforms, consistently improving engagement, visibility, and conversion. His background includes producing high-impact marketing content, optimizing operational workflows, and integrating CRM systems to streamline client communication and enhance team efficiency.

Known for his creativity, strategic mindset, and ability to turn data into meaningful action, Michael brings a valuable perspective to Ironwood Insurance Agency. His goal is to elevate the client experience through clear communication, strong branding, and service-driven support that reflects Ironwood’s values of integrity and professionalism.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys fitness, personal development, and staying connected with community and industry trends—always looking for ways to create meaningful impact both personally and professionally.
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BRANDON SMITH

Sales Manager

‍Brandon Smith brings a strong background in customer service, sales, and client care to Ironwood Insurance Agency. A San Jose native, Brandon has spent over six years in fast-paced, customer-facing roles, including serving as a bartender, trainer, and sales associate—all of which strengthened his communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to connect with people.

Known for his professionalism, patience, and genuine desire to help others, Brandon takes pride in guiding clients through their insurance needs with clarity and confidence. His experience with technology, problem-solving, and multitasking allows him to provide a seamless and supportive experience for every household he serves.

Outside of work, Brandon enjoys staying active, building relationships within the community, and continuing to grow personally and professionally. He is committed to representing the values of Ironwood Insurance—service, integrity, and reliability—in every interaction.
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ETHAN HANIGER

Customer Experience Manager

‍Ethan Haniger is an experienced sales leader with over a decade of expertise in customer service, retail management, and client-focused consulting. Before joining Ironwood Insurance Agency, Ethan successfully managed a high-volume retail showroom, where he oversaw daily operations, trained staff, resolved escalated customer concerns, and consistently led his team to meet and exceed sales goals.

Ethan’s background includes years of inside and outside sales, where he specialized in assessing client needs, presenting tailored solutions, and building strong long-term relationships. His ability to remain calm under pressure, combined with his commitment to honesty, service, and professionalism, allows him to create a positive and trustworthy experience for every client he works with. His strengths include leadership, communication, problem-solving, and delivering exceptional service—qualities that align perfectly with Ironwood’s mission and client expectations.

Ethan takes pride in helping families understand their coverage, make confident decisions, and feel supported throughout their insurance journey.

Outside of work, Ethan is known for his outgoing personality, strong work ethic, and dedication to continuous improvement, bringing both enthusiasm and reliability to the Ironwood team.
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XIMENA CRUZ

Sales Manager

‍Ximena Cruz is a dedicated bilingual insurance professional committed to delivering exceptional customer service and dependable support to every client she works with. She began her insurance career with Farmers Insurance in 2023, where she managed client accounts, processed payments, and handled day-to-day policy servicing with accuracy and care. Her ability to explain coverage clearly and her patience when assisting households quickly made her a trusted point of contact for clients.

Before entering the insurance field, Ximena gained valuable customer service and operational experience working in retail, where she developed strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Ximena takes pride in helping families feel understood, supported, and empowered when making important insurance decisions. She brings warmth, professionalism, and a service-first mindset to the Ironwood Insurance Agency team. Outside of work, Ximena is known for her reliability, positive attitude, and commitment to growing both personally and professionally—qualities that make her an asset to the clients she serves and to the Ironwood team.
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JESSICA LA ROCCA

Customer Experience Manager

‍Jessica La Rocca is a bilingual communications professional beginning her insurance career with Farmers and Ironwood Insurance Agency. A recent graduate of California State University, Fullerton, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Jessica brings strong communication skills, marketing experience, and a client-centered mindset to her role.

Her background includes event coordination with the Newport Beach Film Festival, where she assisted in organizing a major red carpet premiere and built relationships with sponsors and community partners. Jessica has also developed hands-on marketing and branding experience through her work creating social media content, designing promotional materials, and supporting brand visibility efforts.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Jessica provides clear, empathetic communication to clients and is passionate about helping families understand their insurance options. As she launches her insurance career, she is committed to learning, growing, and delivering exceptional service that reflects Ironwood’s values of professionalism, integrity, and care.

Jessica’s creativity, reliability, and enthusiasm make her a strong addition to the Ironwood Insurance Agency team.
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Our Core Values

What It’s Like to Partner with Ironwood

Clear, bilingual advice, and guidance backed by follow-through to help you find policies that actually fit your life.

The Values Behind Our Counsel

Personalized Advice

Simple and straight to the point. Advice that fits your life and respects your time.

Wise

We bring seasoned judgment and practical guidance to real risks.

Professional

We deliver with care, diligence, and attention to detail every time.

The Values Behind Our Tone & Spirit

Bilingual Support

Whether it’s English or Spanish, we make sure nothing gets lost in translation.

Approachable

We are warm, clear, and easy to talk to in every interaction.

Compassionate

We put people first and respond with empathy and patience.

The Values Behind Our Core Practice

All-Around Protection

From your home, business, and future. Plans that actually make sense.

Protective

We are steady, resilient, and reliable in calm and in crisis.

Innovative

We adapt, improve, and tailor modern solutions that truly fit.

The Values Behind Our Relationships

Proactive Help

Life evolves, so we check in. Things change, so we adjust. We ensure everything stays on track.

Steadfast

We’re steady and reliable, whether things are calm or chaotic. Drama, no. Grounded, yes.

Loyal

We invest in long relationships and stand by clients and the team.

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The Values Behind Our Style & Habit

Transparent Communication

Clear, jargon-free explanations so you can understand the complex.

Plainspoken

Skip the buzzwords and jargon. We speak clearly and simply and tell you the truth even when it’s hard.

Trustworthy

We keep our word, explain plainly, and follow through.

Our Process

Tailored Coverage, Simplified.

Putting All The Pieces Together. A Guided, Clear-Cut Insurance Process.

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STEP 1

Listen & Assess

You tell us your story, needs, and goals.

STEP 2

Recommend & Document

We assess your risks and opportunities, then provide tailored advice to fit your life or business. We ensure we check every box.

STEP 3

Review & Adjust

We ensure your plan keeps up with your evolving life or business.

Why Ironwood?

Your California Family-Run Agency