Our Staff

Our dedicated service staff and sales team bring a combined 500+ years of licensed experience to fulfill any of our clients needs.

Chris Pizza

president

Chris is the President of Cottonwood Insurance and has been working in the industry over 20 years. He’s a graduate of the University of Utah with a degree in finance. Chris is married with 3 children and loves his family life. Chris prefers activities with his family like traveling, and playing sports. He also enjoys golfing, basketball, pickle ball, and playing tennis in his free time. Chris loves what he does and appreciates being able to provide the insurance protection his clients need. His motto: “Don’t let someone tell you what you are capable of accomplishing”.

Taylor Pizza

Vice president

Taylor graduated from the University of Utah with a BS in Finance. He’s worked in Insurance for over 6 years and is well versed in all things Risk Assessment related. He’s committed to his clients and likes finding the best possible fit for every unique need.  Taylor is a happy husband and is a proud father of three boys. He lives in Sandy, UT where he enjoys golfing, mountain biking, and time with family. He’s happy at the lake on a paddle board, or in a boat. He recently returned from Italy, and looks forward to traveling in the future.

Todd Duzett

Chief Financial Officer

Todd earned his BA from the University of Utah and his MBA from the University of Phoenix. He’s a HUGE ‘Utes’ fan and all-around Basketball fan! He’s worked in the Insurance Industry for over 30 years. Todd is an experienced Alternative Dispute Resolution Professional and has been a key participant in the negotiation of complex insurance settlements. Todd and his wife Lara have four kids and two amazing grandkids. Todd is a family history buff, enjoys photography, and loves traveling and planning trips with his family.

Jill Smith

operations/Sales Manager

Jill has a background in Management at Costco and was with the company for 16 years. She is from Salt Lake City and grew up traveling all over the United States competing in tennis. Jill went to Utah State University on a tennis scholarship and studied Business Marketing. Jill has 2 fur kids, a black and white tuxedo named Tony and a Bengal named Shiba. She loves to travel and experience new places. Jill is an avid mountain biker and enjoys pickleball and softball during her free time. Jill is passionate about personal growth, health and fitness, and helping others achieve their goals.

Kari Milburn

Commercial Lines Manager

Kari brings over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry to her team. She is a Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) and has an Associates in General Insurance (AINS). Kari and her daughter love to travel and have a yearly destination that includes warm water and a sunny shore. Kari is an avid reader, enjoys making jewelry, and spending time with family. Kari’s team is dedicated to our Business Clients and will take excellent care of your commercial account!

Emily E.

Personal Lines Manager

Emily has worked in the insurance industry for almost 10 years.  She first worked as an agent selling Medicare and switched to Property & Casualty about 4 years ago.  Emily excels at ‘Attention to detail’ when working on a policy and strives to make sure the client is satisfied.  She leads a team of CSR’s in the Personal Lines Department and who are all dedicated to helping the client have a good experience in their dealings with Cottonwood Insurance.  She loves to travel, has too many hobbies to name, loves the outdoors (especially Southern Utah) and spends a lot of time reading and digging into numerous subjects, as she wants to know the other side of a story. 

AE Harris

producer

AE has worked in the insurance industry for over 12 years. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Utah. AE enjoys helping people understand their insurance policies and how it actually works to protect them. AE lives with his wife and two daughters in Sandy, UT. He loves hockey, motor sports, hunting, and target shooting. He’s a bit of a history buff and likes to learn about different cultures. 

Ben Bagley

Producer

Ben has been an agent for over 15 years. His favorite part of the job is helping his clients understand their policies and making sure they have the right coverage. Ben was born and raised in Cottonwood Heights, Utah and lives with his wife and two boys in Sandy, UT. Ben plays the piano and is teaching himself how to play the guitar. He is a movie buff, and enjoys tennis, golf, hiking, skiing, and building Legos with his sons.

Bill Pizza

producer/founder

Bill is the previous Owner of Cottonwood Insurance and has been in business since 1981. He has witnessed many changes to the insurance industry and is happy to share his knowledge with others. He has a beautiful wife and four children, and 7 beautiful grandchildren. Bill was born and raised in Salt Lake City and appreciates the opportunity to service the needs of his local community. He enjoys golfing, outdoor sports, and trips with his wife and family.

Brad Pizza

producer

Brad has been an agent for over 20 years and appreciates the opportunity to take great care of his valued clients. Brad is married with six children and calls Salt Lake City home. He enjoys basketball, baseball, hunting, fishing, and boating with his family. His favorite vacation was a recent cruise to Alaska with his wife. Brad enjoys watching sports of all kinds, Westerns, and Action Adventures.

Cory Angell

Producer

Cory brings over 34 years of insurance experience to the table. He loves working in this industry and helping others. He really knows his stuff when it comes to insurance! Cory is married and has 5 children and 10 grandchildren. Cory has enjoyed the opportunity to travel over the years with some favorite destinations being; Mexico, Central America, Hawaii, and a few Ocean Cruises. Cory has always had an appreciation for cars and collecting, and in his free time he enjoys boating and wakeboarding with his family.

Jack Wilhite

Producer

Jack has 28 years of insurance industry experience. He has appreciated the chance to start a client with a small business and support their growth into a large company. He treats clients like family. Jack has been married to his lovely wife Cindy for 32 years and they have 5 children. Jack enjoys listening to Yanni, reading a good book or watching an inspirational movie, long walks with his wife, and playing basketball. He loves a challenge, working hard, and serving others.

Jason Basden

producer

Jason has a background in Business Management and has enjoyed working in the insurance industry for several years. He’s up for any challenge and appreciates helping his clients find what they need to be successful. He is married with a teenage son and has a dog that is The Boss. Jason loves Utes Football, Jazz Basketball, Golfing, and Pickle Ball. His favorite travel destination is Hawaii. Jason lives by the philosophy – Integrity is doing the right thing when no-one is watching.

Kardin has a BS in Business Management and his professional philosophy is: “Be honest, transparent, and hard working to provide every customer the best possible experience.” Kardin is a busy father of four and enjoys hiking, camping, and swimming with his kids. He’s a Football, Baseball, and Soccer fan. Kardin enjoys listening to music, traveling, and is secretly skilled at improv comedy.

Lesa Ward

Producer

Lesa joins Cottonwood Insurance after working in the Mortgage Industry. She is dedicated to taking the best care of her customers and knows that their life, health, and possessions deserve the best protection. She has an awesome husband and is the mother of two children, a son-in-law, and a Black Lab. She enjoys traveling, preferably somewhere warm with a beach and Coke Zero on tap. She has a special place in her heart for humanitarian work and especially loves the people of Guatemala. When she isn’t researching the best insurance coverage, she spends warm afternoons hiking and spending time with her family.

Marc Menlove

Producer

Marc has been with Cottonwood Insurance for 20 years and has a BS in Business Finance. He enjoys the opportunity to help his clients assess risk and find the right policy for their needs. Marc is married with four children. He coaches a local middle school/high school Mountain Bike Team, has competed in the Lotoja bike race 6 times, raced snowmobiles professionally, and loves the great outdoors. He enjoys boating, water sports, and basketball with his family. Marc appreciates Superhero movies, and is a self-proclaimed movie critic.

Mikey Smith

producer

After decades in the photo and event industry, Mikey recognized a need and transitioned into insurance to support colleagues and customers facing unique challenges. A true problem solver, Mikey is dedicated to finding the right solutions and comprehensive coverages for his clients. He has a wonderful wife and two young children, and they enjoy trips to California and spontaneous weekend camping outings with their trailer. Mikey is also passionate about community outreach, serving on boards, volunteering with the PTA, organizing teams for WalkMS, and supporting Utah Foster Care. As Mikey believes, “The most beautiful things in life are the people you love and the memories you make. They’re feelings and moments, smiles and laughter.”

Ryan graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in Finance and has been with Cottonwood Insurance since 2001. He is dedicated to his clients and feels that a balanced life is the key to happiness. Ryan is a happy husband and father of three. He was born and raised in Cottonwood Heights, and is proud to be a local man. He enjoys bicycle racing, college football, and reading self-improvement books. Ryan recently started a pickleball league at Wardle Park in Bluffdale – come play!

Stephen worked as a successful business owner for many years in the Fitness Equipment Industry. He has enjoyed a second career in the insurance industry with Cottonwood Insurance for nearly 8 years. He is committed to making sure every client feels like family. Stephen has a lovely wife, five children, and 16 grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys BYU Football, traveling with his family, and listening to classic rock from the 60’s & 70’s. He also appreciates a good Steak dinner and Lobster is always invited.

Travis came from a background in warehouse management. He has always worked hard and sought to improve the situation, implement positive change, and increase production. Travis has transitioned his commitment to working hard and being honest into a passion for insurance. He loves to educate his clients and find the best solution for their needs. His lives in Midvale, here close, and has always been a resident of Utah. Travis enjoys gaming, Sci-fi and Action movies, and spending time with his family.

Our Service Team

Alaura Pistone

Personal Lines Account Rep/CSR

moc.snidoownottocnull@paruala

Amber Barnes

Ryan Woolston’s Assistant/CSR

moc.snidoownottocnull@brebma

Brandy Hope

Personal Lines Account Rep/CSR

moc.snidoownottocnull@hydnarb

Breanna Burnside

Personal Lines Account Rep/CSR

moc.snidoownottocnull@bannaerb

Cheryl Winzenried

 Personal Lines Account Rep/CSR

moc.snidoownottocnull@wlyrehc

Daniel Platt

Ben Bagley’s Assistant/CSR

moc.snidoownottocnull@pleinad

Darla Despain

Personal Lines Account Rep/CSR

moc.snidoownottocnull@dalrad

Johni Burnside

Commercial Lines Rep/CSR

moc.snidoownottocnull@binhoj

Lexie Joson

Personal Lines VA Assistant

moc.snidoownottocnull@jeixel

Manar Ahmad

Personal Lines Account Rep/CSR

moc.snidoownottocnull@aranam

Matthew Orr

Taylor Pizza’s Assistant/CSR

moc.snidoownottocnull@ottam

Michael Mastakas

Personal Lines Account Rep/CSR

moc.snidoownottocnull@mleahcim

Stacy Memmott

Personal Lines Account Rep/CSR

moc.snidoownottocnull@mycats

Susan Craft

Chris Pizza’s Assistant/CSR

moc.snidoownottocnull@cnasus

Vicki Williams

Commercial Lines Rep/CSR

moc.snidoownottocnull@wikciv