Insurance Should Build Communities, Not Just Balance Sheets

Posted on June 30, 2025June 30, 2025 by Emilie Hagopian

Let’s be honest: when most people think about insurance, the first word that comes to mind probably isn’t inspiring. Forms, policies, premiums… Sure. But impact? Connection? Community? Not usually.

We think it’s time to change that.

Because insurance, at its core, is about people. It’s about helping someone rebuild after a fire, get back on their feet after a break-in, or keep their doors open after a once-in-a-lifetime curveball. It’s about protecting the places where dreams come to life — restaurants, coffee shops, construction companies, nonprofits, and everything in between. It’s about walking alongside and supporting small business owners, nonprofits, and families.

At Avalue Insurance, we don’t believe insurance should just protect communities. We believe it should help build them. That’s why we’re not interested in just being policyholders. We’re interested in being partners.

More Than a Transaction

Some agencies keep it transactional. A quote, a binder, a renewal notice. Done.

Not us.

We believe in walking into your business, shaking your hand, hearing your story. We want to know what keeps you up at night — and what you’re working so hard for. Because when we understand what matters most to you, we can protect it better.

Whether it’s a fledgling coffee shop with a mission to hire the unhoused or a family-run auto shop that’s been serving the same neighborhood for three generations, we treat every client like their story is worth protecting — because it is.

Our Work with Cross Purpose

We’re proud to partner with Cross Purpose, an organization that’s changing lives by helping people step out of poverty and into purpose-filled careers. Their mission is bold — and honestly, the kind of thing that would make any spreadsheet blush. It’s not always easy to quantify impact, but we’ve seen it in the faces of the graduates we’ve met, the businesses that have hired them, and the ripple effects that reach families and neighborhoods.

Our role? Partner and long-time support beam. Because to us, a strong community isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the reason we do what we do.

Businesses with Beating Hearts

We’re not perfect. But we are intentional. We choose to work with clients and partners who are building something real, something good, something that lifts others up. We support nonprofits not because it’s good PR, but because we want to see our city thrive. We show up for our clients on hard days and celebrate with them on the good ones.

Our team believes that protecting businesses means investing in the people behind them. And while we’ll always make sure your policy is sound, we care just as much about making sure you feel seen, supported, and ready to grow.

Let’s Build Something That Lasts

If you’re looking for an insurance agency that sees you as more than a balance sheet, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re starting small or scaling big, dreaming bold or rebuilding something broken, we’re here to help protect what matters most. Let’s talk about how we can help protect your purpose — and your place in the community.

We Successfully Doubled Our Last Donation

Posted on September 20, 2024September 20, 2024 by Emilie Hagopian

We Did It!

Wow, I can’t believe it! Thanks to you, we did it! I’m so excited to share that we have successfully doubled our donation to CrossPurpose! What started as a goal to raise $5,000 has turned into an incredible $10,000 donation, and it’s all because of your support.

If you’ve been following our journey, then you know that all of us here at Avalue Insurance are huge supporters of CrossPurpose, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families break free from poverty. Last time, we celebrated raising $5,000, which was a huge milestone for us. But now our humble goal has turned into a whopping $10,000 donation from Safeco/Liberty Mutual. I’m still wrapping my head around it — what an incredible impact this will have on CrossPurpose and the people they serve!

How We Got Here

Avalue Insurance recently had the opportunity to raise funds for CrossPurpose as part of the Safeco/Liberty Mutual Make More Happen Award. The community votes were key to determining whether or not our $5,000 would be doubled. We put the word out and crossed our fingers, hoping our community would show up and make it happen. And, boy, did you ever!

Thanks to you — our clients, friends, and supporters — we were able to rally well over 500 votes, securing that additional $5,000. Your votes, your time, and your support helped us exceed our goal in such a big way. This is one of those moments that reminds me just how powerful community can be when we come together for a cause that matters!

What This Means for CrossPurpose

CrossPurpose has been making an incredible impact on our community by helping individuals build sustainable, self-sufficient lives. Their work transforms the lives of so many people, offering them tools, resources, and support to break free from poverty. To date, over 1,125 people have graduated from CrossPurpose since the inception with an average wage of $23/hr!

This $10,000 donation will go directly to CrossPurpose’s career and community development programs. The funds will be used to cover the tuition costs for participants to receive valuable certifications and training, opening doors to new careers and brighter futures. The impact of this donation will be felt for years to come, and I’m so proud of what we have accomplished together!

Thank You for Your Support

I can’t thank you enough for your role in helping us achieve this milestone. Whether you voted, shared the campaign, or encouraged others to get involved, this wouldn’t have been possible without you.

This isn’t just a win for Avalue Insurance; it’s a win for all of us. Your support not only helped double our donation but also inspired us to continue looking for ways we can make a bigger impact. We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to support local nonprofits and give back to the people who make our Colorado community so special.

What’s Next?

While we’re celebrating this amazing achievement, we’re already thinking about the future and the next opportunity to give back. CrossPurpose will always be near and dear to our hearts, and we’ll continue to support their mission as much as we can.

Once again, thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we’ve made a lasting difference for CrossPurpose and our community. Here’s to many more opportunities to come together and create positive change!

Supporting Our Community, One Referral at a Time

Posted on August 31, 2024August 31, 2024 by Emilie Hagopian

Anyone who knows Avalue and our employees knows that we’re always looking for new ways to give back to the community. And one of our favorite ways to give back is through our referral program. Each quarter, we choose a local nonprofit to support. This quarter, we’ve partnered with Clothes To Kids of Denver.

An Afternoon Well Spent at Clothes To Kids

Recently, our team took the afternoon off to lend a hand at Clothes To Kids. And let me tell you: it was an incredibly rewarding experience. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this fantastic organization, Clothes To Kids provides new and quality used clothing to Denver-area students from low-income or in-crisis families. But they don’t just hand out clothes; they create a boutique shopping experience where kids are treated with dignity and respect.

Walking into their boutique, you’d never guess it’s a nonprofit. The space is warm, welcoming, and beautifully organized. It felt more like a trendy shop than a charity, which is exactly what these kids deserve. The students who come here leave with 23 items of clothing, all ready for school, and you can see the excitement in their faces as they thumb through hangers and pick out their new outfits. Knowing that these kids will walk into their classrooms feeling comfortable, confident, and prepared to thrive is what makes this work so important.

Our team helped with everything from sorting donations to organizing the clothing racks, and we even got to assist some of the students as they shopped. Seeing their smiles and excitement was the highlight of our day.

How You Can Help: Get a Quote, Make a Difference

Now, we’re excited to share how you can be a part of this amazing effort. For every insurance quote you request from Avalue Insurance, we’ll donate $10 to Clothes To Kids. It’s that simple. Whether you’re thinking about updating your current policy or exploring new options, getting a quote from us means you’re helping a local student get the clothes they need to succeed in school. It’s a small action that makes a big difference, and we’d love for you to join us in supporting this cause.

Looking Ahead: A Little Help in the Next Quarter

And speaking of supporting great causes, we’re thrilled to announce that next quarter, we’ll be partnering with A Little Help. This is Nicole’s pick for a non-profit to support. This nonprofit is all about fostering community connections by helping older adults live independently in their homes. They bring volunteers and neighbors together to assist with tasks like yard work, transportation, and friendly visits.

On October 25th, our team will be volunteering at A Little Help, where we’ll be making and delivering “Kindness Kits.” These kits are filled with small, thoughtful items that we think the recipients will enjoy — just a little something to brighten their day!

Join Us in Making a Difference in Denver

I’m so proud of the work we do at Avalue Insurance, and we hope you’ll join us in supporting these amazing nonprofits. Remember, every insurance quote means $10 donated to a local nonprofit. So, whether you’re supporting Clothes To Kids or A Little Help, your contribution is greatly appreciated. Let’s make a difference together!

Visit Clothes To Kids of Denver to learn more about the incredible work they’re doing. Or for more information on A Little Help, visit their About page!

We Just Raised $5,000 for CrossPurpose

Posted on August 20, 2024August 20, 2024 by Emilie Hagopian

(And You Can Help Us Raise More)

Many of you know me as “Sarah Lampard, the proud owner of Avalue Insurance and passionate CrossPurpose volunteer.” But today, I’m coming to you as “Sarah Lampard, the woman who really needs your support right now.”

See, “giving back” is something that I take very seriously, and right now, we are on the cusp of raising $10,000 for CrossPurpose. We just need your support to make it happen, and all it takes is a couple of clicks! Vote for Avalue Insurance at https://www.agentgiving.com/Avalue-Insurance/, and help us reach our goal for CrossPurpose!

What is CrossPurpose?

CrossPurpose has been a transformative force in central Colorado for many years. This ambitious non profit organization is committed to abolishing relational, economic, and spiritual poverty through career and community development. Avalue Insurance has been deeply involved with CrossPurpose (and our entire office even had the opportunity to sponsor and work the graduation program that took place at the South Denver location this past May)!

As a mentor, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside many inspiring men and women. I’ve watched so many participants rise above their circumstances, achieve their career goals, and transform their lives. And I’ve got to tell you: I can’t wait to see many more!

That’s why I’m committed to doubling my impact for CrossPurpose.

We Just Hit our First Goal!

Recently, Avalue Insurance was honored with the 2024 Make More Happen Award, presented by Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance. This award was more than just a recognition of our volunteer work; it was an opportunity to make a real difference in our community. As part of this award, Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance awarded CrossPurpose, our nonprofit of choice, with a $5,000 donation.

But Now, We’re on a Mission to Double It.

Here’s where we really need your help: we have the chance to double that donation to $10,000, and all it takes is a few clicks!

Avalue Insurance is currently being featured on the official Make More Happen microsite. If we receive at least 500 votes and comments on our story, Liberty Mutual and Safeco will double their donation to $10,000! This additional funding will go directly towards covering the tuition costs for CrossPurpose participants. These funds will help them gain industry-recognized certifications in fields like commercial driving, nursing, insurance, and trade skills, setting them on a path toward stable, career-track employment. (I can’t emphasize enough how life-changing this support will be for the men and women involved!)

Voting is simple and only takes a minute, but the impact you’ll have is long-lasting. Your support will help thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs gain access to the training and certifications they’ll need to build brighter futures for themselves and for their families.

So, Can We Make it Happen?

The suspense is killing me!

I’m so proud of the work we’ve done so far, but we’re not done yet. We’ve reached our first goal of raising $5,000, and now we’re aiming to hit that second $5,000 mark. Every vote and comment on our story brings us closer to making that happen. So please, take a moment to visit our story on the Make More Happen microsite, cast your vote, and leave a comment. Together, we can double the impact of this donation and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs in Colorado.

Thank you so much for your continued support! To help us reach our goal, please vote for us here:

Lifting up the business leaders of tomorrow

A Rocky Road to Success

Posted on June 28, 2024June 28, 2024 by Emilie Hagopian

The Inspirational Journey of Mercedes Covarrubias

Every once in a while, you meet someone whose resilience and determination are so inspiring that their story must be shared. Mercedes Covarrubias is one such individual. It has been my privilege to watch her transform her challenging past into a promising future as she recently launched her own bookkeeping business. Her journey is a testament to her tenacity, drive, and unwavering spirit.

A Tough Start

Mercedes has always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit – one that was born out of both determination and survival. Raised in “the projects” of Denver, Colorado, Mercedes grew up in a severely poverty-stricken home.

“My mom would send me to the store and tell me to buy the cheapest candies with food stamps so she could get change for cigarettes or beer,” says Mercedes.

Although she was never taught or shown how to budget or live within her means, Mercedes managed to learn the value of money on her own at a very young age. She took a shine to the idea of saving and earning money, and by the age of 13, she landed her very first job at a car wash. This job marked the beginning of her bumpy journey towards financial independence, and eventually, business ownership.

Early Struggles and Hard Lessons

Mercedes’ childhood was far from easy. With her mother often drunk and her older brother in charge, any money she earned was frequently given to her family. Despite these challenges, she persisted, securing multiple jobs to make ends meet. By the time she was 14, Mercedes had obtained a work permit and was working as much as legally possible, taking on three jobs to ensure that she could help her family.

The Turning Point

At age 16, Mercedes and her siblings were taken from their mother, a turning point that led her to seek emancipation. Through this process, she learned how to budget and responsibly spend and save her money. At 18, she moved into her first place and secured a full time job at Elitch Gardens Human Resources. Having achieved a sense of independence, Mercedes was feeling excited for the future. But she would soon take on the massive responsibility of raising her 10-year-old brother, forcing her to learn very quickly how to become a provider.

Overcoming Adversity

The weight of responsibility was a heavy one for Mercedes, and the pressure would only continue to mount when she went from “provider” to “young mother”. She gave birth to her first son at age 19, and then she gave birth to her second son very soon after. All the while, she was still raising her kid brother. Despite these hardships, Mercedes never lost sight of her goal: to make sure her kids never grow up the way she did.

Embracing a New Life

After years of working numerous jobs and climbing the career ladder, Mercedes’ life suddenly came to an abrupt halt when she suffered a severe ATV accident. Being the busy-body that she is, she was reluctant to take time off of work to recover. But during her recovery, she had a revelation: she was ready to start her own business. Armed with her tried-and-true financial skills, Mercedes decided to open her own bookkeeping business. While Mercedes started her entrepreneurial journey with no prior business ownership experience, her knack for problem-solving was her greatest asset. Her path took a significant turn when she connected with Cross Purpose, where she was connected with a Change Agent (yours truly) and invaluable resources. With plenty of expert guidance and emotional support behind her, she quickly progressed through the program, gaining invaluable insights and practical tools that would later help her launch her business. Her determination paid off, and she is now the proud owner of her very own bookkeeping business, A Breeze Bookkeeping and Tax— an achievement that still fills me with tremendous pride to this day.

A Bright Future

Mercedes Covarrubias is a shining example of resilience and determination. Her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful business owner is nothing short of inspirational. Mercedes’ story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and a whole lot of determination, you can overcome any obstacle.

I am so honored to have been a part of her journey, and I’m excited to see where her determination takes her next. Mercedes, your journey has only just begun, and I have no doubt that you will continue to achieve great things. Here’s to your continued success and the incredible future that lies ahead!

Check out her website at:

www.abreezebookkeeping.com

Celebrating Success: A Heartfelt Reflection on Cross Purpose’s 1,000th Graduation

Posted on May 22, 2024May 22, 2024 by Emilie Hagopian

1,000 new graduates, and over 2,500 people out of poverty in Colorado. What an accomplishment!

As I sat among the crowd at Cross Purpose’s latest graduation ceremony, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and joy. The atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt applause as we celebrated the achievements of the graduates who had completed this life-changing program. And to think, this ceremony marked a significant milestone for Cross Purpose – the graduation of our 1,000th member.

Being a volunteer mentor at Cross Purpose, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many incredible individuals, each with their own unique journey and story to tell. As I looked out at the sea of faces, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of connection to each and every one of them. These are not just graduates; they are warriors who have overcome challenges, embraced opportunities, and transformed their lives for the better.

As many of you already know, Cross Purpose is a career development program for those who come from challenging backgrounds. But it’s so much more than just a program – it’s a community, a support system, and a lifeline. It’s a place where individuals from all walks of life come together to learn, grow, and ultimately, thrive. Through a combination of job training, personal development, and mentorship, Cross Purpose empowers its participants to break free from the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

At this graduation ceremony, I was thrilled to see many familiar faces who have become like family to me over the years. To witness their growth, resilience, and determination firsthand is truly inspiring. From learning new skills to building their own businesses, each graduate has embarked on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, and I couldn’t be more proud to have been a part of that journey.

As we celebrated the 1,000 th-graduate milestone, it served as a reminder of the incredible impact that Cross Purpose has had on the lives of so many individuals in our community. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the lives that have been forever changed and the ripple effect of positivity that comes from each success story.

So, here’s to Cross Purpose, to the graduates (past, present, and future), and to the countless lives that have been touched and transformed by this remarkable program. May we continue to celebrate success, empower one another, and build a brighter future for all.

If you’re interested in learning more about Cross Purpose or getting involved as a mentor, I encourage you to reach out and join us on this incredible journey of empowerment and transformation. Together, we can make a difference, one life at a time.

For more information about the program, please visit their website: www.crosspurpose.org

https://www.crosspurpose.org

From California Dreamer to Colorado Career-Woman

Posted on October 24, 2023March 10, 2024 by admin

Introducing: Sharon Kalmes

Sharon Kalmes is our commercial account manager here at Avalue Insurance. She’s a seasoned insurance pro and our resident expert for commercial and personal lines. With over 40 years in the insurance game, Sharon brings four decades of experience and a prestigious CIC designation to our team.

Originally hailing from California, Sharon lovingly refers to herself as a “semi-native”. She made the move to Colorado in February of 1985 after a job promotion, and she would soon meet her husband (a “true” Colorado native) and settle down in the Centennial state.

Being the policy guru that she is, Sharon stayed committed to the insurance industry. It was only a matter of time before she met Sarah Lampard, owner of Avalue Insurance. Sharon had initially interviewed with another agency, and the owner of that agency decided to get in touch with Sarah. Impressed by Sharon’s qualifications and experience, Sarah wasted no time and promptly called her in for an interview. The two instantly connected, and Sharon was hired on the spot.

As a beloved member of the Avalue family, Sharon is a dependable teammate — the kind of teammate who can hold down the fort for you while you’re on vacation! “When I first hired her, I left on my first vacation 10 days later,” says Sarah Lampard. “She told me not to bring my laptop with me on vacation, and that she could handle it. I will never forget that. She rocks!”

Sharon has been with us for 10 happy years. When asked what she loves most about Avalue Insurance, she happily proclaimed, “the working environment!” Sharon is a strong team member, and she values comradery above all else. Because of this, she feels right at home at Avalue Insurance — where teamwork is paramount and success is happily shared.

Outside of Avalue, Sharon is an outdoor enthusiast, an avid golfer, and a pickleball aficionado. And when she’s not enjoying the great outdoors, you can find her cooking up a storm, always ready to master new recipes.

In Sharon Kalmes, we have not only found a top-notch commercial account manager, but also an amazing individual with a wealth of experiences and a zest for life. Her commitment to excellence is inspiring, and her adventurous spirit is infectious. Here’s to another 10 lovely years, Sharon!

Texan Charm, Colorado Spirit

Posted on October 10, 2023March 10, 2024 by admin

Everyone, Meet Diane!

Meet Diane Engles, a Texan by birth, a Coloradan by choice, and a valued member of the Avalue Insurance family. Diane’s journey is one filled with passion, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference in both her professional and personal life.

Originally hailing from the bustling city of Houston, Texas, Diane’s roots run deep in the Lone Star State. Born and raised amidst the Texan hospitality and warm Southern charm, she carried these values with her when she embarked on a new chapter in Colorado in 1999.

Diane’s venture into the insurance world began in 2015, marking a career shift that would lead her to her current role as an account manager for personal insurance at Avalue Insurance. Her journey, however, is not just about numbers and policies; it’s about the people she serves and the impact she makes.

Before her insurance career, Diane wore many hats, including owning businesses a Sylvan Learning Center in Houston, Texas. Her administrative prowess shone through, but it was her desire for change that ultimately set her on her current path. That’s when she met Sarah Lampard, CEO and Founder of Avalue Insurance.

While searching online for a new insurance agency to collaborate with, it was Sarah’s website that caught her eye. It wasn’t just the services offered; it was the values that Sarah and Avalue Insurance embodied. Diane left a message, scheduled a phone call, and showed up to meet Sarah. The connection was immediate, and Sarah hired her on the spot. Today, Diane works as a personal insurance account manager.

Since she first started at Avalue Insurance in 2017, Diane has been an active part of the Avalue community, an exemplary worker, and an impressive green-thumb around the office. But Diane’s impact extends far beyond the insurance world. One of her most significant life accomplishments was embarking on a life-changing journey to Costa Rica in 2006. There, she lived for four years, immersing herself in the vibrant culture and giving back to the community through volunteer work. Her time in Costa Rica reflects her servant spirit, and her position at Avalue Insurance shows her ongoing commitment to people.

So, the next time you think about insurance, remember that it’s not just about policies and premiums—it’s about the people behind the scenes, like Diane Engles, who make it their mission to protect, serve, and empower. And if you’re ever in need of insurance guidance or a friendly face at Avalue Insurance, Diane will be there, ready to assist you with her Texan charm and Colorado spirit.

Introducing: Our Newest Avalue Team Member

Posted on August 25, 2023March 8, 2024 by admin

Everyone, I’m excited to introduce you to someone:

Her name is Nicole Johnson, and she’s our newest account manager here at Avalue Insurance!

Nicole is a proud Colorado native, a newly wedded wife, and an active community member. When she’s not wowing us here at the office, you can find Nicole spiking volleyballs on the court, coaching local high school teams, or gabbing with her hubby over some delicious boba tea.

Nicole has just over three and a half years of experience in the insurance industry, and she specializes primarily in personal lines insurance. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and her insurance expertise delights us on a daily basis. She’s an insurance-powerhouse, if ever I’ve seen one!

But Nicole isn’t just about policies and spreadsheets.

Just like all of us here at Avalue, she’s all about people. And it’s not just because she has a Bachelor’s degree in psychology! Nicole understands first-hand the value of community. Growing up as the fourth of six lively siblings, Nicole learned the value of togetherness at an early age. Best of all, she brings it with her to work every single day! Nicole has a natural knack for forging strong bonds with our clients and team members, making them feel right at home from the get-go.

“I really love the environment at Avalue,” says Nicole. “It’s super personable, and the things that matter most at Avalue are the things that matter most — if that makes sense!”

Yes, Nicole, it certainly does make sense! We’re excited to see that you share in our passion for helping people, and we’re honored to have you on our team!

Welcome to Avalue Insurance, Nicole!

Who is Avalue Insurance?

Posted on August 11, 2023March 8, 2024 by admin

First things first: we’re more than just policies.

Most people already know that Avalue Insurance is a team of independent insurance agents in Denver, Colorado. We’re on a mission to “humanize” insurance; our agents make insurance-shopping simpler, quicker, and a lot less stressful!

But before we’re insurance agents, we’re people. We’re residents of central Colorado — just like you — and we take our roles as “Colorado community members” very seriously. That’s why Avalue Insurance isn’t just another insurance agency in Centennial. We’re not just about numbers, claims, and policies.

We’re about people.

Avalue Insurance is committed to community betterment.

We all want to make the world a better place. But since that can be a pretty big job to take on all at once, we’ve decided to start somewhere a little closer to home: our local cities and neighborhoods. That’s why we’ve partnered with a variety of local causes and fundraising opportunities. Feeding hungry families, fueling fundraisers, mentoring students, offering career guidance, building homes for those in need — we do it all.

Why? Because we can’t get enough of it!

At Avalue, we don’t just talk about caring – we show it. When we see a need, we’ll fill it. When there’s a problem, we’ll fix it. When someone needs a helping hand, we’ll give them two. Because we care about our Colorado community, and we’re passionate about protecting people’s peace-of-mind. So, whether it’s policies or charities, we’re here to help. ‘

How you can help us make a difference.

Avalue Insurance is always looking for new ways to get involved. We just finished raising over $4,200 for Cross Purpose, and we’re already on the hunt for our next opportunity to give-back. But we can’t do it alone. We could use your support! Follow our newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest Avalue news, and be the first to hear about our future fundraisers! You can show your support by making donations or just giving us some digital high-fives. Either way, we appreciate your support!

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