Meet Our Team

Gary T. Baumgarten, CLU^®, LUTCF^®

Founder

Gary is a third-generation Floridian. He entered the insurance and financial services industry in 1979 after graduating with a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Florida. He earned the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU^®) designation in 1990 and also is a Life underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF^®). He resides in Winter Park with his wife, Dana, a personal trainer, and their younger son Joel, a graduate of Rollins College and a Direct-Care Advocate helping Autistic children and adults. Gary’s older son, Adam, is a Urologic Reconstructive Surgeon in Birmingham, AL.

Gail L. Ketch

Practice Administrator | Licensed Service Agent

Gail joined the practice in March 1990, bringing strong skills in administration, problem-solving, organization and customer service. Born and raised in a nice area of New Jersey - close enough to the Shore and Manhattan - Gail is a graduate of and loyal alumna of The Pennsylvania State University. She has a background in event planning, film production, and hospitality management. Gail works side-by-side with Gary to provide exceptional service to clients and business associates. Her motto is “anything worth doing is worth over-doing.”

Ellah G. Rice

Practice Administrator | Licensed Service Agent

Ellah joined our team in September 2025, bringing with her years of management and relationship-building experience. Having grown up around New York Life, the company and its mission have been a meaningful part of her life from an early age. Her father began his career as an agent and now serves as a Managing Partner, giving her a firsthand appreciation for the impact this career can have on families and the people it serves. She has since built her own path with New York Life, gaining experience as both an agent and a recruiter while developing a genuine passion for connecting with people and helping others understand the importance of financial security. Outside of work, she enjoys art, music, spending time with her partner and their dog, and embracing all that life has to offer.