Pinnacle Starting Lineup
Get To Know Your Team!
Troy Thompson
Email:Troy@pin-mn.com
Phone: (763) 767-2323
Birthplace: Fridley, MN
Year signed with Pinnacle: 2010
About: I graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1999, selling books door to door for The Southwestern Company while in college and a few years after. It was the best training/experience of my life and much more important than my degree. Sold door to door for years after that with Comcast and Qwest. I consider myself super lucky to have been able to learn and sell insurance with my dad Mike Thompson for many years until he retired. I still go door to door selling insurance to this day, many times with my kids!
Favorite Movie: Top Gun
Favorite Band/Singer: Blink 182
Favorite MN. Restaurant: Chipotle
Favorite MN. Sports Team: Vikings
Off Season Hobbies: Coaching kid’s sports teams, Long-Boarding, Cooking (Blue Apron has been a game-changer).
Sarah Thompson
Email: Sarah@pin-mn.com
Phone: (763) 767-2323
Birthplace: Forest Lake
Year Signed with Pinnacle 2014
Favorite Movie Top Gun: Maverick
Favorite band/singer: Billy Joel
Favorite MN Restaurant: San Pedro (actual it's in Hudson Wisconsin)
Favorite MN Sport Team: Any Team Troy and Tye are rooting for
Off Season Hobbies: Practicing the art of Hygge
Christine Sontag
Email: Chris@pin-mn.com
Phone: (763) 767-2323
Birthplace: Edina, MN.
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2016
About: Graduated from Kennedy High School, and went to Normandale Community College. I worked for Pier One which gave me hands on experience with working with customers on a personal level. It really taught me to work with clients and finding out what they really are looking for and that has always stayed with me. I started working for an independent agency back in 1999 and I’ve worked in the insurance business ever since and have really enjoyed it. Giving customers options and providing them with exceptional service.
Favorite Movie: The Hunt for Red October, Urban Cowboy, Top Gun "Maverick"
Favorite band/singer: The Eagles or Whitney Houston
Favorite MN restaurant: Red Lobster
Favorite MN sports team: Vikings
Off-season hobbies: Gardening, decorating, car shows
Jay Cotten
Email: Jay@pin-mn.com
Phone: 763-767-2323
Birthplace: Andover, Minnesota
Year signed with Pinnacle: 2022
About: I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 2023 with a degree in Business/Finance. I love spending time going up north to my parents cabin where we take part in boating, golfing, and hiking.
Favorite movie: Pulp Fiction
Favorite band/singer: Young Dolph
Favorite MN restaurant: Spoon and Stable
Favorite MN sports team: Going to the gym and spending quality time with friends and family.
Jack Hunninghake
Email: Jack@pin-mn.com
Phone: (763) 767-2323
Birthplace: Minnetonka, MN.
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2018
About: I graduated from the University of Iowa in 2020. I have an American black lab named Waylon, who keeps me busy with fetching, playing, and pheasant hunting. We love going up north to enjoy swimming in the lake and hiking.
Favorite Movie: Miracle
Favorite band/singer: Sturgill Simpson
Favorite MN restaurant: Chipotle
Favorite MN sports team: Wild or Vikings
Off-season hobbies: Fishing/Hunting/Golf/Cooking
Lea Lindhe
Email: Lea@pin-mn.com
Phone: (763) 767-2323
Birthplace: Coon Rapids MN
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2017
About: I came to Pinnacle Insurance November 2017. Prior to Pinnacle Insurance, I worked retail at Menard’s as a manager. I live in Otsego with my husband, Tom and our son, Hunter. Hunter keeps us busy with fishing and his bowling league. I am also the office party planner.
Favorite Movie: Hallmark Christmas movies
Favorite band/singer: Country
Favorite MN restaurant: Pot Belly's
Favorite MN sports team: Vikings
Off-season hobbies: Hanging with family and friends!
Amber
Email: amber@pin-mn.com
Phone: (763) 767-2323
Birthplace: Fridley, MN
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2024
About: My boyfriend and I have a son, a stepson, and a very cute and fluffy pup named Luna. We love spending time with family and enjoy going to the cabin on the weekends! I love any vacation spot that involves being close to the ocean, going to concerts and the Twins games in the summer.
Favorite Movie: 10 Things I Hate About You
Favorite band/singer: Justin Bieber
Favorite MN restaurant: Clive's Roadhouse
Favorite MN sports team: Timberwolves
Off-season hobbies: Volleyball/Working out/Interior Decorating
Tina Lindstrand
Email: Tina@pin-mn.com
Phone: (763) 767-2323
Birthplace: Buffalo, MN.
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2023
About: I'm a Minnesota native, met my husband on a blind date and we are about to celebrate 29 years together. 2 grown sons who are my biggest joy, but are also convinced I like our Cavalier pup the best (but that's OK, we all like him best!) Family is everything to me.
Favorite Movie: Pretty Woman
Favorite band/singer: Love newer country and contemporary gospel music, but can enjoy just about anything that is not rap, metal or techno.
Favorite MN restaurant: Chipotle!
Favorite MN sports team: Any team where I can watch my many nieces or nephews play, whether it be football, hockey, lacrosse, volleyball or basketball. I do enjoy a good MN Wild hockey game as well.
Off-season hobbies: Wakesurfing, sewing, home improvement projects, cabin time with family.
Charlene
Email: charlene@pin-mn.com
Phone: (763) 767-2323
Birthplace: Silay City, Philippines
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2024
About: I hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, so caring for people has always been at the heart of what I do. Now in the world of insurance, I bring that same compassion and attention to detail, only in a different setting. I'm here to help make things simple, supportive, and a pleasant experience along the way!
Favorite Movie: The Pursuit of Happyness
Favorite band/singer: The Beatles
Favorite MN restaurant: I love restaurants that serve comforting and hearty food, the kind that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Minnesota has plenty of great spots that do just that!
Favorite MN sports team: Vikings all the way! Skol and roll!
Off-season hobbies: I’m all about savoring quality time with family, cultivating flowers and vegetables in the garden, and whipping up new recipes in the kitchen, because whether it’s plants, people, or pasta, the best things always flourish with a little love and a sprinkle of creativity!
Natasha Hamid
Email: Natasha@pin-mn.com
Phone: (763) 767-2323
Birthplace: Islamabad, Pakistan.
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2021
About: I come from a diverse academic background with a Bachelors degree in Accounting & Finance and professional experience in Business Management & Servicing. My work boosts my confidence & I find it exciting to look forward to something productive and pleasant everyday. My recipe to success would be credibility, determination and some sparkling wit to top everything off with.
Favorite Movie: Mulan (1998)
Favorite band/singer: ColdPlay
Favorite MN restaurant: Whichever gives free donuts.
Favorite MN Sports Team: GO VIKINGS, WOOHOO!
Off-season hobbies: I love to shop and then drop at my favorite restaurants. Also, I sob while watching my favorite shows.
Karem
Email: karem@pin-mn.com
Phone: (763) 767-2323
Birthplace: Lino-Lakes Minnesota
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2025
About: Outside of work, you can usually find me golfing, hitting the gym, ice fishing in the winter, or spending time with friends and family. I’m also a big fan of country festivals and trying out new restaurants—good food is always a plus. I’m motivated and committed to helping people get the right coverage with honest guidance and competitive options so you can feel confident in your insurance.
Favorite Movie: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
Favorite band/singer: Zach Bryan
Favorite MN restaurant: Bricks Kitchen & Pub
Favorite MN sports team: Vikings
Off-season hobbies: Ice-Fishing/Golfing/Pickle Ball
Ameenah Fawad
Email: Ameenah@pin-mn.com
Phone: (763) 767-2323
Birthplace: Islamabad, Pakistan
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2022
About: I graduated with a bachelor’s in Social Sciences and got a job at Pinnacle Insurance all in February of 2022. Working at Pinnacle has shown me the importance of a healthy and fun work environment, I like having the freedom to learn something new and having the space to experiment and fail but still have my actions supported with appreciation as well as regard.
Favorite Movie: Hard to choose but perhaps The Notebook
Favorite band/singer: I like music in general, so it’s hard to choose one
Favorite MN restaurant: Once I’ve tried them all, I’ll let ya know
Favorite MN sports team: All of them
Off-season hobbies: Painting, yoga, travelling, and spending time with family, friends, and my cats
Favorite MN restaurant: Chipotle
Favorite MN sports team: Vikings
Off-season hobbies: Hanging with family and friends
Carizze
Email: carizze@pin-mn.com
Phone: (763) 767-2323
Birthplace: Manila, Philippines
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2025
About: With a background in technical education and electronics, my journey into the insurance industry began during the pandemic, a time when the world slowed down but new opportunities emerged. Entering Property and Casualty Insurance revealed not just a career, but a genuine passion. I strive to combine precision with care, helping others succeed while delivering reliable solutions every day.
Outside of work, I value family, continuous learning, and finding small ways to bring positivity to the day-to-day, which I bring into my professional approach as well.
Favorite Movie: The Pursuit of Happiness
Favorite band/singer: Linkin Park
Favorite MN restaurant: Subway
Favorite MN sports team: Vikings
Off-season hobbies: As part of my off-season hobbies, I actively participate in dragon boat sports for health and wellness, together with my husband and eldest child (12 years old), while also engaging in community service and sisterhood activities through Tau Gamma Sigma, combining teamwork, personal growth, and meaningful social impact.
Cassandra
Email: cassandra@pin-mn.com
Phone: (763) 767-2323
Birthplace: Staples, MN
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2025
About: I grew up in the Brainerd lakes area playing softball and being an adamant outdoors woman then graduated from Crosby-Ironton high school. I’ve always worked in customer service and knew Pinnacle would be a great fit for me. Outside of work I enjoy my time with my family, being outside, or loving up on my cat Termite.
Favorite Movie: Interstellar
Favorite band/singer: Allan Rayman
Favorite MN restaurant: Haijme
Favorite MN sports team: Wild
Off-season hobbies: I love being on the water paddle boarding or wakeboarding and also enjoy hiking, longboarding, puzzling, and shopping
Salwa
Email: Salwa@pin-mn.com
Phone: (763) 767-2323
Birthplace: Islamabad, Pakistan
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2026
About: I graduated in Media Studies and joined Pinnacle in 2026 and have loved how welcoming and supportive everyone has been from the very beginning. Outside of work, you'll probably find me planning my next trip or dreaming about the ocean. I firmly believe every problem feels a little smaller near the beach.
Favorite Movie:The Twilight Saga
Favorite band/singer: Lana Del Rey
Favorite MN restaurant: Ask me again after I've eaten my way through Minnesota
Favorite MN sports team: Still deciding!
Off-season hobbies: Traveling, finding any excuse to be near the ocean, and being the unpaid therapist for my friends.
Lisa
Email: lisa@pin-mn.com
Phone: 763-767-2323
Birthplace: Isanti, MN
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2026
About: I've been working in insurance for several years and really enjoy helping people understand their coverage and making sure they feel taken care of. I love building relationships with my clients and being someone they know they can reach out to when they need help. Outside of work, I'm a wife and mom to four kids. Family is a huge part of my life, and when I'm not working, you can usually find me spending time with them, working on a project around the house, and traveling when we get the chance, or enjoying the outdoors.
Favorite Movie: Pretty Woman
Favorite band/singer: Chris Stapleton
Favorite MN restaurant: Jersey Mikes
Favorite MN sports team: Vikings
Off-season hobbies: Spending time with family, Camping, traveling, gardening, sourdough and baking.
Braden
Email: braden@pin-mn.com
Phone: 763-767-2323
Birthplace: Balsam Lake, Wisconsin
Year signed with Pinnacle: 2026
About: I'm currently studying Finance and Business Management at the University of St. Thomas. I'm an outgoing person who enjoys meeting new people and building connections. In my free time, I like staying active and being outdoors, whether I'm riding dirt bikes, hiking, or spending a day on the lake. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Favorite Movies: The Pursuit of Happiness and Interstellar
Favorite Food: Chipotle
Favorite Sports Teams: Timberwolves and Vikings
Off-Season Hobbies: Any sport, working out, hiking, spending time on the lake, being outdoors and golf.
Diane
Birthplace: Negros Occidental, Philippines
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2025
About: I'm currently studying Special Needs Education while working as Executive Assistant to Troy Thompson. I'm an adventurous person who loves traveling, exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, trying new food, and meeting people from all walks of life. As the breadwinner of my family, I value hard work and cherish every opportunity to spend quality time with and care for my loved ones. I also have a passion for working with children and enjoy serving as a Sunday school teacher, where I get to encourage and help kids grow in their faith. I believe every new experience is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make meaningful connections.
Favorite Movie: John Wick
Favorite Band/Singer: Don Moen
Favorite Restaurant: I haven't had the chance to try Chipotle yet, but it's at the top of my list because I think I'd really enjoy it.
Favorite Sports Team: Minnesota Timberwolves and Vikings
Off-Season Hobbies: Traveling to places I've never been, exploring different cultures, meeting new people, trying new foods, spending time outdoors, and making memories with family and friends.
Hank
Birthplace: Minnesota
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2021
About: Life of the party, but ready to herd my humans if necessary. I've got a killer hip check to put them back in line! On a typical day I enjoy going for a walk and checking to make sure my toys are all accounted for.
Favorite Movie: All dogs go to Heaven!
Favorite band/singer: Baha Men "Who let the dogs out"
Favorite MN restaurant: Caribou for the "pup cups"
Favorite MN Sports Team: Any team with a BALL!
Off-season hobbies: Snuggle, Sneak food, and Stick my head out the window!
Mason
Email: mason@pin-mn.com
Phone: 763-767-2323
Birthplace: Rochester, MN
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2026
About: I am currently working on my MBA at Concordia University. I enjoy spending time with my friends, family, and girlfriend. Lately, I have been keeping busy from remodeling my Town Home. I am grateful to be apart of Pinnacle and surrounded by such a great team!
Favorite Movie: Rocky
Favorite band/singer: Taylor Swift
Favorite MN restaurant: Chipotle
Favorite MN sports team: Vikings and Timberwolves
Off-season hobbies: Hiking, Running, Golf, Basketball, and Traveling
Trisha
Email: trisha@pin-mn.com
Phone: 763-767-2323
Birthplace: Quezon City, Philippines
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2026
About: I studied Engineering in college but discovered my passion in customer service, where I enjoy connecting with and helping people every day. I've always loved Math and spent time tutoring middle and junior high students. While stepping into the unknown can be intimidating, I've learned that growth happens outside my comfort zone, and I enjoy learning something new along the way.
Favorite Movie:Harry Potter Series
Favorite band/singer:Maroon 5
Favorite MN restaurant:Texas Roadhouse
Favorite MN Sports Team: the "Winning Team"
Off-season hobbies: You'll probably find me rewatching Friends or The Big Bang Theory for the hundredth time or still playing Candy Crush on my phone
Waylon
Birthplace: Minnesota
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2022
About: I’m a Labrador with a passion for two things: snacks and sniffing out coverage gaps. When I’m not greeting clients with legally questionable levels of enthusiasm, I can be found strategically positioning myself near anyone opening a bag of chips. Off the clock, I enjoy hunting (mostly for dropped food) and reminding coworkers that I do, in fact, deserve a raise in treats.
Favorite Movie: Airbud
Favorite band/singer: Waylon Jennings
Favorite MN restaurant: Don’t discriminate
Favorite MN sports team: Wild, only sport with sticks
Off-season hobbies: Eat, Sleep, Retrieve, Repeat
Louie
Birthplace: Dayton, MN
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2024
About: Champion Swimmer & Fetcher. Guard my food like its my job. Scare the Amazon Carrier
Favorite Movie:Lady and the Tramp
Favorite band/singer: Snoop Dogg: drop it like it's hot.
Favorite MN restaurant: Stray Dog Bar and Grill
Favorite MN sports team: Duluth Bulldogs
Off-season hobbies: Hunting mice in the snow, killing them and bringing them into the house
Alayna
Email: alayna@pin-mn.com
Phone: 763-767-2323
Birthplace: Ramsey, MN
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2026
About: I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, spending time outdoors and going to the cabin!
Favorite Movie:Ghost
Favorite band/singer: Jason Aldean
Favorite MN restaurant: Olive Garden
Favorite MN sports team: Timberwolves
Off-season hobbies: Fishing and spending time with my family dogs
Cherryl
Email: cherryl@pin-mn.com
Phone: 763-767-2323
Birthplace: Quezon City, Philippines
Year signed with Pinnacle: 2026
About: I'm a family-oriented person who loves spending quality time with my kids during weekends and days off. My family is my greatest motivation and inspires me to work hard every day. At work, I'm dependable, detail-oriented, and committed to providing excellent service. I enjoy learning new skills, helping others, and always striving to do my best in everything I do.
Favorite Movie: The Devil Wears Prada
Favorite Band/Singer: LANY
Favorite Food: Beef Burritos and Grilled Steak Chimichangas
Favorite Sports Team: GINEBRA
Off Season Hobbies: Spending quality time with my kids and family, watching movies, exploring new places, cooking, and relaxing on weekends.
Carli
Birthplace: Kentucky
Year Signed with Pinnacle: 2023
About: I’m the sweetest employee who insists that every insurance question is best answered with a tail wag. I patrol the office for dropped snacks and enforce mandatory pet-the-dog breaks. I’m a big believer that no matter how complicated a policy gets, everything is easier with a dog by your side!
Outside of work, I value family, continuous learning, and finding small ways to bring positivity to the day-to-day, which I bring into my professional approach as well.
Favorite Movie: A Dog’s Purpose
Favorite band/singer: “Hound Dog” Elvis Presley
Favorite MN restaurant: Anywhere with Pup Cups!
Favorite MN sports team: My mom likes the Vikings so I do too!
Off-season hobbies: Playing my hardest with my dog friends and following mom around the house.