Meet Our Team
Michael, a native Louisianan, moved to Longview in 2004. Michael began his Insurance Career in 2007 and has been employed as an Insurance Producer with Gans & Smith Insurance Agency since 2008, and in 2011 was promoted to Partner. Michael has completed IIAT’s (Independent Insurance Agents of Texas) Producer Development School along with obtaining the designation of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC). Michael is very active within the Longview Community. He is a member of the Longview Chamber of Commerce, Longview Greggton Rotary, and Longview AMBUCS.
Michael is a graduate of the Leadership Longview Program and was named an “Emerging Leader” of Longview in 2012. He is an active volunteer for multiple non-profit organizations and currently serves as President of Longview Independent School District. Michael is married to his wife Julia and they have 4 children. Michael enjoys anything outdoors including hunting, fishing, golfing, swimming, cycling, running, competing in triathlons, and has completed 5 Ironman races since 2015.
Kirk, returned to Longview in 1992 after graduating from Texas Tech University. Kirk began his Insurance Career in 2009 and joined Gans & Smith in 2012. He is active in the Longview community, as a member of First Methodist Church-Longview, Co-chair of the annual Friends of Asbury House Golf Tournament, active volunteer at the House of Disciples and Longview Chamber of Commerce. Kirk also coached youth baseball and youth soccer. Kirk is married to Lynne and they have 2 daughters. Kirk enjoys outdoor activities including golf, running, biking and all of the activities his family is involved with.
Cecilia Besson joined CFG in 2002 and obtained her Certified Insurance Counselor Designation in 2016 as a commercial lines agent. Her focus is providing commercial insurance for her clients. Cecilia’s favorite part of working for CFG is that she gets to speak directly to her clients and build trusting relationships every day.
She is also committed to serving her community and is involved with organizations such as the local chamber of commerce, Kiwanis club, and active in her local church youth group.
Cecila is married to Brian, and they have 2 sons attending college.
When not at work, she enjoys camping, cooking for others, spending time with family and friends, Volunteering as a certified firefighter on the Eastside Volunteer Fire Department alongside her husband, and being outdoors.
Julie Duke began her insurance career in 1997 when the bank started the agency as HCB Insurance Agency. She was a Personal Lines CSR from 1997 until she was transferred to accounting in 2007. She has earned the Accredited Customer service representative designation in personal lines insurance. Julie has one son, two daughters and ten grandchildren. In her spare time, she loves camping, hiking, kayaking and spending time with her family and friends.
Born and raised in Henderson, Chrissy joined the insurance world in 2011 as a receptionist for a neighboring agency. After obtaining her license a few years ago, she moved up to a personal lines agent and transferred to our agency in May of 2017. Besides her work here at the agency, Chrissy works at staying involved with the community. She wears many hats such as being the Secretary of the Rusk County Recreation Center, a member of the Football Booster Club and the Baseball Booster Club. Additionally, when she is away from the office, you can find her cheering for her three children in their various activities of football, baseball, gymnastics and soccer. She and her husband, Frank, believe family is everything and cherish every moment they can with their children and extended family as well. When asked what she does with her spare time, she replied, “What’s that?” She then went on to state that she enjoys cooking for her loved ones, and has been known to share a mason jar or two of her famous salsa.
Justin is a lifelong resident of Henderson graduated in 1995 from Henderson High School. He spent most of his life working in the oil and gas industry. In 2021 he started his insurance career. In August of 2024 he started working for CFG as a producer. Justin and his wife Wendy have 5 kids between them. He is a member of First Baptist Church in Henderson but also attends church at First Christian Church where his wife is a member. He is the Vice President of Henderson Boys Baseball Association. Justin enjoys spending time out at the ball park teaching kids the sport of baseball.
MacAlan Kim Amick is a dedicated Personal Lines Customer Service Representative at CFG Insurance Agency, where he leverages his extensive knowledge and passion for helping clients navigate their insurance needs. With a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics from Texas A&M University and a Certification in International Trade of Agriculture, MacAlan brings a unique perspective to the insurance industry.
Before joining CFG Insurance, MacAlan gained valuable experience in various roles, including as a Credit Analyst at VeraBank and positions at US Title & Closing Services and Sierra Frac Sand. His diverse background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of personal insurance needs.
Outside of his professional life, MacAlan is deeply involved in his community. He runs a successful wine booth business, offering exquisite wines from Italy and Argentina. Additionally, he is passionate about supporting young 4H & FFA students with their livestock projects, reflecting his commitment to fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Based in Henderson and Tatum, Texas, MacAlan is known for his friendly demeanor, exceptional customer service, and dedication to his clients. Whether you’re looking for personal insurance solutions or expert advice, MacAlan is here to help.
My name is Iris Carlstrom and I am an East Texas native. I joined CFG Insurance as the receptionist in May 2022. One of the things I love most about my position with CFG Insurance is meeting and building relationships with the people in our community. I am a member of First Baptist Church, Henderson. I have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. In my down time, I am a lay volunteer chaplain. I love going on local mission trips, camping and spending time with family and friends.