Our Leadership Team
Business, Home, and Auto Insurance for You, Your Family, and Your Business
Garrett Insurance Agency has been in business for over 105 years, which is a testament to our strong reputation and commitment to providing the best service to our clients. We take pride in our experience and the knowledge that we have gained throughout our long history.
Our experience has taught us that each client has unique needs, and we have developed the expertise to tailor our services to each individual client. We understand the importance of building lasting relationships with our clients and helping them navigate the complex world of insurance. We believe that our combined knowledge (over 300+ years) sets us apart from our competitors and gives us an edge in providing the best possible service.
We offer a wide range of insurance products, including but not limited to home, auto, life, and business insurance. Our experienced agents work closely with our clients to understand their specific needs and provide them with tailored insurance solutions that fit their requirements.
We also understand that the insurance industry is constantly evolving, and we are committed to staying up to date with the latest trends and developments. Our team of experts regularly attend industry events, workshops, and training programs to stay informed and up to date with the latest best practices.
We are proud of our history, and we will continue to build upon our legacy by providing our clients with the highest level of “Insurance Excellence Since 1918”.
LEADERSHIP BIOGRAPHIES
Stephen R Schmerbeck, CIC
CEO
Stephen Schmerbeck joined his father R. L. (Bob) Schmerbeck, III at Garrett Insurance in 1986 after two years of attending the University of Texas at Austin. Over the years, he has gained expertise in handling all lines of insurance business, including property and casualty (personal insurance/commercial insurance), life, health, and disability insurance. As the current CEO/Owner of Garrett Insurance Agency LLC, he has taken the company to new heights, including acquisitions in multiple states, and earning a reputation for excellence and reliability in the industry.
Apart from his successful career, Stephen is a man of diverse interests and talents. He is an avid triathlete, having completed numerous Ironman competitions over the years. He finds the sport to be a great way to stay physically fit and mentally sharp. In addition to this, he is also a licensed private pilot, flying single-engine aircraft in his free time. He enjoys the thrill of soaring through the skies, exploring new destinations, and taking in the breathtaking views from above.
In addition to his hobbies, Stephen is a dedicated philanthropist who has served on many non-profit boards of directors throughout his career. He is currently the President of the Kerrville/Kerr County Joint Airport Board. He enjoys giving back to the community and believes that everyone has a responsibility to make a positive difference.
His commitment to excellence in all areas of his life has made him a respected leader in the insurance industry and beyond. He is a source of inspiration and motivation for his colleagues, clients, and community members alike. Stephen has three children and two grandchildren and resides in Kerrville and The Woodlands, TX.
Kevan Harris
Senior Vice President of Sales
Kevan began selling insurance in 1992, and to this day, he is still redefining the sales industry into an experience of mutual trust and education. The desire and pursuit of becoming a trusted advisor has always been Kevan’s ultimate goal. He creates a stress-free process by educating clients and ultimately empowering them to make informed decisions for their families and businesses.
Being a trusted advisor to customers means believing in the services, products, and prices you represent. Therefore, Kevan has chosen a company where he is unrestricted in product offerings. Kevan has the ability to seek out the best coverage at the best price by combing through hundreds of insurance companies. This ability, along with a self-starter attitude and strong customer rapport, has earned him Texas Monthly Five Star Home & Auto Insurance Professional for eleven consecutive years.
At Garrett Insurance Agency, Kevan has the responsibility and honor of managing and working alongside his team in the areas of Home, Auto, Farm, and Commercial insurance. Currently, Kevan’s role in the agency is Senior Vice President of Sales. This position allows Kevan to work with both customers and the sales team, highlighting his passion for seeing everyone succeed.
True to Kevan’s curious spirit, he enjoys working with customers who are seeking unique and challenging coverage. Oftentimes, customers become Kevan’s close friends, as he has strong ties to the community he lives and works.
When not at the office, Kevan enjoys spending time with his wife and their two adult children. The occasional round of golf is an added bonus, as Kevan used to be a golf pro in his former life. Kevan also makes time for volunteer work, whether it’s at the Women’s Job Corps, Habitat for Humanity, or serving in the international mission field.
Tamara Yarbrough
Chief Operating Officer
Tamara started her insurance career in 2011 when she joined Garrett Insurance Agency. She began as a commercial lines account representative and specialized in certificates of insurance due to her meticulous nature and attention to detail. She worked in several departments including commercial lines, agricultural and operations/systems. Her knowledge of the insurance business, determination, courage, and empathy of others are a few of the qualities in Tamara which deserved her to be promoted to Senior Manager of Business Operations and Services in 2022.
Tamara was born and raised in Kerrville, TX. She married the love of her life in 2015 and they have two children and continue to reside in Kerrville. With her husband, and many relatives all owning businesses locally in Kerrville, she has strong ties to the community. She takes great pride in making sure all clients are insured adequately and treated with the finest service.
Besides her love for her family and her career, Tamara also has many interests and talents. She loves to travel and has been to many different places all over the world. She loves to cook and try new foods and considers herself a wine connoisseur. She loves event planning and has planned many parties and celebrations for family and friends over the years from small intimate gatherings to large events. She is an avid reader and loves re-reading books because they always speak to her differently each time.
One of Tamara’s favorite quotes is “Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.” by Bethany Hamilton.
OUR LOCATIONS
OUR TRUSTED PROVIDERS
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
- We will provide customized solutions and personalized products based on your needs.
- We will be available to you any time so getting important information will be easy for you.
- We will manage your risk as well as any claims that you file.
- We will ease your worry and protect your treasures by transferring identified risks to an insurance product, all the while keeping it simple to understand for you.