About Reliable Insurance

Reliable Insurance was founded in 2002 by Kurt and Missy Watt. Their goal was to educate clients on all types of insurance—and provide top-notch services. The agency, now owned by Alex and Shannon Mitchell, has been thriving ever since, nestled in the heart of West Lafayette. Together, our team has over 80 years of combined insurance industry experience.

Our priority is to listen to you, understand your situation, diagnose your risks, and develop a customized insurance and risk management program tailored to your needs.

Get a Free Insurance Quote

Are you ready to save time, stress, and money? We’re here to make the process as painless as possible. We look forward to getting to know you!

Get a Free Insurance Quote

Are you ready to save time, stress, and money? We’re here to make the process as painless as possible. We look forward to getting to know you!

Get a Free Quote

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Alex Mitchell

Owner / CEO

Alex Mitchell became the agency owner at the start of 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous roles at insurance companies in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. His career further flourished in Indiana, where he excelled as a District Sales Manager at Erie Insurance. Alex's academic credentials include a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Cairn University in Langhorne, PA. Additionally, he has earned prestigious certifications from the National Alliance of Insurance, such as the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR).

Outside of his professional life, Alex is dedicated to his family—his wife Shannon, and their two children, Charlotte and Beau. The family enjoys traveling and actively participates in community service projects. They also share their home with Abby, an adorable boxer puppy. Alex's blend of professional expertise and personal commitments highlights his dedication not just to his career but also to his family, community, and overall life enjoyment.

Shannon Mitchell

Agency Operations Specialist

Shannon is the driving force behind Agency Operations at Reliable Insurance, working alongside her husband. She brings valuable experience from her time at a marketing agency in Albuquerque, NM, which adds depth to the team's operational strategies. With a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Performance from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Shannon infuses creativity and adaptability into her role, enhancing the agency's overall effectiveness.

Outside of work, Shannon enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two children. She nurtures her interests through reading, yoga, gardening, and experimenting with new plant-based recipes. Shannon is also actively involved in her local MOPS group and finds support and community at church gatherings. Her passion for both family and professional excellence, combined with her collaborative work alongside her husband, Alex, embodies the spirit of reliability and dedication at Reliable Insurance.

Kurt Watt

Agency Advisor

Kurt Watt began his insurance career in 1994. Before starting Reliable Insurance in 2002, he worked exclusively in Commercial Insurance. When he’s not working, Kurt enjoys spending time with his wife, Melissa, and their three children—Brandon, Ethan, and Amanda. The family loves the outdoors, including camping and hiking. Kurt also enjoys carpentry and typically buys and renovates one house a year.

"The most enjoyable aspect of being an insurance agent is the customer interaction - taking the time to understand a client's situation, diagnosing their exposure, and developing a customized insurance and risk management program," says Kurt.

Melissa Watt

Customer Service Representative

Melissa has been a licensed customer service representative with Reliable since 2005. She helps clients with payments, filing claims, and policy changes. You’ll find Melissa in the office every morning—ready to help with a smile! She is great at problem-solving and is always willing to go "above and beyond" to help our clients.

Melissa loves to spend time with her husband and kids, read, and volunteer at her church and in the community. She also has a newfound love of travel and is always ready for the next adventure!

Yan Zhuang

Producer / Insurance Advisor

Yan provides top-notch insurance solutions and risk management services. She joined Reliable Insurance in 2016, focusing on the unique insurance needs of international scholars and residents. Yan's impressive educational background includes a Ph.D. from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, a Google Project Management certificate, and licenses in Property and Casualty, Health and Life Insurance, and AHIP Medicare Certification.

Outside work, Yan enjoys time spent with her husband, two daughters, and their lively pets—a tree-jumping dog named Milo and a cheerful parakeet. An active member of the Greater Lafayette Chinese Alliance Church, Yan is deeply involved in serving the children's program, including Sunday school and AWANA. Her expertise, compassion, and dedication to service exemplify Reliable’s core values, ensuring clients receive the highest care and support.

Mary Flynn

Director of First Impressions

Meet Mary, the friendly face behind our customer service at Reliable Insurance. Since joining as a receptionist in January 2020, Mary has gone the extra mile by obtaining her P&C license, allowing her to address insurance queries, offer coverage advice, and process endorsements efficiently. She is dedicated to providing top-notch service, welcoming new clients, and ensuring existing policies are well taken care of.

Mary holds a Bachelor's degree from Purdue in Consumer and Family Science/HTM, bringing a unique blend of knowledge and expertise to her role. Outside of work, she enjoys quality time with her loved ones, community involvement, and outdoor activities. A sports enthusiast, Mary loves both playing and watching games. Her favorite quote, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world," reflects her commitment to making a positive difference in her personal and professional life. With her warm demeanor and passion for service, Mary embodies the spirit of reliability and dedication at Reliable Insurance.

Emma Townsend

Personal Lines New Business Writer

Emma plays a key role in supporting new personal insurance clients at Reliable Insurance. As the Personal Lines New Business Writer, she helps individuals and families find the right coverage for their homes, vehicles, and personal property—always with a focus on clarity, care, and accessibility. A Greater Lafayette native, Emma brings a local perspective and a deep appreciation for the community she serves. She found her way to insurance through a trusted connection and quickly earned her license, drawn to the idea of offering peace of mind to others. Emma especially enjoys building trust with clients and helping them feel confident in their protection from day one.

Outside the office, Emma enjoys baking, listening to records, vintage shopping, and spending time with her nieces and nephews. She and her husband are active members of Elston Family Church, where they regularly volunteer and find joy in giving back to others.
Emma’s thoughtful presence and community-minded spirit reflect the values that drive Reliable Insurance—and make her an invaluable part of the team.

Amanda Watt

Executive Assistant

Amanda Watt has been part of Reliable Insurance from the very beginning—both professionally and personally. As the daughter of the agency’s founder, she’s been around the business her entire life and now supports day-to-day operations as Executive Assistant. Her work behind the scenes helps ensure the agency runs smoothly and remains focused on delivering a strong client experience.

A lifelong resident of West Lafayette, Amanda enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and exploring new places. One of her most memorable adventures was hiking portions of Spain’s Camino de Santiago trail—an experience that reflects her love of travel and quiet determination. Amanda’s deep roots in the agency, paired with her thoughtful presence and organizational strength, embody the care and consistency that clients have come to expect from Reliable Insurance.

Casey Delks

Agency Advisor

Casey Delks brings more than 20 years of insurance experience to Reliable Insurance. A Purdue University graduate, he began his career in personal lines underwriting before spending over a decade as a commercial insurance producer specializing in larger and more complex accounts. He later owned and operated his own independent agency before merging with Reliable Insurance, giving him a well-rounded perspective on coverage, risk management, and the needs of business owners.

In his role, Casey works closely with clients to develop insurance programs tailored to their specific needs while balancing coverage, risk, and cost. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Rebekah, and their four children, as well as coaching youth baseball and softball. Casey is also a certified mindset coach, an avid whitetail bowhunter, and someone whose experience, leadership, and commitment to helping others reflect the care and dependability clients can expect from Reliable Insurance.

Cody Chaplin

Director of Operations

Cody Chaplan joined Reliable Insurance with a strong background in financial planning, operational leadership, and team development. After owning his own financial planning business and earning his Life & Health license, Cody built his career around helping individuals and organizations navigate complex decisions with clarity and confidence. He is especially passionate about creating systems and processes that bring long-term stability and alignment to the teams he serves.

Originally from Martinsville, Indiana, Cody spent several years living in New Zealand as a missionary before returning to Indiana to be closer to family. He now lives in Rossville with his wife and children. Cody is driven by a desire to build meaningful relationships and contribute to work that lasts. Outside the office, he enjoys playing music, spending time with his family, serving at his church, and exploring cultures through travel and cuisine. Fluent in American Sign Language and distantly related to silent film icon Charlie Chaplin, Cody brings both depth and personality to the Reliable team.

Christi Rice

Producer

Christi brings a lifelong connection to the insurance industry and a genuine passion for helping people feel confident in their coverage. Born and raised in Indianapolis, she became a licensed producer at just 18 while working for an insurance education company in high school. Although she did not begin actively selling insurance until years later, the industry has been part of her story from the very beginning.

In her role at Reliable Insurance, Christi looks forward to building lasting relationships with clients and helping families make informed decisions about their insurance needs. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening, being with friends and family, and tackling DIY projects around the house. Christi’s practical mindset, strong work ethic, and commitment to putting people first reflect the care and dependability clients can expect from Reliable Insurance.