Our Team

John James

CIP DipFS (Ins.Broking) Dip Bus (Management)
AR1263328 Managing Director

After working for Major Insurers his whole career, in July 2018 John decided to stick his toe into the Insurance Broking world. Now as a broker and running a business, the world is a different place for John. With a team of 9 looking after our local community, he considers good ‘ole’ fashioned service, combined with the latest cutting-edge products, an important part of our services as a Broker. 

Outside of work, John enjoys the occasional glass of Red and travelling overseas with his wife Brigitte. He has great and loving support from her and his two sons Sam and Ben.

Shaun Woodards

AR316796 Senior Account Executive

Shaun commenced with the business back in 2006 & has also worked with CGU as an underwriter for a short period back in 2010. He enjoys the day to day challenges the job brings & dealing with his many loyal customers.

With his time away from work he enjoys spending time with his partner Belinda & his daughter Isla.

He very much enjoys a nice Barossa Valley Shiraz & getting away fishing for the weekend.

Jack Miles

CIP DipFS (Ins. Broking)
AR1007945 Account Executive

Jack has been with the KWI team since 2015. Jack's role within the KWI Business is to look after the SME portfolio and keep up to date with the latest Insurer news in this space. His first taste of the Insurance industry was working with the RAA in Adelaide as an assistant to the claims areas. His other Work experiences include learning the Cellar operations at Yalumba and working in his Families Business in Angaston.

His interests outside of Insurance lie with his local sporting clubs the Angaston Football and Cricket Club. Jack has been captain of the Football Club for 5 years and is an opening batsman within the cricket side. 

You will find him most weekends relaxing and enjoying a cool drink with friends at a Local Barossa Establishment. Make sure you come up and say hello as his friendly smile will always make you welcome.

Sam Hood

CIP DipFS (Ins. Broking), BBus (Marketing)
AR1250702 Account Executive

Sam started working with KWI in 2016, where he previously worked in cellar door sales at one of Barossa’s largest wineries in Seppeltsfield. Sam started looking after the domestic insurance portfolio of KWI and has now progressed into advising clients on Commercial & Rural products.

Outside of work, Sam is a Simpsons tragic, and loves Cricket, Football, and Golf. His beloved Demons delivered the ultimate success in 2021, ending the many years of heartbreak! Like most in the Barossa, he loves eating and drinking the amazing produce this region offers with his mates.

Ben James

AR1281964 Office Administrator

Ben started with KWI in 2018 learning the ropes of Insurance and developing his knowledge in Domestic products. 9 times out of 10 Ben will be on the other end of the phone if you call the office number! 

In the past, Ben has worked at Eros Ouzeri a 5-star Greek restaurant as the Head Chef and restaurant manager and also started a landscaping business,

He loves to catch up with family and friends for a coffee or a meal. Ben in his spare time loves being outdoors in nature whatever it may be. Whether its camping, fishing or exploring new places and getting out the gold detector when he can!

Brigitte James

Office Admin Assistant

Brigitte has been a jack-of-all-trades pre her insurance life. Registered Nurse, Retail Business Manager, as well as a Counsellor at Teen Challenge. Brigitte loves being part of the KWI team, and imagines herself sitting in a ‘Wall Street’ office when everything is ‘humming’. All part of making sure our customers get the best deal and best service available.

You will see Brigitte’s name mostly on emails, as she is hidden away in the ‘Engine Room’ of KWI. But if she sees you, you’ll be sure to see her friendly smile.

Debbie Falkenberg

Payroll Officer

Debbie is a born and bred Barossan. Married with two sons, Debbie and her husband Kym spend a lot of time helping their two sons at their homes and babysitting. They both love holidaying to anywhere in the world, as well as in their own backyard in Australia. 

Debbie’s father Ken Hampel started the business originally back in the 60’s, so she has been apart of KWI for most of her life. You will only see Debbie inside the four walls on weekend, as she is the bookkeeper and Payroll officer.

Christie Searle

AR1258601 Account Executive Support/Operations

Christie started in the insurance industry straight out of high school in 2008, working her way up to an Account Executive for a national brokerage.

Christie moved to the Barossa mid-COVID and hasn't looked back, enjoying the friendly and welcoming region.

Starting with KWI in 2021, Christie assists our Managing Director John with the day-to-day processes of the business as well as Shaun and Jack's portfolios.

On the weekends, you will see Christie attempting to complete the winery & coffee tour of the Barossa or spending time with the family camping.

Amber Jungfer

Assistant Account Executive

Amber started her career in Insurance with KWI in 2011 but left in 2015 to raise her children. She returned to KWI in 2022.

During her time away, she has been enjoying getting to know the children in the Barossa as a swimming instructor and thoroughly enjoyed her time but decided it was time for more structure in her family.

Being raised in the Barossa, you may recognise her; if you don’t, you’re sure to know someone who does.

Amber is assisting the Brokers with processing and sending out renewals and ensuring your assets are sufficiently covered. She is always happy to help you out with any questions you may have.

Outside of work, you may see Amber at a playground trying to tire out her children. If you recognise her, be sure to say Hello.