Proper Insurance Advisors
Relationships Built on Sound Advice

Built on Community Trust and Decades of Local Experience

From the start, Proper Insurance Advisors was founded with one goal: to make insurance simple, personal, and reliable for families and businesses across Florida. Recognizing a need for truly independent, client-first advice, our founders— Florida natives with deep roots in the community—created an agency that treats every client like family. The recent merger with Palmer Insurance Services in Crestview allowed us to expand our carrier network and serve more Florida clients while maintaining our “mom-and-pop” values. Today, our clients enjoy one-on-one guidance, a range of policy choices, and support that feels both personal and professional, every step of the way.

Our mission is to provide insurance made simple—delivering honest advice, local expertise, and one-on-one service for every client in Florida.

What You Can Expect From Us Every Day

The People You’ll Work With Every Step of the Way

R. Courtney Ashburn

Insurance Advisor

R. Courtney Ashburn is a Tallahassee native and Florida State University graduate with over two decades of experience as a business owner, having owned and operated companies since 2000. His professional background includes consulting, property management, and insurance.

Courtney has been involved in the insurance industry since 2009 and joined the Proper Insurance Advisors team in June 2025. He brings a practical, client-focused approach to his work, grounded in real-world business experience and an understanding of the needs of both individuals and business owners.

Courtney is married to his wife, Christine, and they have two daughters, Mackenzie and Hadley. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending Florida State sporting events, coaching the Maclay Junior Varsity golf team, and kayak fishing throughout the Southeast.



Amy Butcher

Relationship Manager

Amy Butcher is a Florida native and a graduate of Auburn University with nearly two decades of experience in the Property & Casualty insurance industry. She began her career in 2007 and brings deep industry knowledge, professionalism, and a client-focused approach to her work.

Amy is married and the proud mother of two sons. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and takes full advantage of the outdoors through boating, hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.



Paul Palmer

Insurance Advisor

Paul Palmer has been a Florida licensed 220 General Lines Agent since 1998 and brings more than 25 years of insurance experience to Proper Insurance Advisors. After spending 15 years as a captive agent, Paul transitioned to the independent agency side where he has spent the past 12 years helping clients find the best coverage options available.

Paul primarily focuses on personal lines insurance including homeowners, auto, boats, motorcycles, RVs, and personal umbrella policies. He especially enjoys helping first time homeowners understand how insurance works and what to expect from their coverage.

A lifelong resident of the Florida Panhandle, Paul and his wife have been married since 1980. Outside of the office, Paul enjoys hunting, fishing, playing golf, and traveling with his wife, especially winter vacations in the snow.

Steve Baxter

Insurance Advisor

Steve Baxter is an experienced property and casualty insurance professional with a long track record of delivering exceptional client service and dependable risk‑management guidance. After building and operating a successful insurance agency in Northwest Florida for many years, Steve now brings his expertise to the team at Proper Insurance Advisors where he focuses on serving clients with the same care, responsiveness, and attention to detail that have defined his career.

Steve is committed to helping individuals and businesses make informed insurance decisions. He takes pride in being a reliable resource for clients, ensuring they feel supported and well‑protected.

Based in the Fort Walton Beach area, Steve continues to build long‑term relationships grounded in trust, transparency, and genuine care for the people he serves.

Rebecca Babcock

Account Manager

Rebecca Babcock combines a lifelong connection to the Tallahassee community with more than a decade of experience in the insurance industry. A Tallahassee native and graduate of Florida State University, she specializes in property and casualty insurance and understands the coverage considerations that are important to Florida residents. Her knowledge and experience allow her to guide clients through their options with clarity, patience, and careful attention to detail.



Rebecca believes that effective insurance guidance begins with taking the time to listen. She works to understand each client's circumstances, concerns, and priorities before recommending coverage. She also makes it a point to explain policies in clear, practical terms so clients can make informed decisions and feel confident in the protection they have selected. Her thoughtful approach and genuine interest in helping others have allowed her to build strong, lasting relationships with the individuals and families she serves.

Rebecca and her husband, Mike, have been married for 22 years and have two children. Family plays an important role in her life and has shaped the care, dependability, and personal attention she brings to her work. When she is away from the office, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, visiting loved ones in North Carolina, and exploring her creative side through a variety of craft projects.

Carla Pfeiffer

Account Manager

Carla Pfeiffer is an Account Manager in our Fort Walton Beach office with more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. Throughout her career, she has built lasting client relationships by providing exceptional service, knowledgeable guidance, and personalized attention. Her extensive knowledge of the Florida Panhandle allows her to help clients navigate the complexities of home, auto, wind, and flood insurance. Carla is committed to understanding each client's individual needs and strives to exceed expectations at every opportunity.
Carla is married to a veteran and is the proud mother of an amazing daughter. As a Gulf Coast resident, she enjoys spending time outdoors and making memories with her family and friends.

Patrick Hurley

Co-Owner

Patrick Hurley is a co-owner of Proper Insurance Advisors and an experienced real estate leader with a background spanning property management, brokerage, and real estate investment. As an operator and investor, he understands the complexities of managing assets, mitigating risk, and building sustainable portfolios.

As a father of four, Patrick brings a long-term, responsibility-driven mindset to every business decision. He believes that strong organizations—like strong families—are built on clarity, discipline, and forward planning. This perspective shapes the leadership and strategic direction of Proper Insurance Advisors, ensuring the firm delivers insurance solutions that support both growth and stability for its clients.



Nick Chason

Co-Owner

Nick is a business owner and entrepreneur with more than 15 years of leadership experience. Prior to entering the insurance industry, he owned and operated multiple construction companies, where he developed a strong understanding of property, risk management, and the real-world financial exposures business owners face. That hands-on background gives him a practical advantage when evaluating coverage accuracy, replacement cost, and liability risk.

As Co-Owner and Agency Principal of Proper Insurance Advisors, Nick plays a key leadership role in guiding the agency’s growth, operations, and client strategy. He works closely with families and business owners to design insurance programs that are thoughtfully structured and aligned with their needs, ensuring clients understand their coverage and feel confident in the protection they have in place.

Nick and his wife, Mallory, are raising their three boys: Clark, Charlie, and Carson. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending quality time with his family, especially on the water at the beach or Lake Martin, and remains actively involved in his church and community.