Insurance, Safety & Risk Management
Who We Are
With decades of commercial insurance, risk management, and safety experience, we help businesses prepare for what they don’t see coming.
As an independent, boutique-style agency, we work for you — not a single carrier. With access to 100+ insurance markets, we bring both flexibility and options.
But let’s be real — it’s not just about market access.
Unlike the big-name agencies answering to corporate overlords or hedge fund “gods” (yes, we said it), our mission is simple:
✅ Be your trusted risk advisor
✅ Advocate fiercely on your behalf
✅ Keep coverage and overall costs in check
What We Do
We take a consultative approach — not just “shopping quotes,” but building smarter insurance and risk management strategies that evolve with your business.
Our Solutions Include:
- Workers’ Compensation
- General Liability & Professional Liability (E&O, Medical & Legal Malpractice, Educators Legal, and more)
- Management & Employment Liability (D&O, EPLI, Fiduciary, EBL, Crime, Cyber, Abuse & Molestation, Law Enforcement)
- Property & Equipment Protection (Commercial Property, Fire, Tools, Inland Marine, Builders Risk, BOP)
- Auto & Transportation Coverage (Commercial Auto, Cargo, Fleet Policies)
- Bonds & Surety Solutions (License & Permit, Construction, Fidelity, Court Bonds)
- Specialty Programs for Schools, Municipalities, Nonprofits, and More
Who We Help
At Ascent Insurance Solutions, we partner with employers of all sizes — from family-owned businesses to large public entities.
While our ideal client has a team of 10 or more employees, our focus is always the same: bringing clarity, strategy, and results to your insurance and risk-management programs.
Our Core Industries
- Public Sector – School districts, municipalities, fire protection districts, metro districts, and other special districts
- Construction & Trades – General contractors, specialty trades, and artisan subcontractors (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, concrete, and more)
Additional Industries We Serve
- Service & Maintenance (janitorial, landscaping, restoration, mechanical)
- Hospitality & Lodging (restaurants, bars, breweries, event venues, hotels)
- Manufacturing & Fabrication (metal, wood, plastics, light industrial)
- Transportation & Logistics (delivery fleets, trucking, warehouse operations)
- Healthcare & Human Services (clinics, behavioral health, nonprofits)
- Professional Services (consultants, tech, engineering, architecture)
- Retail & Wholesale (shops, distributors, e-commerce)
- Agriculture & Food Production (farms, processing, breweries, distilleries)
Why Businesses Choose Ascent
Whether you’re a public entity or private employer, Ascent delivers:
✅ Tailored commercial insurance solutions
✅ Workers’ compensation, safety, and risk management expertise
✅ HR and compliance support
✅ Strategic, relationship-driven guidance that helps you plan ahead — not just react
Are You Prepared for a Major Loss?
What happens if your business gets hit with a lawsuit?
Or if a fire damages your property?
Or an employee gets seriously injured on the job?
These aren’t just hypotheticals — they’re real-world events we help clients navigate every day through proactive insurance and risk management strategies.
Do you have a dedicated agent who actually answers the phone and knows your business? Let’s find out.
No pressure, no sales pitch — just honest advice.
Insurance Is Easy. Relationships Take Work
Finding coverage is easy — plenty of brokers can toss quotes at you all day.
We’re not one of them.
We focus on building relationships: understanding your business, goals, and pain points so we can protect what matters most.
We don’t work with everyone — and that’s intentional.
If you’re chasing the lowest price, we’re not your agency.
But if you value partnership, strategy, and long-term results — welcome to Ascent.
Meet the Core of Ascent!
Jodie Lyons - Founder & Managing Principal
Jodie has been a dedicated professional in the commercial insurance world since 2011, with deep roots in public sector risk management.
She was formerly a senior underwriter for the Colorado School Districts Self Insurance Pool (CSDSIP) and the Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing Agency (CIRSA), where she built extensive experience protecting public entities.
In 2019, she transitioned to the private sector, joining a large regional brokerage known for high-volume workers’ compensation. She quickly became a top producer—but also realized she was stuck in a system that prioritized sales over true client advocacy. That just didn’t align with her values.
As Jodie puts it: “ I didn’t want to become another cog in a corporate wheel. I knew there had to be a better way—one that combined a personal approach with broad market access. So, I bet it all and set out to build something different, trusting the right clients and team would follow."
That leap became Ascent Insurance Solutions, where Jodie leads with integrity, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to putting clients first.
Jodie lives in the Saddle Rock community of Southeast Aurora, with the kid all grown and off adulting. When she’s not advocating for clients, you’ll likely find her golfing or exploring our beautiful mountains in the mudbuggy with her husband and their beloved furbabies.
Russell Lyons - "Safety Guy"
Russell is our go-to safety expert, bringing decades of hands-on experience to help clients improve their safety practices. When he’s not supporting our team, he runs his own safety and training business, providing specialized guidance across industries.
In 2023, Russell retired from a distinguished 35-year career as an over-the-road (OTR) driver—logging an impressive 3.8 million accident-free miles. Along the way, he also managed DOT safety and compliance for his previous organization.
Although he’s parked the truck, he hasn’t hung up his CDL just yet. These days, Russell focuses on helping businesses navigate safety and compliance challenges—both on the road and in the workplace. His expertise spans DOT regulations, transportation safety, operational risk, and general workplace safety.
For businesses seeking safety support—whether or not they’re (yet) part of Team Ascent—Russell proudly leads Ascent Safety Solutions as founder and head honcho.
When he’s not geeking out over safety and compliance (or critiquing Jodie’s enthusiastic driving skills), Russell enjoys quiet time at home with the furbabies, football, and perfecting his landscaping skills.
Chester & Wizzle - "Champions of Cheer"
Chester and Wizzle occasionally serve as our Champions of Cheer, accompanying Mom and Dad to the office to brighten the day with their antics.
Both are hypoallergenic and have their favorite spots tucked under our desks when visitors stop by.
If you’re sensitive to animals, no worries—we’re happy to let them enjoy a day off at home for your scheduled meeting.
Join Our Team!
Are you experienced in Commercial P&C or a B2B pro looking to break into the risk management and insurance world?
We’re not your typical big corporate shop or dusty, old-school agency buried under piles of paperwork. We take pride in delivering a concierge-style risk management experience and welcome those who share that same commitment to follow-through and client care.
As our agency grows—fueled by doing the right thing and reinvesting in support for both clients and staff—we’re always on the lookout for dynamic team members who want to grow with us.
Sound like a fit? Send your resume our way for consideration.