Our Team
…driven by family and community.
Traders was founded by Dewey E. Wilkins in 1937 as Traders Realty, offering both real estate and insurance. After graduating from Bradley University, Dewey's son Jack went into the Air Force as a pilot and came back home in 1957 to work in the insurance business as an active producer, becoming president of Traders Insurance Agency in 1973. He remains active in the business today as Chairman.
In June of 1987, Doug, Jack's son, joined the agency after graduation from Jacksonville University, with a degree in business. He has 22 years experience in the insurance field and received his CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) designation in 1998. He was named vice-president of the agency in 1997. Doug, the third generation of Wilkins in Traders Insurance, became president of the agency in February 2008. "For me, the best thing about working in this business, is being able to help people, by picking the right coverage for them, so that if disaster happens, they can put their life back together," says Doug.
Douglas Wilkins, CIC
“Doug”
President & Agent Owner
Doug is a 3rd generation agency owner, honoring the family tradition lead by his grandfather and father, Dewey and Jack Wilkins. Doug joined Traders Insurance Agency in 1987 after graduating from Jacksonville University with a business administration degree. He furthered his education and insurance experience earning his designation as a Certified Insurance Counselor in 1998. Currently serving at the helm of the agency, Doug previously held active roles as Account Executive and Vice President. In addition to his love of the insurance agency, Doug oversees management of Sterling Plaza LLC, Willow Investments LTD and Lake Sheridan LLC.
Doug is dedicated to his community and is an active member of Peoria Rotary North, Illinois Valley Yacht & Canoe Club, and Peoria Symphony Orchestra. A cause near and dear to Doug’s heart is the St. Jude Rides for Kids. He has completed eight consecutive motorcycle rides from Peoria to Memphis, raising more than $1,000,000 for the kids of St. Jude.
Get in touch: dwilkins@tradersins.com
Christina Purvis Wilkins, VP
“Christy”
Agency Operations
Christy thrives most when creating within a team environment, fusing individual talents and strengths to generate collaborative outcomes. Christy joined her husband and father-in-law in the agency in 2012, bringing 20+ years of corporate and small business management experience. She attended the University of Houston (Go Coogs!) and earned a degree in Organizational Leadership.
A native Peorian, raised by a small business owner parent, Christy inherited their strong work ethic and values. In tandem with corporate life, Christy dedicated 30 years cultivating her career as a mother, teacher, student, and volunteer. She is a passionate yoga student, mentor, and registered yoga teacher. In addition to her private yoga teaching, Christy volunteers as Treasurer for Peoria Women’s Club, the 2nd oldest U.S. women’s club to occupy its original building.
An avid water girl, Christy says, “every day on the water is a great day.”
Get in touch: christy@tradersins.com
John D. Wilkins
“Jack”
Chairman
Jack joined Traders Insurance Agency Corp. in December 1957 and became President in January 1973, followed by Chairman in February 2008. In 1969, he served as the President of the Peoria Association of Independent Insurance Agents.
In 1954, Jack graduated from Bradley University and is a long-term member of the Sigma Chi House Corp. Jack served 3 3/4 Years in the Air Force and was a pilot in the "Strategic Air Command". After getting out of the Air Force, Jack joined the Illinois Air National Guard in Peoria.
Jack was also a past Board Member of the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, a member and past President of Rotary Club of Peoria-North, and a Paul Harris Fellow. He is a past Commodore of Illinois Valley Yacht and Canoe Club.
Get in touch: jwilkins@tradersins.com
Ryan Carlson, CIC
Account Executive
Ryan is an incredible asset to the Traders Insurance Team, celebrating 12 years in the industry and is a true professional. He is dedicated to serving his customers and providing not just the best insurance solutions but invests his time in educating clients about risk management and the nuances of insurance. He provides all lines of insurance services and focuses on both, personal lines, and commercial lines.
Ryan obtained his Certified Insurance Counselor designation in 2011. Combining education, expertise, and exceptional customer service, Ryan demonstrates his commitment to his customers and their best interest.
A family man too, Ryan and Danielle have two sons, Evan and Cooper, along with the family dog Carly. Ryan is a sports enthusiast and holds and an impressive mastery of trivia. He loves time with his wife and fishing with his boys.
Get in touch: ryan@tradersins.com
Jennifer Wyeth, CISR
Account Executive
Jennifer grew up in Peoria and graduated from Illinois Central College before transferring to Eastern Illinois University where she received her Bachelor's of Science in Education degree. She was also a founding member of Phi Beta Chi Sorority acting as Secretary. Jennifer started in insurance in 1997 getting licensed and earning her CISR designation in 2003. She then started working at Trader’s in 2018. Jennifer loves people and being able to help all of her clients.
Jennifer is a proud member of the Peoria Women’s Club and is on their social committee. She loves animals and would not be without a trusted pet at her side. In her free time Jennifer enjoys working on crafts and even makes her own greeting cards. She also loves to go to concerts, travel, and be with friends as much as possible.
Cynthia A. Marcille
“Cindy”
Customer Service
Cindy is a team player extraordinaire and has worked in the agency since 2014. Cindy brings her strong work ethic and organizational skills to Traders. Working directly with our customers as well as managing details behind the scenes, Cindy’s care for people and processes shines through.
When Cindy is outside of the agency, she devotes much of her time to her paraprofessional career, serving at Germantown Grade School. She has a passion for children, assisting educators, and developing heart to heart relationships with her students. Cindy enjoys many interests such as gardening, sports, fitness, card making, reading and most of all serving others.
Cindy and her husband, Jon enjoy volunteering in the community and serving at Peoria First Church of the Nazarene, where they have been members since 2000.
Daisy Mae
Team Leader
Daisy leads our agency every day with her charm and personality. She is energetic and dedicated to greeting every customer with a friendly “Welcome to Traders” bark and a melt your heart smile.
Daisy is a people person like no other. She keeps a close eye on our team, and makes her rounds from office to office, providing encouragement, and a daily dose of positive energy. She also shows off her impressive skills with a signature combination jump and twirl. Always impeccably groomed, Daisy is quite stylish with an envious wardrobe and matching hair accessories. Every day is a good day with Daisy Mae on our team!