Meet The Team at Sams/Hockaday & Associates

When you are navigating Medicare, the people you choose to guide you matter just as much the policy you sign up for. At Sams/Hockaday & Associates, our strength has always come from the team behind the work: knowledgeable agents, top-notch service professionals, and founders who built the business with a vision of education and trust.

For more than 40 years, the Sams/Hockaday team has helped individuals make confident Medicare decisions by focusing on clarity, compassion, and consistent support. Here’s a closer look at the people who make that possible every day.

Our Agents

Our agents are the heart of the Sams/Hockaday experience. They work one-on-one with clients to explain Medicare in plain language, explore coverage options, and make recommendations that reflect the real needs of their clients.

Michael Sams, Broker
Michael works closely with clients to identify Medicare solutions that align with their retirement goals and budget. His comprehensive approach revolves around long-term fit, ensuring coverage continues to work for his clients year after year.

‍

‍

Amanda Creamer, Broker
Amanda focuses on building genuine relationships with the clients she serves. She works to understand each client’s priorities before recommending coverage, emphasizing clarity, trust, and ongoing support.

‍

‍

Patty Gogerty, Broker
Patty is known for her detail-oriented approach. She takes time to walk clients through the Medicare landscape, helping them compare plans and understand how coverage fits into the bigger picture of retirement and healthcare planning.  

‍

‍

Laura Pecina, Broker
Laura focuses on education and clear guidance so clients can make decisions they truly understand, encouraging them to ask questions and explore their options.  

‍

‍

Our Customer Service Team

Choosing a Medicare plan is just the beginning. The Sams/Hockaday Customer Service Team ensures clients have ongoing support long after enrollment, including answering questions, helping with paperwork, or assisting during claims.

Lyric Greenwood, Customer Experience Advisor
Lyric's attention to detail ensures client information, documentation, and processes are handled accurately and professionally. She helps guide individuals through the process, ensuring they feel supported, informed, and comfortable every step of the way.  

‍

Taryn Karsten, Customer Experience Advisor
Taryn works closely with clients to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. Her role focuses on communication, follow through, and making sure no question goes unanswered.  

‍

‍

Mitzi Pickens, Administrative Services
Mitzi is often the first friendly voice clients connect with. She provides essential administrative support that helps the entire operation function efficiently.  

‍

‍

Our Founders

The Sams/Hockaday philosophy began with its founders. John Hockaday and Jeff Sams saw early on that Medicare needed more education and less pressure and decided to build something special. Their philosophy is to help people understand Medicare, empowering clients to make the best healthcare coverage choices available.

John Hockaday, Co‑Founder
John has spent decades in the senior insurance market and remains deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of the business. His experience helps guide both clients and agents through complex situations with confidence and clarity.  

‍

‍

Jeff Sams, Co‑Founder
Jeff Sams co‑founded Sams/Hockaday & Associates with a vision of creating a local, education-driven agency where clients come first. His leadership shaped the agency's culture of service, integrity, and relationships.  

‍

‍

Conclusion

While each team member plays a unique role, everyone at Sams/Hockaday shares the same mission: to make retirement and Medicare feel manageable, understandable, and less intimidating.