Matthew Bauer, CISC, CRIS
Vice President

Matthew Bauer works with the FitnessPak team to assist Health Clubs interested in higher levels of service than they currently receive, coordinate their service platforms with the qualified consultants or programs available, and analyze coverage needs/options to ensure adequate insurance arrangements. His background in underwriting brings a technical approach to marketing and highlighting the aspects that help one Health Club stand out from the rest, which justifies why insurance carriers would benefit from offering them coverage. Alternative market arrangements are also a specialization that are offered more and more frequently, and Matt will assist in creating a feasibility analysis to evaluate such programs where positive performance yields dividends. Matt has always been a member of a Health Club and is familiar with the exposures that clubs present; as well as the challenges and hurdles that club management/ownership takes into consideration routinely. He currently resides in Chico California with his wife and two children, and leads a healthy and active lifestyle while striving to lead his industry with innovative ideas and approaches to any application of Risk Management.

(800) 873-3725 ext. 3158
mbauer@iwins.com

Steve Azevedo
Executive Vice President

Steve Azevedo has over 30 years of experience in various areas of commercial insurance. Throughout his combined underwriting, marketing and sales career, Steve has worked with mid-sized and large businesses to identity and provide for their property, casualty and workers’ compensation needs. Steve has also been involved with several industry-specific insurance programs ranging from the retail sector to for-profit recreational clubs and the health care industry.

In addition to his sales endeavors, Steve has served in many roles to contribute to his firm and the insurance industry. He has been a member of the Agents Advisory Board for several of the insurance carriers represented by InterWest Insurance Services. Over the past 15 year, Steve has also balanced his professional time between serving clients and various leadership and administrative roles, serving as an Executive Board member of InterWest and as president of one of the constituent firms that formed InterWest prior to that. This diverse blend of sales, marketing and management experience provides Steve with the insight into the expansive business issues that challenge his clients.

(916) 609-8351
sazevedo@iwins.com

Tony Pozas, CISC
Vice President

Tony Pozas joined the InterWest team in June, 2006, and was elevated to Vice President in 2015.  Prior to his relationship with InterWest, he served as the Vice President of one of the largest residential remodeling firms in the state.  During that time, he was involved with numerous charities and served on the Board of Directors for the local Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs of America.  His career in sales began while working for U.S Foodservice in Reno, NV, where he assisted hotel and casino clients with the purchase of food and restaurant equipment. While living in Nevada, he had the privilege of joining the Rotary Club of Carson City.

Tony enjoys working with diversified groups and is always in search of the perfect insurance program for his clients. He is proactive in understanding the marketplace options, including alternative markets, group captives, self-insurance, retrospective rating and other risk transfer products. Early in his career, he realized that business owners continually struggle with Human Resources and Risk Management compliance, which ultimately impacts their direct insurance costs.  In an ongoing effort to provide solutions to manage the exposures and reduce the overall risk potential, Tony effectively engages InterWest’s claims and risk control teams as well as services of the insurance carrier partners.

Continuing his education and knowledge in insurance has always been a priority. In 2007, Tony began his pursuit of multiple professional designations including Certified Insurance Specialist in Construction (CISC) and Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS).  He has developed close relationships with risk managers and labor law attorneys to stay current with Cal & Fed OSHA regulations in his effort to help mitigate future losses for his clients. Tony continues to be active with various trade organizations including the Associated General Contractors (AGC), The Valley Contractors Exchange (VCE) and the Building Industry Association (BIA).

Tony is a native of the Napa Valley, but currently resides in Chico, CA with his wife and two children where they enjoy golfing, hunting and fishing with friends and family.

(530) 897-3174
tpozas@iwins.com

Cody Conway
Commercial Insurance Broker

Cody Conway received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University, Chico, with an option in Project Management. He put himself through school working at Canyon Oaks Country Club, a private golf club in Chico,  where he was promoted twice within a year to become the Banquet Captain for special events. He was also given the opportunity to be an assistant coach for Junior Golf Clinics, teaching children of various ages all aspects of the game.

Though Cody is new to insurance, he has been around fitness and health clubs for most of his life. For over 20 years, his father has been the general manager of various health clubs throughout the north state. Growing up in this environment, Cody was inspired to pursue a career where his efforts will positively impact his fitness industry clients and provide return on their risk management/risk transfer investments.

Cody joined InterWest’s FitnessPak team as a commercial broker and is the beneficiary of industry specific risk management training and guidance.  His passion and pursuit of health clubs will contribute to the vitality of the very successful 25-year-old FitnessPak Program. Insurance is among the oldest and respected industries and Cody recognizes the opportunity to engage clients in new, innovative loss control techniques available to club owners today.

Cody has called Chico home for over 15 years, but is eager to travel and meet new people. During his free time, you can find him on the golf course or watching the latest baseball game with his friends.

(530) 897-3191
cconway@iwins.com