The Lakeshore Agency is located in Plymouth, Wisconsin, and serves the greater Sheboygan area. Please contact any of the individuals listed below or the Lakeshore Agency office if you live in the Sheboygan area and are interested in learning more about our life insurance or annuity products. The Lakeshore Agency is also always available to help connect you to your local member group (branch/lodge) if you are interested in getting involved in any social or community service projects.
William J. Rutten joined BetterLife's Lakeshore Agency as an insurance agent in February 2019 and was named Agency Manager of the Lakeshore Agency in January 2020.
William came to BetterLife so he could continue serving his community after retiring from a 30-year law enforcement career where he last served as the Kohler Chief of Police. He is actively involved in community projects including the Kohler Police Athletic League, Meals on Wheels, and is the head usher at his local church.
William grew up in Menasha, Wisconsin and received his master’s in public administration from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He currently resides in Kohler, Wisconsin with his wife, Kathy, and their two daughters, Courtney and Jennifer. In his spare time, he is an avid golfer and enjoys running, spinning, and working out.
Chia Yang began his career as an insurance agent with BetterLife in September of 2001. Chia graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and computer information systems. During college, Chia worked as an office assistant for the College of Natural Resources, as a Vector Marketing sales rep, and as a customer service rep.
Chia speaks Hmong, Laotian, Thai, Spanish and Chinese and served as a Hmong/English interpreter at Mid-State Technical College in Stevens Point. He even taught the Hmong 101 Conversational Course at UW-Stevens Point.
Chia and his wife reside in Madison with their children. In his free time, Chia enjoys soccer, volleyball, running, singing, reading and computers.
Steve Ernst, FIC, came to BetterLife with over 35 years of experience in the insurance industry. Steve has a passion for protecting families through life insurance and helping them truly understand how much coverage they need.
Throughout his career, Steve says he has delivered several death claim checks over the years. He has never been told to take a check back because it’s too much. If he had the option to pick his own job title, Steve would label himself as an “Ambassador for Doing Good”.
Outside of “doing good”, Steve likes to spend his time attending Wisconsin Badger sporting events, camping, fishing or attending theater shows. When given the choice of any travel destination in the world, Steve hopes to travel around Europe, especially Germany, Poland, and Russia.
Steve grew up in the Fox River Valley area and has lived in Madison, Wisconsin, since 1988. He and his wife will celebrate 40 years of marriage in August 2020! Together they have four grown children and three grandchildren, with another due in November! Steve says that is biggest inspiration in his life is his wife because no matter what is going on, she is always working hard at her job and taking care of the family at home.
Whitney Yang was personally introduced to BetterLife by his mentor and mother, former BetterLife Career Agent Tzong Vang Yang. Whitney describes his job as an insurance agent as "getting rewarded for helping others." He adds, “Once you see the fruits of your labor and what a simple life product can do, it is something your clients will continue to thank you for the rest of their lives. I choose to help regardless if it’s life insurance related or not.”
Whitney enjoys a challenge, which may explain how his career began in the sales industry. “My mother told me to go sell a product that I enjoyed, so I did! I became a used car salesman in my early 20’s. I figured that if I can handle the toughest, stereotypical position, I can handle any sales position. I loved my experience, and it prepared me for all the obstacles that come with running your business.”
Whitney also loves being outside. His favorite outdoor activities include hunting, fishing, grafting apple trees, and even carving pumpkins! When given the choice of any location in the world, he hopes to travel to South Korea and Japan.
Whitney grew up and currently resides in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, with his wife and two daughters. His top personal value is “doing what you say you are going to do” and lists his mother, BetterLife’s first female Agent of the Year, as his largest inspiration.
Sami Clemins joined BetterLife’s Lakeshore Agency as an insurance agent because she believes in the values our company holds: doing what’s right for members and putting their needs first. She has been in the life insurance industry since May 2018 and considers herself a “Life Planning Representative”. After she unexpectedly lost several loved ones within a short period of time, she quickly learned the emotional and financial burden it causes families when they lose someone they love. She says that experiencing loss firsthand has given her the inspiration to help others learn about the importance of protection and prepare for the unexpected.
Sami grew up in Cedarburg, WI, where she currently resides. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her parents and three brothers, her friends, and her boyfriend. Like a true Wisconsin girl, she loves to go up north, shoot her bow, and ride her boyfriend’s Harley. She also loves to work out, go for hikes with her chocolate lab Denali, and go to the farm to ride her horse Rex.
Sami currently holds a license in life insurance.
David Lange joined BetterLife’s Lakeshore Agency as an insurance agent because he feels that BetterLife can offer better service and more competitive products than some of the larger life insurers. Additionally, as a professional with over 25 years of experience in the sales industry, he’s only comfortable selling products and services that he believes in. That said, he feels that life insurance and annuities can be critical to people in their most difficult times. David holds his life insurance and annuity licenses in Arizona, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
David grew up in Grand Island, NY, and attended the University at Buffalo in NY. However, his home for over fifteen years has been Thiensville, WI. He's married with two children and two dogs; he was even a foster parent for seven years! David enjoys ballroom dancing with his wife, playing golf, and spending time with friends. He also loves to sing and is involved in the music program at Eastbrook Church.
Yet another reason David is thrilled to be a part of the BetterLife family is that he’s passionate about giving back to his community. He’s a Trustee in the Village of Thiensville, WI; he feels that as an elected official, he has a variety of opportunities to contribute to the well-being of his neighbors and community.
Amanda Oldenburg joined BetterLife’s Lakeshore Agency as an insurance agent because she is motivated and focused on helping others. Amanda brings with her solid experience in customer service. She feels passionate about the products BetterLife offers because she knows it’s something that will help families live a happier life by knowing they are prepared for the unexpected.
Amanda grew up and resides in Prairie du Chien, WI. She attended University of Wisconsin-Platteville Richland and Upper Iowa University. She strives to make a difference by getting involved any way she can and helping out the BetterLife local community groups at events.
Amanda’s two daughters and four dogs are her “why” for getting up and doing her best to help others every day. Currently they’re living in a beautiful converted Chapel they call home. In her free time Amanda enjoys spending time with family, being on the river, taking walks, painting, bowling, watching Netflix, and learning.
Amanda values compassion, honesty, kindness, and integrity. She says her parents inspire her the most because even though they have been through a lot of health issues, they pulled through and remain strong to this day. These tough times of uncertainty with her parents’ health made her realize the importance of life insurance and preparing for the unexpected.
Pablo Ruiz Vargas joined BetterLife’s Lakeshore Agency as an insurance agent because he enjoys helping people and working to earn their trust. Pablo’s past experience includes helping people secure their assets and improve their lives. He is excited to maximize the benefits of BetterLife’s products to support others as they plan for unexpected situations.
Pablo grew up in Las Marias, Puerto Rico. His family of three moved from New York City to Milwaukee, WI where they currently reside. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and holds a master’s degree in music.
In his free time Pablo likes to play piano, work out at the gym, read, and take courses in marketing. He values integrity, truth, and respect. Pablo also likes to arm wrestle and traveling to Greenland is a top destination on his bucket list.
Ryan Raeder joined BetterLife’s Lakeshore Agency as an insurance agent because he wants to educate people on the importance of protecting themselves and their families with life insurance if they lose a loved one.
Ryan has several years of experience studying human relations and behavior. Today, he uses this knowledge to help others develop protection plans, so they are ready for any unexpected events in life. Ryan adds, “It is gratifying to know that I have helped another family protect what is most important to them.”
Ryan resides in the Plymouth, WI, area with his family. Spending time with his wife and kids is what matters most to him. He believes they are what drives him to be a better person. When he isn't spending quality time with his family or helping others find the best life insurance plan, you can find Ryan volunteering with the American Legion or working on projects at home.
