About Us

Unlike other independent insurance groups who offer carrier access but require entrance fees, time commitments as well as exit fees, we are different. At Canyon Lands Insurance (CLI), we believe that long-term agent relationships should be built agency owners without restrictions on them to manage their business!

We are a network of independent insurance agent owners which own 100% of their agency business but work together to help each other and bring choices to their clients. The success of our group is measured by individual successes of each agency owner!

CLI Select Agencies Vs. The Rest

At the end of the day, what separates CLI from the rest is our transparency in how we communicate and are given valuable feedback by agent owners who put their trust in us. Our team has tremendous agency experience and works hard to help you grow your business! Meet your CLI Team below:

Dawnyel

CLI Founder, Dawnyel Smink, launched AZ Insurance Agents in 2003. Her drive and love of the industry propelled her to acquire CLI in 2008 and grow it to 40 franchise locations strong in 11 years. From her original career path of elementary school teacher, Dawnyel soon chose to help even more people by becoming licensed in property, casualty, life and health. Her passion for education has continued as she now helps clients understand the impact the right insurance choices can make in life. A Mom to three, Dawnyel enjoys traveling, playing golf with her husband, Jason, and giving back. As part of Make-A-Wish Arizona’s Charitable Planned Giving Council, she helps others to know the sheer joy of helping brighten others’ lives when a crisis such as a deadly disease rocks a family. When CLI welcomes a new client, a donation is made to Make-A-Wish Arizona in their honor.

Heather

Heather launched into insurance first as a location owner in 2006. It was not long before Dawnyel and CLI tapped the brilliant combination of her insurance experience along with her leadership and operation abilities in 2016 to serve as COO. CLI Select Agencies—a group 40 agencies strong—continues its lightening speed growth under her lead. Heather’s love of people is only equaled by her love of animals. She counts her moments with her college student son, Maxwell, her favorite but her time with her dogs is also sacred. She is a history buff and can lose herself in novels set throughout the centuries. Her dream is to one day retire a few steps from the water in a tree house where her days are spent snorkeling the barrier reef under the hazy Caribbean sun.

Woody

President of Agent Associations at Canyon Lands Insurance. Experienced Insurance and Business Development Professional helping agents realize agency ownership by providing carrier access, training & technology resources to grow their business more efficiently.

Over 27 years experience in commercial & personal lines property & casualty insurance industry. Skilled in recruiting, training and providing successful strategies for agency growth. Specialty is sales growth & profitability with emphasis on managing the relationships between agency carrier partners and the individual independent agencies affiliated with our company. Strong background experience in successful evaluation and selection of agent associates to partner with, marketing, agent licensing, and training functions.

Get In Touch.

If you’d like to about our CLI Select Agencies Program, we’d be happy to help you any way we can. Simply complete the fields below to get started online in a matter of seconds.

We appreciate the opportunity to assist you with your agency needs! Feel free to call us directly if you have more detailed questions.

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