About Ironwood Insurance

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Our Mission & Values

At Ironwood Insurance, our mission is simple: help Texas contractors, business owners, and investors make confident decisions about their insurance. Based in Waco, we’re built on the belief that good coverage starts with clear conversations. We don’t push policies—we help you understand them. From navigating builder’s risk to reviewing coverage language in your contracts, we’re here to support your business the way we’d support our own. Integrity, accessibility, and transparency are more than buzzwords—they’re how we work, every day.

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A man and a woman are walking in front of a building under construction.
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Our Story

Ironwood Insurance was founded with one goal in mind: to give small businesses and contractors in Central Texas the kind of insurance support typically reserved for larger firms. After years working inside big agencies and running businesses of our own, we saw a need for an agency that combines deep industry knowledge with a straightforward, real-world approach. We're proud to be family-operated and locally rooted in Waco—serving clients from the Brazos River corridor to the Hill Country.

Meet the Team Behind
Ironwood Insurance

At Ironwood Insurance, we’re more than policy writers—we’re business owners, problem-solvers, and real people who’ve worked in the same industries we now serve. From jobsite risks to lease negotiations, we know what’s at stake because we’ve been in your shoes.

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Jonathan Schaefer

Principal Agent & Founder

With a background that spans legal practice, dental group management, and hands-on construction, Jonathan brings a rare mix of business insight and boots-on-the-ground experience. He’s managed multi-location operations, flipped homes, and walked through coverage audits with everyone from general contractors to investors. Clients trust him for his practical advice, fast follow-through, and ability to explain coverage in plain English.

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Nani Schaefer

Operations & Client Support

After years of raising and homeschooling her two boys, Nani has mastered organization and multitasking. Before joining Ironwood Insurance, she worked as an administrative assistant across multiple industries, gaining valuable experience in customer service and office management. Married to Jonathan for over a decade, she’s proud to now call Texas home and is excited to bring her skills to the agency—ensuring clients receive fast, friendly, and reliable support every time.

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Suanne Barrett

Account Manager

Suanne has been in Waco since late 70s when she attended Baylor, raising her daughter Mandy here. She brings 18 years of Insurance experience with her & has worked with in the Customer Service industry for 50 years. Suanne is passionate about her family and faith actively participating in church activities. She is blessed to have 3 granddaughters that share her zest for life as much as she does. Suanne's Quarter Horses lead the list for a full life and laughter as well as tranquility. Other outdoor hobbies include plants, birds, most animals. Suanne's other hobbies are music, reading, baking and sewing.

Our Extended Team

We also work closely with a network of carrier reps, underwriters, and general agency partners to ensure you’re getting the best options available—without getting lost in the system. Whether your policy is placed through a national carrier or a specialty provider, we handle the back-and-forth so you don’t have to.

Carrier Partnerships That Expand Your Options

As a truly independent Waco insurance agency, we’re not tied to one carrier. That means we can quote from multiple top-rated companies to find the right policy for your project or property. We partner with carriers through Smart Choice and other general agency relationships, giving us broad access to markets across Texas and beyond.

And many additional markets!

Whether you need general liability, workers’ compensation, or builder’s risk coverage, our relationships mean better options — and often, better pricing.

Rooted in Community, Focused on You

We’re proud to serve the hardworking business owners who drive Central Texas forward. From supporting residential investors in Lampasas to helping general contractors in Marble Falls manage risk, we see each client relationship as a partnership.

We also prioritize building long-term trust. That includes clear communication, on-time policy renewals, and helping you navigate claims when things go wrong.


Our focus is on helping contractors and businesses in areas where larger agencies tend to overlook the needs of smaller operations. If you're looking for a commercial insurance partner who understands your goals and works at your pace, you're in the right place.

Ready to Protect
Your Business?

Whether you're comparing builder’s risk quotes or trying to understand contract insurance requirements, we're here to help. Reach out today to talk through your coverage options.