OUR PEOPLE
We have choices, so you have choices. As an Independent Insurance Agent we represent competing insurance companies. Our licensed agents and staff work hard to make sure you have the right protection at an affordable price. We always review your policies at renewal time making sure that you are always getting the right protection at the right price.
Stephen P. Durham
President, Lawton Insurance Group
Originally from Madisonville, KY, Stephen Durham is a graduate of Murray State University and began building the Cole & Durham Insurance family nearly three decades ago. With more than 30 years of insurance experience, Stephen is a Certified Insurance Counselor, a member of the Motorists Mutual President’s Advisory Council, and he is dedicated to building lasting relationships with every one of his valued clients. In his free time, Stephen enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Starr, their two children, Miles and McKinsey, and 3 grandchildren.
Bryan Buchanan
A graduate of Western Kentucky University, Bryan Buchanan joined the Lawton Insurance family in 2008. A Certified Benefits and Wellness Advisor, Bryan specializes in commercial and personal lines, as well as employee benefits. Building relationships and providing outstanding service to clients are what matters most to Bryan. In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Natalie, their son, Asa, and daughters, Abby Jo, and Ally.
JD Lester, CIC
Originally from Madisonville, KY, JD is a 2014 graduate of Transylvania University with a degree in Economics. JD joined the agency 2015 and earned his CIC designation. He specializes in both personal and commercial lines as well as life insurance. In his spare time, JD likes to travel with his wife Katelyn and daughter Madelyn, find any reason to spend time outside, golf, and hike.
Buddy Cardwell
Buddy was born and raised in Hopkins County. He graduated from WKU in 1991 with a degree in Agriculture Economics. Buddy has 30 years experience the insurance industry and specializes in commercial and farm insurance. After owning and operating his own agency, Buddy joined Cole & Durham in 2014. In his spare time, Buddy likes spending time with his friends and family, boating on Lake Barkley, and enjoys time in the woods during hunting season.
Lori Parks Byers
Lori Parks Byers is a Madisonville, KY native. She is a graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College with a degree in Communication Arts/Public Relations. Lori began her career in the insurance industry in 2003 and joined our team in 2006. After 17 years as a Producer, Lori moved into the Agency Administrator role in 2023. She serves on the KWC Alumni Board of Directors, and in her spare time, Lori enjoys spending time with her husband, Ben, and two children, Jon-Hunter and Sophia.
Chelsea Edwards
Chelsea Edwards joined the Lawton Insurance team in 2014. Cole & Durham welcomed Chelsea to our office in 2021 as a Personal Lines Account Manager. Chelsea’s outgoing personality is seen daily in how she goes above and beyond to provide the best service possible to her customers. She loves reading, going to church, the gym, pizza, family, and friends.
Courtney Nelson
Courtney Nelson joined the Cole & Durham team in 2017, specializing in personal and commercial lines. Courtney has dedicated the last seven years to providing exceptional service while building relationships with her customers.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three dogs, Broadway plays, playing Bass Guitar, GORUCK events, Halloween, and anything nerdy!
Darla Nannie
Darla Nannie joined Cole & Durham as a Personal Lines Account Manager in 2015. She earned a degree in Information Technology, and has a background in Logistics and Office Management. As an Account Manager, Darla enjoys creating personal connections with her customers. She is organized and detail oriented, and appreciates a well managed Excel Work Book with her morning coffee. In her spare time, Darla loves being home with her family, cooking, herb gardening, painting, and creating anything scary or “witchy”.
Karla Martz
A Madisonville, KY. Native with over 27 years of insurance experience, Karla joined Cole & Durham in 2017 as a Commercial Lines Account Manager.
Karla loves spending time with her family. In her spare time, she loves to go camping, watching her grandkids play sports, spending time outdoors, working in the yard, working puzzles and adding to her Coca-Cola collection.
Mary Kirkwood
Mary Kirkwood began her insurance career in May of 1972. She joined the Cole & Durham Insurance team in 2004 specializing in personal lines insurance. Mary retired in 2017 to enjoy family (her husband Wayne, two children, and five wonderful granddaughters), relaxing and camping. Cole & Durham was delighted when Mary joined our office part-time in 2021. Mary’s decades of exceptional customer service is seen daily, as customers welcome her back to the Cole & Durham family.
Lyle Crouch
Originally from Madisonville, Lyle is a graduate of WKU with a degree in Business Management. Lyle holds 20 plus years of sales experience with the last 5 years specializing in commercial insurance. In his spare time, Lyle enjoys spending time with his wife Beth and their three children, Carrie Beth, Ben, and Stella. He also enjoys golf, hunting, and boating.
Kelly Madison
Kelly Madison joined the Lawton/Cole & Durham team in 2022 specializing in commercial lines. She started her career in insurance in 2018 and has over 15 years of experience in business management and/or ownership. Kelly and her husband have two daughters who keep them busy with gymnastics, cheer and dance. She likes to do anything outdoors, hang out on the farm or the lake with family, read books, work puzzles, garden or thrift store shop in her spare time.
