About
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We’re an independent agency working for you.
It all began in 2001 with a yellow legal pad, when Bruce Porter wrote down his vision for a different kind of insurance agency and financial services company in southwest Missouri. After spending his early career with one of the world’s biggest insurance firms, Bruce saw that it was time for a business plan that prioritized personalized customer service.
Dedicated to helping individuals and families
The growing team of financial professionals at The Resource Center is dedicated to helping individuals and families choose affordable insurance policies that suit their lifestyles. If you are in need of any of the following insurance services, let The Resource Center help you search!
Homeowners & property insurance (including renters, landlord, condo and general umbrella insurance policies)
Auto insurance (including car, motorcycle, boat, RV and powersport vehicle insurance)
Life insurance coverage (including term and whole-life insurance)
Health insurance (including long-term care options and guidance in applying for Medicaid or Medicare)
Financial Services
For those looking to plan ahead to retirement or otherwise, The Resource Center Wealth also offers comprehensive wealth management and a holistic approach guiding into Retirement and beyond including IRAs, 401(k) rollovers, and more.
How we think
Our Philosophy
At The Resource Center, it’s all about you. Our purpose is to provide the tools you need to enhance your financial well-being and help preserve your future. That’s why our number one focus is taking care of your needs by designing insurance and financial plans to help secure your current objectives and work towards accomplishing your long-term goals.
Our guiding principles
Be kind.
Speak honestly.
Make it simple.
Act fairly.
Put people over profit.
How we work
Our Approach
Guided by our client-first philosophy and by being a local, independent agency, The Resource Center has the independence to find a variety of plans and policies from a wide range of partners that best fit your goals — instead of finding the best clients to fit a singular company’s needs.
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Develop a relationship
We start by listening. Tell us about your family, your current situation, your priorities, your concerns and your dreams.
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Build holistic understanding
Based on our thorough initial assessment, we will help you establish guiding objectives to put you on the path to insurance confidence.
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Create a comprehensive plan
One size does not fit all. You will get customized insurance products specifically tailored to your goals.
We work with
Charitable Sponsorships
The Gathering Tree at Eden Village
A non-profit organization in Springfield whose mission is to provide a safe place for anyone in need of fellowship, peace, or a place to rest. Their goal is to create temporary or permanent shelter for those who need it most.
CASA of SWMO
Our Mission is to recruit, train and support community volunteers who assist the court in protecting the best interests of abused and neglected children in Southwest Missouri.
Adopt-a-Street-Kingsley
Caring for our environment is an ever increasing concern. Litter detracts from the scenic beauty of our city. We have vowed to pickup the litter, improving our street for our neighbors, clients and community.
SWI Industrial Solutions
Springfield Workshop Foundation is the fundraising arm for SWI Industrial Solutions. SWI operates a manufacturing and light assembly facility for Springfield and Greene County residents. SWI’s purpose is to provide meaningful employment for people with disabilities.
Who we are
Our Team
Get the local, personalized service you deserve — from professionals who are motivated by a genuine interest in your needs. Each member of our team possesses the depth of insurance and financial professionalism required to work towards your goals. We look forward to going the extra mile providing the strategies to work towards your objectives and helping to secure your family’s future.
Bruce Porter
Financial Professional
Bruce founded The Resource Center in 2001, based on developing personal relationships with each client in order to understand their goals, priorities, and dreams. is an author and weekly guest commentator on KOLR 10’s Unscripted and the board treasurer for The Springfield Workshop Foundation. In 2024, Bruce was honored as a recipient of the Noble Achievement Award by American Equity for his exemplary service in the financial services industry. In his spare time, Bruce enjoys vacationing and spending quality time with his wife, kids and grandkids. His favorite movie quotes are ” Go ahead punk, make my day” and “We’re gonna need a bigger boat”.
Licenses
Life, Accident & Health, Property & Casualty Licensed
Investment Adviser Representative
Series 65 licensed
<a href=”mailto:bporter@resourcecenterinc.com”>
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417-882-1800
Michelle Tyler
VP of Operations
Michelle oversees company operations as well as assist clients through account servicing and support. She recognizes the significant influence an advisor can bear upon a client’s financial life and the importance of a qualified, purposeful approach to the job. Michelle is a St. Louis native, serves as board member for ΞΟI at Missouri State and stays busy with her husband and 2 kids. If Michelle was only allowed to eat one food for the rest of time, she would choose her Mom’s famous lasagna with extra Ricotta cheese.
Education
B.S. in Business, Missouri State University
michelle@resourcecenterinc.com
417-496-9046
Matt Gardner
Property & Casualty Manager
Matt has been in the insurance industry since 2003 and is dedicated to educating clients, believing in treating others as you’d like to be treated. Originally from Branson, Missouri, Matt served in the Navy as a cryptologist and enjoys helping fellow veterans. He earned his education degree from Missouri State and has been with The Resource Center since college. Outside the office, Matt loves playing guitar, exercising, hunting, and spending time with his wife Sarah and daughters Paige and Allison.
Licenses
Life, Accident & Health, Property & Casualty Licensed
Education
B.A. Degree, Missouri State University
mgardner@resourcecenterinc.com
417-844-0341
Bill Helfrecht
Property & Casualty Agent
Bill’s passion is getting to know customers and listening to their concerns. He started as an Insurance Agent after graduating from Missouri State where he played baseball and football. He has been married to Marti since 1970, they enjoy traveling and spending time with 8 dear grandchildren. Bill’s favorite TV show is The Office.
Licenses
Life, Accident & Health, Property & Casualty Licensed
Education
B.S. in Marketing, Missouri State University
417-848-8667
David Helfrecht
Property & Casualty Agent
Growing up in Springfield with an insurance agent for a father, David knows our local community well. He graduated from Missouri State University with a B.S. in Marketing. Since starting his insurance career, he has worked diligently to find the best rate and the most appropriate coverages for each individual customer. He spends most of his free time at the Crossfit gym, watching sports, and with his wife and 3 kids. David’s favorite food is a double cheeseburger, he just couldn’t live without them!
Licenses
Life, Accident & Health, Property & Casualty Licensed
Education
B.S. in Marketing, Missouri State University
417-496-4795
Wendy Featherston
Director of Business Development
Wendy brings 15 years of experience in Higher Education Management along with a Masters in Criminal Justice from Florida University. She is incisive and compassionate about helping people. Her strength and expertise lies in providing customers with goal-directed and solution-oriented services; exceeding client expectations. Wendy’s favorite TV show is The Office and would watch it over and over.
Licenses
Life, Accident & Health Licensed
Education
Masters of Criminal Justice, Summa Cum Laude, Florida University
417-880-9035
Josh Grable
Property & Casualty Agent
Josh grew up in the Branson area with brother and fellow agent John Schaeffer. Together they have built a race car called ‘The Silver Juice’ and they enjoy traveling the area to race. He loves trying new restaurants and is always
up for the next adventure. He has a lovely wife and two beautiful kids. Josh works in all lines of insurance but especially enjoys our boat insurance clients.
Licenses
Property & Casualty Licensed
417-230-1802
John Schaeffer
Property & Casualty Agent
John’s background in retail management drives his client-first focus in insurance, helping individuals and families find cost-effective coverage tailored to their needs. Known for clarity and service, he aims to provide peace of mind through reliable advice and lasting relationships.
Outside the office, John enjoys family time at Table Rock Lake and hunting with friends—reflecting the same dedication to reliability, preparedness, and genuine relationships that define “Safer with Schaeffer.”
Licenses
Property & Casualty, Life Licensed
417-766-4689
Matt Ourth
Director of Customer Service
Matt has a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife from University of Missouri and an extensive background in banking. His attention to detail and exceptional interpersonal skills enable him to efficiently assist you with all your insurance needs. Matt is father to Brayden and Presley and enjoys sharing his love of fishing, hunting and hiking with them. Matt’s favorite food is Mexican food.
Licenses
Property & Casualty Licensed
Education
B.S. Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Missouri
matt.ourth@resourcecenterinc.com
417-569-8094
Connie Dunn
Customer Service Representative
Connie is dedicated to truly listening to customers, building trust, and providing prompt, professional service. She finds joy in nature—especially catching a beautiful sunrise—and enjoys unwinding with her favorite crime TV shows like Dateline, 20/20, The First 48, or Southern Fried. During chilly weather, Connie loves baking, filling her kitchen—and her home—with warmth.
Licenses
Property & Casualty Licensed
Peter Worsham
Insurance Agent Assistant
Peter graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Truman State University in 2020. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and writing about fantasy settings, going to the movies, and playing games with his friends and family. His favorite type of food is Asian, including sushi, rice dishes, and Springfield-style cashew chicken.
Licenses
Property & Casualty Licensed
Education
B.S., Truman State University
417-882-1800
Roy Rickstrew
Health Services Agent
Roy assists clients navigate the turning 65 + Health Insurance markets. In his free time, he enjoys vintage cars, kayaking, fishing, cooking, and learning new hobbies.
Licenses
Life, Accident & Health, Property & Casualty Licensed
417-882-1800
Derrick Duncan
Customer Service Representative
As a Springfield native, Derrick earned his B.S from Missouri State University in Parks and Rec Administration. Passionate about living life to the fullest, he enjoys camping, hunting, riding his UTV, and street luge. Life is short, and Derrick aims to make the most of every moment. Living with a disability, He is deeply committed to inclusion and supporting those facing challenges.
Licenses
Property & Casualty Licensed
Education
B.S. in Recreation, Sports, and Park Administration, Missouri State University
417-882-1800
Julie O’Malley
First Impressions Coordinator
A U.S. Army veteran, she served on Active Duty and in the Reserves as a Medical Records Specialist after graduating high school. Originally from the Kansas City area, she now calls Springfield home, where she enjoys being close to family.
In her free time, she can be found at the gym, designing jewelry with natural stones, or unwinding with ice cream and watching football or an episode of Law & Order.
Education
Business Administration Certification, Colorado Technical University
Bill Wagner
Property & Casualty Agent, Ambassador
Bill grew up and graduated from Republic High School then attended Evangel College and Missouri Southern State University. He then went on to teach and coach for 12 years at schools in SW Missouri. Bill has been in the property and casualty business for the last 36 years. The last 16 of those proudly representing the Resource Center as a Senior Agent. Bill and his wife Dianne have 7 children and 12 grandchildren. Bill now stays active as our Senior Ambassador standing ready to help our customers in anyway he can.
Licenses
Life, Accident & Health, Property & Casualty Licensed
Education
B.A., Missouri State University
Alexandra Smith
Customer Service Representative
In her customer service role, Alex aims to ensure every Resource Center client receives outstanding support. She has been in the Springfield area since 2011, moving with her family from a small town in Kansas. She’s involved with her local church, volunteering both in children’s & drama ministry. She is a creative soul, enjoying both reading and writing fiction. Fantasy is her genre of choice, but she is always ready for a good mystery or thriller.
Licenses
Property & Casualty Licensed
Education
B.S. in Recreation, Sports, and Park Administration, Missouri State University
417-882-1800
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