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.

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Dedicated to helping individuals and families

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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)

Commercial business and small business insurance

Financial Services

For those looking to plan ahead to retirement or otherwise, The Resource Center also offers comprehensive wealth management and a holistic approach guiding into Retirement and beyond including IRAs, 401(k) rollovers, wills, trusts 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.

  • Develop a relationship

    We start by listening. Tell us about your family, your current situation, your priorities, your concerns and your dreams.

  • Build holistic understanding

    Based on our thorough initial assessment, we will help you establish guiding objectives to put you on the path to financial confidence.

  • Create a comprehensive plan

    One size does not fit all. You will get customized insurance and financial products specifically tailored to your goals.

We work with

Charitable Sponsorships

The Gathering Tree

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

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 financial 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

Bruce Porter

President & Adviser
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Bruce founded The Resource Center in 2001, based on developing personal relationships with each client in order to understand their goals, priorities, and dreams. He is an author and weekly guest commentator on KOLR 10’s Ozarks Live and a board member for The Springfield Workshop Foundation. In his spare time, Bruce enjoys vacationing, family, and spending time with his dog, Jill. 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

bporter@resourcecenterinc.com

417-882-1800

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professional photo of the resource center employee named Michelle Tyler

Michelle Tyler

VP of Operations
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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

professional photo of the resource center employee named Matt Gardner

Matt Gardner

Property & Casualty Manager
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Originally from Branson, Matt served 5 years as a Navy Cryptologist. He received his B.S. in PE from Missouri State. Matt believes Insurance can be very confusing and it is important to him that he help his customers understand it so that they can make an informed decision. He lives by his favorite quote, “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” In his spare time, Matt enjoys his wife and 2 kids, playing guitar, and hunting.

Licenses

Life, Accident & Health, Property & Casualty Licensed

Education

B.A. Degree, Missouri State University

mgardner@resourcecenterinc.com

417-844-0341

professional photo of the resource center employee named Bill Helfrecht

Bill Helfrecht

Property & Casualty Agent
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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

billhelfrecht@gmail.com

417-848-8667

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professional photo of the resource center employee named David Helfrecht

David Helfrecht

Property & Casualty Agent
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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

david@resourcecenterinc.com

417-496-4795

professional photo of the resource center employee named Wendy

Wendy Featherston

Director of Business Development
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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

wendy@resourcecenterinc.com

417-880-9035

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professional photo of the resource center employee named Josh Grable

Josh Grable

Property & Casualty Agent
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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

josh@resourcecenterinc.com

417-230-1802

professional photo of the resource center employee named John Schaeffer

John Schaeffer

Property & Casualty Agent
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John is from Branson and brings a background of retail management experience. He helps clients find the coverage they need while also providing them the most cost effective option. He is the driver for his ’99 Camero race car, ‘The Silver Juice’, that he built with his brother, Josh Grable. He is a jack-of-all- trades, with many hobbies including bodybuilding, boating and hunting. John’s favorite food is hibachi style and he can’t wait for his next fix.

Licenses

Property & Casualty, Life Licensed

john@resourcecenterinc.com

417-766-4689

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professional photo of the resource center employee named Skip Wilson

Skip Wilson

Health Services Agent
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Skip helps clients understand all of their Senior Health Options enabling them to make an informed choice. He enjoys helping others so much, that he refuses to retire. Skip enjoys time with family and watching his grand kids grow. Skip hardly watches a current TV show but enjoys watching reruns from years ago particularly Andy Griffith.

Licenses

Life, Accident & Health, Property & Casualty Licensed

skipncarol@sbcglobal.net

417-882-1800

professional photo of the resource center employee named Connie Dunn

Connie Dunn

Customer Service Representative
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Connie believes in listening to the customer, earning their trust, and servicing their needs in a professional and timely manner. She loves all things nature, especially watching a beautiful sunrise, and crime TV shows such as Dateline, 20/20, The First 48 and Southern Fried. She also tunes in to see Johnny Carson every night at 9:00.

Licenses

Property & Casualty Licensed

connie@resourcecenterinc.com

professional photo of the resource center employee named Marc Helfrecht

Marc Helfrecht

Property & Casualty Agent
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Marc provides top-notch service ensuring you a positive experience.  He loves everything outdoors, Thai food, sports, music, and just having a good laugh! Marc’s favorite quote is “I’m just one stomach flu away from my goal weight” from the movie The Devil Wears Prada. 

Licenses

Property & Casualty, Life Licensed

Marc@resourcecenterinc.com

417-861-8266

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Roy Rickstrew

Health Services Agent
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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

roy@resourcecenterinc.com

417-882-1800

professional photo of the resource center employee named Matt Ourth

Matt Ourth

Director of Customer Service
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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

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Bill Wagner

Property & Casualty Agent, Ambassador
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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

wmjwagner2254@yahoo.com

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Sierra Welch

Assistant Marketing Director
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Sierra has a Bachelor of Science in Creative Writing. She enjoys the Ozarks community and loves meeting new people. Sierra’s favorite activities are kayaking, reading, writing, and game nights with her family.

Education

Missouri State University

sierra@resourcecenterinc.com

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