About Us
Local, Family-Owned Insurance Serving Oregon & Washington
The Cator Agency is a family-owned insurance agency proudly serving Oregon and Washington since 2014. We started in Clackamas and have grown to include a second office in Portland’s Sellwood neighborhood, helping individuals and families across the Portland metro area and the Pacific Northwest protect what matters most.
​
From day one, our goal has been simple: treat our clients the way we’d want to be treated and make sure they’re truly better off for working with us. We focus on long-term relationships, honest guidance, and dependable service—because insurance isn’t just about policies, it’s about peace of mind.
​
As a local Oregon insurance agency, our clients know exactly who they’re working with. We provide clear, straightforward communication and consistent support from a team that genuinely cares. We’re not a call center or an 800-number—we’re real people right here in your community, dedicated to protecting the things that matter most to you.
​​​​​
​
Why Our Local Approach Matters
Insurance can feel complicated, and most people don’t have time to dig through fine print. That’s where we step in. Our experienced team can explain your options, limits, and coverage, so you can make decisions with confidence.
​
We don’t just sell policies. We help you navigate claims, adjust coverage as life changes, and handle tricky situations. When challenges arise, we’re here to guide you, communicate clearly, and advocate for you every step of the way.
​
We offer a wide range of coverage, including auto, home, renters, life, and specialty insurance, tailored to the diverse lifestyles and needs of families across Oregon and Washington. No two clients are alike, and we make sure your insurance fits your life—not the other way around.
​
You can stop by our offices or reach us however it’s easiest for you—phone, text, email, online chat, mobile app, or secure web access. We combine modern convenience with local, dependable support you can count on.
Meet The Team
Heather Cator
Agency Owner
I moved from Yuma, AZ to Portland, OR in 2000 and have loved it ever since! The natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest captured my heart. I started The Cator Agency to help people protect what matters: their family, home, car, and more. My goal is to build trust and make The Cator Agency a top choice for insurance.
Colin Nutting
Agency Sales Manager
Colin, the most senior member of The Cator Agency Team, has over 20 years of sales and customer service experience. As the sales manager in our Clackamas office, he guides our team and ensures exceptional client service, making him a valuable asset our agency.
Tara Schwalge
Agency Service Manager
Tara became a part of The Cator Agency at the end of 2023. She believes her greatest strength is her positive attitude. Tara enjoys discovering the world through travel, seeking out hot springs, chasing waterfalls, and visiting the coast.
Autumn Trout
Licensed Customer Service Representative
Autumn, a Portland native, loves hiking with her dogs, exploring local eateries, and crafting. Together with her husband and daughter, she embraces the Pacific Northwest outdoors, rain or shine. With over 10 years in service and a Property and Casualty License, she is committed to providing excellent service and ensuring your family and belongings are well-protected.
Kevin Wright
Administrative Assistant
Remote work has enabled Kevin to live her dream on the Oregon Coast, recently moving Cannon Beach. She loves beach walks and storm watching, cherishing time with her four grandchildren. A valued team member since 2014, Kevin excels at understanding customer needs and delivering exceptional service, always going the extra mile for satisfaction.
Ryan Salsbery
Licensed Customer Service Representative
Ryan joined The Cator Agency in April 2025, bringing three years of insurance experience and five years in customer service. He is enthusiastic about helping customers understand their insurance and discussing what options are right for them. As a born and raised Pacific Northwesterner, Ryan loves to hike and enjoy the outdoors in his free time. You can often find Ryan at the park with his golden retriever mix, Xena.
Tyler Lenz
Senior Licensed Agent
As a lifelong Oregonian, Tyler embraces the Pacific lifestyle. After graduating from Milwaukie High School, he chose to stay close to family and enjoy Oregon's beautiful seasons. In his free time, he loves exploring local restaurants, driving on sunny days, cheering OSU football, and visiting the coast. Joining the team in early 2024, Tyler is committed to exceptional customer service for all clients. He takes pride building strong relationships and ensuring customers feel protected and informed.
Rodney Akins
Licensed Agent
Rodney relocated to the Pacific Northwest from Oahu in 2015 and became a part of The Cator Agency in mid-2024. With two decades of experience in sales and client services, he takes pride in delivering a pleasant and professional experience to all his clients, both past and present. Rodney is committed to crafting personalized insurance policies for many years ahead.
David Milhouse
Licensed Agent
Originally from Selma, Alabama, David moved to Portland in 1994. He joined The Cator Agency in late 2024. With over 20 years of experience in sales and client services, he is passionate about helping our customers find the right solutions in a professional and thoughtful way. Outside of work, David is a proud father of twin boys, a dedicated college football fan (Roll Tide!), and a drummer with a love of jazz music. When he's not behind the drum kit or cheering on his team, you'll often find him enjoying the outdoors and fishing across the Pacific Northwest.
_edited_edited.jpg)
Ramsey Allred
Licensed Agent
Ramsey moved to Oregon in 2015, spending five years in Southern Oregon before settling in Portland in 2020. He brings over three years of insurance experience, a decade of business ownership, and a lifetime of customer service to every client interaction. Ramsey spends his free time exploring Oregon's trails and towns with friends and his dog Belle.
Chariah White
Licensed Agent
Chariah joined The Cator Agency in September 2025 and has been building her expertise in the insurance industry since early 2020. Known for her warm personality and dedication to doing what’s best for her customers, she focuses on helping clients save money while securing the coverage that truly fits their needs. Providing a positive, supportive experience is at the heart of everything she does. Beyond her professional life, Chariah loves to cook and sing. Both food and music play an important role in her daily life, offering her a creative outlet and a source of joy that she enjoys sharing with the people around her. Chariah looks forward to continuing to serve her community with care, integrity, and a genuine passion for helping others protect what matters most.
Max Schmidt
Licensed Customer Service Representative
Max joined The Cator Agency in 2023 after graduating from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science. As a lifelong Oregonian, he understands the realities about life in the Pacific Northwest and uses his insight to effectively advocate for customers as they navigate the home inspection process. Outside of work, Max loves spending time on the coast and heads there whenever he can, alongside his dog Dutch!
Cooper Gast
Life & Financial Services Coordinator
Cooper joined The Cator Agency in October 2025 after graduating from the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Business Administration and a concentration in entrepreneurship. He values clear communication, attention to detail, and building a strong community. Cooper has spent his whole life in Oregon and doesn't plan on changing that anytime soon. When he's not working, you can find Cooper enjoying the coast, hiking local trails, or heading out on a run.
Angie Atkerson
Onboarding Specialist
Angie joined the team in September 2024, bringing with her 26 years of experience in the banking industry, where she built a strong background as a teller, personal banker, and customer service specialist. Angie is passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and always strives to ensure every client has a positive and seamless experience. As a lifelong Oregon resident, she enjoys camping, beach trips, thrift shopping, and spending time with family and friends.
Robert
Cleanup & Security
Robert is a five-year old Great Dane. He weighs 150 lbs but fully believes he's a lap dog.