Executives
Michael E. Caradimitropoulo - CEO
Michael Evan Caradimitropoulo has worked in the insurance industry for over 20 years. Michael began his insurance career in 1985, after graduating from Susquehanna University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in marketing. He developed a large book of middle market business as the leading salesman and partner, organizing the agency’s sales strategies and service standards. In 1997, his agency was acquired by Summit Global Partners, a national broker based in Dallas, TX. Michael was appointed Executive Vice President, responsible for the New Jersey branch. Mike was pivotal in developing and implementing national strategies enabling Summit Global Partners grow from $15,000,000 in revenue to over $50,000,000 in less than three years.
In December 1999, Michael founded Pinnacle Insurance Solutions after assembling a management team and closing with SGP on the purchase of a large book of New Jersey and New York clients. Since then, Pinnacle has grown into a leading mid-sized regional broker handling a diverse range of large and middle market commercial and professional accounts. Today, Pinnacle is recognized by insurance companies and insureds as a “best practices” agency. Pinnacle has experienced a steady growth in revenue of 40% for each year. At the same time, the firm has maintained a 30% loss ratio with the insurers it represents. Michael attributes this success to the loyalty and professionalism that Pinnacle’s staff extends to its clients as well as insurance company team members.
In 2000, while servicing a client, Michael recognized the lack of cost effective health and wellness alternatives available for the significant number of our country’s growing uninsured population. During a year of market research, product development and significant capital investment, Pinnacle Choice was launched to provide affordable health and wellness options to this growing population. Today, Pinnacle Choice is recognized as one of the premier discount medical plan organizations in a growing and evolving industry. Michael continues to commit resources to constantly improve's Pinnacle's products and services. Pinnacle Choice and Michael have been featured in national magazines such as Forbes and Self.
Michael serves on the Board of Directors for Enterprise Bank, headquartered in Kenilworth, NJ. He is founder and major fundraiser for the John Veliky Foundation, created to aid the children of a former colleague after his untimely death. Michael’s passions include sports and fitness, hunting and coaching.
Karen Adamsbaum
Karen also has over 12 years experience in the Computer Information Systems industry, with 7 of those years spent consulting for Fortune 500 companies. As one of the original team members of Pinnacle Choice, Karen has developed and maintained all software implementation, database structure, web-hosting as well as in-house PC and software maintenance and training.
Karen began her career in 1989 at AT&T as a software developer. After only 2 years she was promoted to Project Leader responsible for software project development and integration. Karen then joined United Parcel Service as a Project Leader where she was responsible for the software development of the EDI (Electronic Data Interface) International Shipment System.
Karen graduated with her Associate of Business Administration Degree from County College of Morris, and with her IS degree from the Chubb Institute.
Louis La Medica
Lou began his career in 1991 with Knights of Columbus Insurance (a fraternal benefits society) offering Life Insurance and Fixed Annuities as well as Long Term Care Insurance. He held several positions including Field Agent, General Agent and in 1998 was named Vice President of the Eastern Division where he managed 45 Agencies from Maine to Florida.
He furthered his insurance career in 2002 as a Sales Manager for Bellmare Financial Group (an office of Nationwide/Provident Insurance). It was at this time that Lou obtained his Series 7 and Series 66 licenses to offer Variable Products and Investments and managed a staff of Agents. He then sought out an opportunity as an Agency Sales Director with the Wealth Planning Group (an office of MetLife) in 2004 where he began to build a book of Group Health Business as well as recruiting and managing a sales force. Lou’s Commercial experience continued in 2007 when he joined the West Essex Agency (an office of Prudential) as a Manager, Financial Services. Lou is also licensed for Property & Casualty as well as Series 26.
He has a BS from Rutgers and LUTCF designation from the American College.
