Meet the Team

The People Behind Hames & Co.

Gus Hames

Founder & Agency Principal

I began my career in insurance and financial services in 2003 and founded Hames & Co. in 2008, here on Washington Street in Clarkesville. From the start, I built the agency on two simple principles: honest, trustworthy advice and a high standard of service.

As an independent agency, we work for our clients, not for an insurance company. That lets us give straight answers about the coverage that fits and the coverage that doesn’t, and stand with you when it’s time to file a claim.

What I value most about this work is the relationships. Over the years, many of the families, farmers, and business owners we serve have become friends, and our team considers it a privilege to look after what matters most to them.

Avery Dodd

Agency Manager & Producer

I joined the insurance industry at the start of 2024 here at Hames & Co., after spending more than a decade in vocational ministry. It was a big career change for me, but the insurance world wasn’t entirely unfamiliar territory.

I’m grateful to Gus for the opportunity to work alongside him and the rest of the team at Hames & Co. For me, insurance has always been about so much more than a transaction. I love getting to serve, befriend, and connect with the people who come through our doors every day.

Jamie Lewallen

Licensed Agent

I recently transitioned into the insurance industry after 25 years with utility industries. I hold two associate degrees, in Business Management and Human Resources, and bring over 20 years of experience in sales, management, and customer retention. Throughout my career, I have developed a strong commitment to putting clients first and maintaining a high level of professionalism.

My goal is to help clients better understand their risks and exposures so they can make informed decisions about the coverage that best fits their needs. I am licensed in property and casualty insurance, and I would love the opportunity to help you.

Abigail Deleon

Office Administrator & Client Liaison

I joined Hames & Co. in May 2024. I graduated from Habersham Central High School in 2022 and earned my Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Brenau University in Gainesville in 2025.

I help keep everything at our office running smoothly. I manage our client data and records, keep our client management system up to date, and help clients file their claims and follow them through. For many of our clients, I'm the first point of contact, and I make sure your questions get answered and nothing falls through the cracks.

  • Grant Hames

    Licensed Agent

    I joined Hames & Co. in 2020 as a licensed agent, though insurance has been part of my life for much longer. I grew up watching my dad build this agency here in Clarkesville, and I saw firsthand what it means to look after the people in our community. While working at the agency, I earned my Associate of Science in Business Administration from North Georgia Technical College in 2024.

    Today I help families and businesses across Habersham County and North Georgia find the right coverage for their homes, vehicles, farms and businesses. I enjoy taking the time to explain options in plain language, so you can feel confident in the coverage you choose.

  • Joy Henderson

    Accounting Manager

  • Cara Arnold

    Financial Associate