Dependable. Knowledgeable. Community-Focused.
The Garza Insurance Group Story
The Garza Insurance Group officially opened its doors in 2021 in Woodstock, GA but our decades of service in the insurance industry go back over thirty years.
Our goal is to be the most valued and respected insurance agency in Cherokee County, North Metro Atlanta area, and beyond. We will do this by providing reliable service, trustworthy advice, and the professionalism that people come to expect from an insurance team. Our team provides high-rated carriers that offer our clients the best coverage protection and claims service.
We are committed to our community, and that commitment is shown through our participation and leadership in a number of organizations in and around Cherokee County, including:
- Woodstock Business Club
- Canton Business Club
- Acworth Business Association
- IN WDSTK
- Northeast Cobb Business Association
- Ball Ground Business Association
- Roswell Business Association
Our Team of Insurance Experts
Rudy Garza
Rudy and his wife Dawn have been Woodstock residents since 2008 and they love the walkability of downtown Woodstock where they enjoy many of the activities, restaurants, and events. They have been married for seven years and have three grown children and five grandchildren, the youngest of which was born in 2022. Rudy is passionate about family and serving others with their insurance needs, which has been a lifelong career path.
Rudy began his career in insurance in 1987 and began by learning all areas of the industry but quickly realized that focusing on the personal lines side of insurance was his passion. He spent 23 years at AAA Auto Club South and held various positions throughout Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. He joined Byrd Insurance Agency in 2018 to focus on helping entrepreneurs secure the right insurance for their business and personal needs. In 2021, he became inspired to start The Garza Insurance Group with the help of key family members.
In his spare time, Rudy loves to travel with his wife, Dawn. His other hobbies include playing basketball or golfing with his granddaughter and spending quality time with his grandchildren. He’s been a running enthusiast since the age of 21, and over the last 8 years has completed several 5K, 10K, and half marathons.
Dawn Garza
Dawn Garza started her career in travel with AAA Iowa in 1992 working in leisure travel, then moving on to corporate travel. In 1998, she moved to Georgia and transferred to AAA Auto Club South as the travel agency manager. While there, her career expanded to include branch management, which led to training for an eventual license to sell insurance.
Dawn’s first love has always been travel but she knew that an insurance career would provide stability for her family. Knowing this, she has spent the last 18 years continuing with training, changes, and ethics to maintain her involvement in the insurance industry. Dawn’s other passions include nutrition and fitness. She teaches group fitness classes in two local gyms and runs a health and wellness-based business that focuses on superfood nutrition.
Her biggest passion is her grandbabies. They are her littlest loves, and nothing makes her happier than spending time with them.
Donnie Henriques
Donnie is originally from the vibrant city of New Orleans, however, in 1990, he decided to embark on a new chapter and moved to Georgia. Settling in Woodstock in 1993, he quickly felt at home in this welcoming community. Family is important to Donnie, and he cherishes his relationships with his three children and five grandchildren.
Having a strong sense of civic duty, Donnie became a Woodstock City Council member in 2000, leading to an impressive political career. He ran for Mayor in 2005, serving four terms and becoming the city’s longest-serving Mayor. Donnie retired from his mayoral position in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of impactful leadership.
Throughout his career, Donnie has experienced a diversity of jobs. Initially, he pursued a career in sales and management. However, he later joined his then-wife in her audiology practice, where he took on the role of practice manager. After selling the practice, Donnie joined Northside Hospital Cherokee, working as the supervisor of the Community Relations department until his retirement in 2018. Seeking new challenges, he then joined a Farmers Insurance agency. In 2023, he found a new professional home at The Garza Insurance Group.
Donnie enjoys playing golf, but spending time with his grandchildren brings him immeasurable happiness. He earned a degree from LSUNO in 1979 and has a close bond with his siblings. He is an Air Force veteran who served one tour of duty in the Vietnam war.
Heather Salomone
Heather Salomone is a licensed agent with over a decade of experience in the insurance industry and over 15 years of experience in customer service. Heather is also in charge of operations and social media strategy as The Garza Insurance Group’s VP of social media and marketing.
In 2019, she expanded her insurance knowledge to include property and casualty insurance lines. She is an alum of the Medical College of Georgia, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Health Information Administration. Her work reflects her passion for helping others and drive for clients to be put first and be given peace of mind when it comes to protecting themselves, their families, and the assets they work hard for.
Heather was born and raised in Georgia and has resided in Cherokee County since 2001. She and her husband John have been together since 2007, were married in 2017, and they welcomed a daughter in 2021 and a son in 2022. Outside of work, Heather enjoys family time with her husband and children. She also loves to travel, practice yoga and photography, garden, and read novels.
John Salomone
John Salomone is a licensed insurance agent and manages the social media presence of The Garza Insurance Group. He has over 14 years of experience in customer service and family/client management through his work as a Behavioral Therapist. He is an alum of Georgia State University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
In 2021 he expanded his education to include a Property and Casualty insurance license. His passion for providing security and peace of mind to his own family fuels his desire to provide the best possible service to the individuals and the families with whom he works.
John has lived in and around Woodstock, Georgia for over 20 years, and is thankful to call it his home. He is a proud husband and father to his wife Heather, and his daughter Alena and son Levi, whose love drives him to be the best -man he can be. Aside from his family, his overwhelmingly favored hobby is mountain biking.
Our Insurance Carriers
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Our team offers a variety of insurance plans for personal, commercial, and life insurance.