OUR TEAM
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Alstin Vanderford
Consumer Advocates Founder
Alstin's Bio
Alstin’s journey from high school basketball star to financial services leader is a testament to his drive and versatility. Breaking scoring records and earning a scholarship to Pfeiffer University, Alstin continued to excel academically with a bachelor’s from East Carolina University and a master’s in Physiology from North Carolina State University.
His career began in the car industry, where he quickly rose to become a sales manager at one of North Carolina’s largest Toyota dealerships. His exceptional performance earned him the prestigious “ToyotaPros” title, a recognition reserved for the top 350 sales professionals nationwide.
After the birth of his second child, Alstin pivoted to the financial services sector, co-founding the Consumer Advocate Program. His vision is to harness the skills of former athletes, military personnel, and high-level sales professionals, guiding them towards financial and time freedom.
With Alstin’s leadership, the Consumer Advocate Program is set for remarkable growth and impact.

Justin Crump
Consumer Advocates Co-Founder
Justin's Bio
Justin is a driven and resilient individual whose journey from the baseball field to the professional world is a testament to his unwavering determination and adaptability. A high school baseball standout, Justin’s exceptional skills earned him All-County and All-State honors, ultimately securing him a scholarship to play at UNC Wilmington. Over his five-year college career, he faced and overcame multiple surgeries, demonstrating his tenacity and passion for the game.
In 2019, Justin’s perseverance paid off when he was drafted by the San Francisco Giants.
He spent three years with the organization, where he continued to push through adversity.
However, after enduring several more surgeries, Justin made the tough decision to retire from professional baseball, choosing to prioritize his long-term health and future.
Refusing to be defined by his setbacks, Justin transitioned to a new challenge in the world of NASCAR, joining a pit crew team. His quick thinking and athleticism served him well, but an ankle surgery once again forced him to step back and reevaluate his career path.
In January, Justin embarked on a new chapter by joining the Consumer Advocate Program, a field far removed from his athletic background. Despite having no prior experience in sales, Justin’s dedication, hard work, and natural leadership quickly shone through. He rapidly ascended the ranks, becoming one of the company’s top salesmen and achieving the remarkable feat of becoming one of the fastest managers.
Today, Justin’s journey continues as he channels the same drive and resilience that marked his athletic career into his professional life. He is happily married to his beautiful wife, Elena, and together they share their home with two cherished dogs. Justin’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of success, no matter the challenge.

Hobbs Johnson
Consumer Advocates Co-Founder
Hobbs' Bio
Hobbs is a highly accomplished individual with a rich background in both athletics and professional development. A three-sport athlete in high school, he excelled in baseball, and was nationally ranked. Earning him a scholarship to the University of North Carolina, where he majored in Exercise and Sport Science. As a weekend starter for UNC’s baseball team, Hobbs helped lead his team to two College World Series appearances and an ACC Championship during his three-year college career.
After being drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers, Hobbs played professionally in their system for five years. After meeting his now wife, he decided to transition to a more stable life. He spent time coaching, working blue-collar jobs, and giving pitching lessons while his wife completed her master’s degree. Realizing that this path wouldn’t support a growing family, Hobbs made a successful transition to financial services. In just 6.5 years, he quickly rose to a manager level, excelling as a manager, coach, specialist, and team leader.
Today, Hobbs is married and the proud father of a 9-month-old daughter, continuing to build a successful career while balancing family life.

Robbie O'Neal
Consumer Advocates Co-Founder
Robbie's Bio
Robbie is a driven and accomplished individual who has demonstrated resilience and adaptability throughout his life. As a standout athlete at D.H. Conley High School in Greenville, NC, Robbie led his baseball team to 14 playoff games over four years. His leadership on the field earned him a scholarship to play baseball at UNC-Greensboro, where he continued to hone his skills before transitioning and graduating from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science degree.
After his baseball career, Robbie leveraged his background in construction and private baseball instruction to stay connected to the sport and industry he loved. However, he soon recognized that the physically demanding nature of these jobs and their income potential were not aligned with the life he envisioned. Determined to secure a stable and prosperous future without returning to school or enduring 40 years of strenuous labor, Robbie embarked on a new career path that would allow him to achieve his goals.
Today, with no prior sales experience, Robbie is focused on building a life with his girlfriend of 4.5 years, who shares his dedication and drive. She is an ICU nurse in Winston-Salem, with aspirations to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Together, they are planning their future, with hopes of getting married and starting a family.
Robbie’s journey is a testament to his perseverance, strategic thinking, and commitment to creating the life he desires, both personally and professionally.
Consumer advocates COORDINATORS

Matthew Bates
Matthew's Bio
I’m 24 years old, originally from the mountains of Macon County, North Carolina, and currently living in Yadkin County. In addition to my professional experience, I’m passionate about Muay Thai and enjoy playing video games in my downtime. I’m also excited to be getting married in 2026 and expecting my first child later this year.
With six years of sales experience, I started my career at
18. I spent four years in cellular sales with T-Mobile and Verizon, earning several performance awards for my achievements. I also spent two years in car sales, where I continued to build my expertise and sharpen my skills in a fast-paced, competitive environment.

Brandon Brown
Brandon's Bio
Brandon Brown, the eldest son of Valorie and Jerry Brown, began his journey in competitive auto racing at the tender age of 10. His passion and talent, nurtured by the unwavering support of his family and close friends, propelled him to make his first NASCAR appearance in 2014 at just 20 years old.
Brown’s NASCAR career started in the Camping World Truck Series, where he drove the #86 Chevrolet Silverado. His drive and determination soon caught the attention of the racing community. While pursuing his racing dreams, Brandon also excelled academically. In 2015, he was accepted into Coastal Carolina University as a business major. During his time at Coastal Carolina, he connected with Sigma Phi Epsilon, a society of scholarly gentlemen, and in the fall of 2018, graduated with Cum Laude Honors. Coastal Carolina University further supported him through a partnership with Brandonbilt Motorsports, underscoring their commitment to their student-athlete.
Brandon’s career reached a pivotal moment in October 2021 when he secured his first NASCAR Xfinity Series victory at the renowned Talladega Superspeedway.
This win not only marked a significant achievement in his professional career but also brought about transformative changes in his life both on and off the track.
As Brandon looks to the future, he is excited about the new adventures and opportunities that lie ahead. His journey from a young racing enthusiast to a celebrated NASCAR driver is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and the support of those around him.

Alex Byrd
Alex's Bio
Alex Byrd grew up in Chapel Hill, where his love for sports developed early on. While he explored various athletic pursuits, it wasn’t until his final two years of high school that he truly excelled in lacrosse, earning All-Conference honors. This achievement not only highlighted his athletic talent but also his determination, adaptability, and commitment-qualities that would later define his academic and professional journey.
Alex went on to attend the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), where he earned a degree in Business with a focus on entrepreneurship and business development. During his time in college, he worked as a valet, balancing his academic responsibilities with hands-on experience in customer service.
Additionally, Alex gained valuable sales experience through two different roles, further refining his skills in communication, strategy, and relationship-building.

Dawson Detombe
Dawson's Bio
Raised in a missionary family, Dawson De Tombe’s early years were defined by a global perspective, shaped significantly by his time in Africa. After completing his education at Foley High School in Alabama, where he excelled in track, cross country, swimming, and wrestling, Dawson pursued a new path by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 2015.
Over his nine years of service, Dawson thrived as a Senior Armorer, specializing in the repair and maintenance of small weapons. His expertise and leadership were instrumental in his role, showcasing his commitment to both his duties and his team.
Upon transitioning to civilian life, Dawson channeled his dedication into a new field with the Consumer Advocate Program, where he continues to make a meaningful impact. His professional achievements are paralleled by a fulfilling personal life with his wife Shelby and their daughter Ginger, and the anticipation of their second daughter, Daisy.
Dawson De Tombe’s life story is a testament to his unwavering commitment to service, discipline, and family, embodying the values that have guided him through both his military career and his current endeavors.

Carlos Evans
Carlos' Bio
With a distinguished 15-year career in residential and commercial property sales across DC, MD, VA, and SC, Carlos is celebrated for achieving record-breaking sales volumes, including a peak annual performance of $11.3 million. Known for executing innovative marketing strategies, mastering negotiation skills, and possessing a deep understanding of market dynamics,
Carlos has consistently delivered exceptional results.
A steadfast advocate for clients, Carlos is dedicated to providing unparalleled service, ensuring every client feels valued, heard, and understood. Strong communication skills foster trust and transparency, guiding clients through the buying or selling process with confidence and clarity. This client-centric approach has resulted in an impressive 30% repeat client rate, even in challenging market conditions.
Now transitioning into the insurance industry, Carlos aims to apply the same level of excellence that has defined his success in real estate and beyond. A diverse background, including experience in information technology, provides Carlos with a broad skill set and fresh perspective for this new venture.
Outside of professional achievements, Carlos is happily married for 14 years and an avid runner.
Embracing a balanced approach to work and life, he combines professional excellence with personal integrity and wellness.

Allyn Flanagan
Allyn's Bio
Lynn is a seasoned advisor with a diverse career spanning sales, client service, and insurance.
Her professional journey began in print advertising, where she excelled in marketing and client relations. She and her husband then built a successful disaster restoration business, with Lynn playing a pivotal role in operations and marketing. When her husband retired due to health issues, Lynn stepped up as the primary provider, demonstrating her resilience and commitment.
Transitioning to an Account Executive role with a communications company, Lynn sold an array of products, from music solutions to sound equipment. Her versatility continued in the automotive industry, where she sold vehicles for brands like Toyota, Volvo, and Lincoln.
However, the demands of the automotive field led her to pivot to the insurance industry, starting with Aflac and eventually joining the Consumer Advocate Program.
With four years in insurance, Lynn now offers comprehensive life, health, Medicare, and financial services, enjoying the flexibility to support her family, including her husband, three grown children, and six grandchildren. Lynn values the deep connections she builds with her clients, often considering them as family and friends. Her greatest reward is hearing clients express their gratitude, reflecting her unwavering dedication and commitment to putting her faith first in her professional and personal life.

April Freeman
April's Bio
April graduated from Columbia College in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Coming from a family of first responders, her commitment to public service was clear from the start. She began her career with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, where she quickly realized her potential to positively influence children’s lives before they reached the court system. In 2018, she moved to the South Carolina Department of Social Services, working as an investigator in Child Protective Services. Her dedication and hard work led to a promotion to investigation supervisor within just 2.5 years, marking a career defined by her deep commitment to child welfare.
In June, April joined the Consumer Advocates Program, where she continues to serve with a true servant’s heart. Embracing the flexibility of being her own boss, she balances her professional and personal life with grace. April is building a future with her boyfriend Corey, a police officer, whom she met while working at DSS. Together, they are raising their 2-year-old daughter, Madeline, and look forward to expanding their family.

James Henderson
James' Bio
James Henderson Ill, known to friends and family as “Bo,” is a driven professional and dedicated individual born in Washington, North Carolina, in 1987. Raised in New Bern, Bo distinguished himself early on as a standout athlete at New Bern High School, where he was a key player on the football team that advanced to the state championship game in 2004. His commitment to excellence carried through to his higher education at East Carolina University, setting the stage for a vibrant career.
James embarked on his professional journey with Advantage Solutions in 2015. His dedication and leadership skills quickly propelled him to the role of Regional Supervisor, where he successfully managed a team of up to 55 people. His responsibilities included overseeing schedules and payroll, highlighting his organizational prowess and ability to handle complex tasks.
In January 2020, James expanded his career horizons by diving into e-commerce. Starting with part-time online sales, he achieved impressive success, generating over $350,000 in sales by 2021 through Amazon. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to join the Consumer Advocate Plan in 2024, seeking a role that aligns with his goal of greater financial autonomy and impact.
Outside of his professional achievements, James enjoys a fulfilling personal life with his girlfriend, Alicia Harris, a Care Manager at Coastal Horizons. The couple recently purchased a new home in June 2024, marking an exciting new chapter in their lives. Both are dedicated to balancing their professional ambitions with their personal growth, looking forward to a future full of promise and shared success.

Crystal Henson
Crystal's Bio
Crystal began her career in the hearing industry after developing hearing loss from years of competitive shooting—a time when hearing protection wasn’t as widely emphasized. Recognizing the lack of education around hearing health, she became passionate about raising awareness and helping others. She worked her way up to become a hearing care provider, educating patients on the dangers of untreated hearing loss and pairing them with the medical technology to address it.
Through her work, Crystal became deeply involved with insurance and saw firsthand the challenges people faced in accessing the care they needed.
Frustrated by these barriers, she decided to expand her impact. Her exceptional problem-solving skills, strong work ethic, and commitment to helping others quickly caught the attention of the insurance industry. Soon, she was licensed and recruited to a team of like-minded professionals who shared her passion for service.
Crystal is dedicated to navigating the complexities of the insurance world to find personalized solutions that best fit each individual’s needs-whether it’s securing healthcare rights or providing peace of mind through life insurance.
With a focus on tailored solutions, her goal is not only to improve her clients’ quality of life but also their overall happiness.

Cameron Johnson
Cameron's Bio
Cameron Johnson is a dedicated member of the Consumer Advocate team, where he focuses exclusively on life insurance. With a strong background forged during six years of disciplined service in the Army Reserve, Cameron brings a deep commitment to integrity, service, and meticulous attention to detail. These values drive his work every day, ensuring that clients receive the highest level of care and expertise.
In addition to his role at Consumer Advocate, Cameron remains active in the real estate industry, allowing him to understand the broader needs of families and individuals. His unique blend of experiences positions him to offer tailored life insurance solutions that truly meet the needs of his clients. Whether you’re looking to secure your family’s financial future or protect your loved ones, Cameron is committed to guiding you through every step of the process, ensuring you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re covered.
At Consumer Advocate, Cameron Johnson is more than just an insurance professional—he’s a partner in safeguarding what matters most to you.

Bradford Marks
Bradford's Bio
Bradford Marks, a Boston native, grew up in one of the most passionate sports cities in the world, where he immersed himself in every sport available. His athletic journey ultimately led him to hockey, where his dedication and hard work fueled a successful career. Unfortunately, a series of major injuries prevented him from advancing to the next level, but this setback didn’t diminish his drive to make an impact.
After hockey, Bradford discovered a new sense of purpose in helping others. For the past two decades, he has been deeply involved in coaching Special Olympics, dedicating his time and energy to empowering individuals to achieve their goals.
His passion for giving back and making a difference has become the cornerstone of his life, as he continues to inspire others through his coaching and support.

Kim Martin
Kim's Bio
With a background in sports leadership as a former collegiate softball player and coach, Kim has honed a keen sense of strategy, logistics, and teamwork. She seamlessly translates these principles into daily life, helping others navigate even life’s most challenging ventures with discipline, focus, and attention to detail.
Kim is deeply committed to building lasting relationships, emphasizing trust, open communication, and empathy. Whether she’s empowering individuals to achieve success-whether it’s winning a state championship or securing financial peace of mind-her focus is always on helping you succeed.
In 2023, at age 35 and during the birth of her second son, Kim was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This life-altering moment underscored the fragility of life and the critical importance of financial planning. Realizing that the future is never guaranteed, she became even more passionate about educating others so they can protect their families in the face of the unexpected.
Outside of work, Kim is an avid Philadelphia sports and country music fan.
A New Jersey native, she has called North Carolina home since 2020. In her free time, she enjoys attending sporting events, spending time on the lake, and traveling with her family.

Nick McCollum
Nick's Bio
Nick McCollum is a 24-year-old professional from Richmond Hill, Georgia, a small town just outside of Savannah. Baseball has been a central part of Nick’s life since childhood, and his passion for the sport led him to play at Georgia Southwestern State University. He also had the opportunity to play a season with the Williamsport Crosscutters in the MLB Draft League, an experience that not only refined his athletic skills but also taught him the value of teamwork, leadership, and perseverance.
These lessons from baseball have seamlessly translated into Nick’s professional career. He approaches his work with the same discipline and determination, focusing on building strong relationships and collaborating effectively to deliver exceptional service and protection to his clients.
In January, Nick will begin a new role with NASB Planright, where he is eager to continue growing both professionally and personally. He is committed to learning, developing his skills, and leveraging his strong work ethic to thrive in this next chapter. Nick’s goal is to exceed expectations and make a meaningful impact within the company and for the clients he serves.

Dale Rogers
Dale's Bio
Dale Rogers is a dedicated professional from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with a deep passion for both athletics and the performing arts. Growing up, Dale immersed herself in a variety of programs, where her drive, work ethic, and leadership abilities began to shine. Her commitment to excellence earned her multiple accolades, including serving as team captain for several years and receiving two Toast of the Coast Player of the Year awards.
Dale’s love for sports and fitness guided her educational journey. She earned her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Lander University, where she also played collegiate volleyball. After graduation, Dale pursued a Master’s degree in Clinical Human Performance while working full-time in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. Throughout her career, she has remained dedicated to helping others and promoting health and wellness.
Outside of work, Dale enjoys walking her dog along the beach or through state parks, hitting the gym, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Known for her reliability, drive, and selflessness—traits instilled by her parents and coaches—Dale brings a strong sense of commitment to everything she does. These core values continue to guide her as she helps others with their insurance needs, offering exceptional service and support every step of the way.
CONSUMER

Jacob Starling
Jacob's Bio
I’m Jacob Starling, a driven 22-year-old from Orlando, Florida, with a lifelong passion for sports and the outdoors. Raised in an athletic family where collegiate sports were a tradition, I was inspired to follow in their footsteps. This led me to East Carolina University, where I played on the baseball team for all four years, sharpening my skills, leadership, and teamwork both on and off the field.
Sports have always been a key part of who I am, and I’ve learned countless lessons about discipline, resilience, and the importance of collaboration. I pride myself on my strong work ethic, commitment to excellence, and ability to thrive under pressure. Beyond athletics, I’m a true nature lover and enjoy exploring the outdoors whenever I can-whether it’s hiking, fishing, or simply spending time with friends in nature’s playground.
I believe in building meaningful connections with others and value teamwork in every area of my life. Whether I’m on the field, in the community, or with friends, I bring a positive, energetic attitude and a passion for living life to the fullest.

Megan Tyner
Megan's Bio
Hi, I’m Megan Tyner. I’m a 31-year-old mom of two who’s been in sales for over 10 years. Although I have a degree in Computer Information Systems and Information Technology, I quickly realized my true passion is helping people, which led me to the life insurance industry.
For me, family, faith, and my kids come first in everything I do.
They motivate me to work hard every day and inspire my mission to help others protect the ones they love. I believe life insurance is one of the best ways to provide peace of mind for families, and I’m here to make sure you and yours are taken care of.
Outside of work, I’m all about spending quality time with my children, soaking in a beautiful sunset, or cuddling up with a cute dog. Life can be unpredictable, but I’m here to help you prepare for the future, so you can enjoy today to the fullest.

Matthew Wylly
Matthew's Bio
Born and raised in Columbus, OH, Matt grew up in a sports-centered family where lacrosse was a way of life. A former Division I lacrosse player at Towson University in Baltimore, MD, Matt played an integral role in his team’s success, helping them secure three conference championships and reach the Final Four in 2017.
With eight years of experience in sales across a range of product and service providers in the Mid-Atlantic, Matt has honed his skills and business acumen through both triumphs and challenges. He is committed to building strong, lasting relationships with his clients, ensuring that their goals are met and their needs are fully supported.
Now residing in Charleston, SC, with his fiancé and two dogs, Matt represents our team with a focus on delivering exceptional service and value. Recently engaged, he brings the same dedication to his personal life that he applies to his professional career-focused on growth, service, and success.
JOIN OUR TEAM
About US
The dedicated agents of the Consumer Advocate Program blend hard-working dedication with eagerness to bring financial stability and success to its clients. By joining the Consumer Advocate Program, you not only will help clients achieve financial success, but you will be able to achieve personal success that is unmatched in the industry.