ABOUT ESCO AGENCY
ESCO Agency has a longstanding reputation as a trusted provider of insurance solutions, helping businesses protect what matters most.
Today, we focus on safeguarding businesses with comprehensive Business Owner’s Policies, Workers’ Compensation, and Cyber Security Insurance.
While ESCO Agency is widely recognized for over 30 years of leadership in hearing healthcare coverage, our commitment has grown to include protection that empowers businesses across multiple industries.
At ESCO Agency, our priority is helping businesses safeguard their people, property, and digital assets. We offer
Business Owner’s Policies that combine property and liability protection, Workers’ Compensation
that protects employees and employers alike, and Cyber Security Insurance designed for today’s online threats.
ESCO Agency has been a trusted name in insurance since 1989. While we pioneered coverage for hearing aids and remain the nation’s most recognized provider in that space, we’ve expanded our expertise to meet the growing needs of businesses. Our solutions are designed to reduce risk, minimize disruption, and provide peace of mind so owners can stay focused on growth.
Whether protecting your workforce, your operations, or your data, ESCO Agency is here to deliver the coverage, knowledge,
and support businesses need to thrive in a changing world.
Meet Our Business Insurance Specialist

Cory PERRY
Director Of Commercial Insurance
Cory Perry serves as the Director of Commercial Insurance at ESCO Agency, where he leads the development and delivery of comprehensive insurance solutions for businesses of all sizes. In this role, he oversees a diverse portfolio of products, including Business Owners, Workers’ Compensation, Cyber Liability, Professional Liability, and Lessor’s Risk policies, ensuring clients receive the most effective coverage for their unique operational needs.
With over 20 years of business-to-business sales experience, Cory has built a distinguished record of driving results and fostering long-term client relationships. He is known for his consultative, strategic approach, taking the time to understand each client’s risk landscape and craft customized solutions that protect assets, mitigate exposure, and support business growth. Beyond his technical expertise, Cory is recognized for his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to empowering teams to deliver exceptional client service.
Meet Our Leadership Team
At ESCO, our success is built on the expertise of our leadership team. Meet the professionals dedicated to driving our vision forward:

Paul Harkness
President
Paul is known for his vast network of relationships within hearing healthcare, ENT, and medical practices across the US.
After working for, and leading teams, at several of the top hearing aid manufacturers, Harkness moved to the business solutions arena, where he led the Elite Hearing Network’s dramatic membership and revenue growth over 8+ years.
He later joined the specialized leadership team at AuDConnex, with its unique recipe of best practice sharing. Most recently, Harkness was the CEO of Lantos Technologies, a 3D ear scanner manufacturer focused on elevating the patient experience, based in Derry, NH.
Harkness is a team, culture and business builder at heart. He studied business at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he grew up. Currently, he resides in Minneapolis with his family.

Jim Guthier
V.P. of Product Development
Jim is a US Navy veteran specializing in Electronics. Jim did his studies at Trine University in Indiana. Jim Guthier is currently the V.P. of Product Development at ESCO Agency. Jim has been in the Hearing Aid industry and related fields for over 45 years and has worked with three of the “big six” hearing aid manufacturers.
Jim has a background in sales as well as manufacturing and has held positions as a Sales Manager, Director of Sales, Vice President of Manufacturing, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and President.
Currently residing in Aiken, SC, Jim enjoys his free time on the golf course and entertaining. He has 3 children and 12 grandchildren.
Currently, Jim serves on the Board of Directors for the POA at Woodside Country Club. A previous Board of Directors for CCCC Growth Fund, Jim now sits on the Board of Directors for KMG Equity Partners.

Kathleen Kuntz
Chief Operations Officer
Kathleen is the Chief Operations Officer at ESCO. She works with hearing health practitioners, and her team to ensure all customers are treated with respect and care when working with ESCO.
Kathleen believes customers who actively use their hearing devices to socialize and be a part of their families and communities, will find peace of mind knowing their hearing instrument is covered no matter what may happen.
Kathleen has been a part of the ESCO team since its inception, holding various positions. Over the last 25 years, she has experienced many changes in the hearing and insurance industry and is able to translate these changes to ESCO and how the business is run. She is proud to be part of ESCO’s growth and success.
Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University. At home she is busy keeping up with her husband and three daughters’ activities, but always finds time for a great cup of coffee and a good book. Her family’s greatest passion is travel, so when she isn’t working you will find her far and wide across the country and globe.

Dave Mumm
Chief Financial Officer
Serving as the Chief Financial Officer of ESCO, Dave is responsible for the financial operations of the organization, as well as administrative and risk management functions. Additionally, he oversees the ongoing development and implementation of control systems to report accurate financial results, preserve company assets, and mitigate risk.
David believes providing accurate and timely information to the company’s leadership is integral to ESCO’s ongoing viability and success.
With ESCO since 1996, Dave began his career in the public sector at a municipality. There he learned the direct impact of financial decisions on citizens and their communities. Overall, this experience shaped his entire outlook on financial management. The philosophies and values he gained throughout his career are rooted in his daily functions at ESCO. These include organizational leadership, self-regulation, financial integrity, and sustainability to contribute to local and regional economic growth and development.
During his time working for the city of New Brighton, David was the main contributor, awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
David graduated from Herberger Business School at St. Cloud State University and was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Lastly, an ideal day for David is traveling far away and snorkeling in the ocean among neon-colored coral reefs, hiking on snow-covered trails, or perhaps even sinking a putt on the island green. Additionally, he enjoys fishing – with oars or augers and “lighting the lamp” in his men’s hockey league. David treasures time with friends and family, especially when it involves experiencing the vast array of cultures and cuisines worldwide. After a day chock-full of activities, David enjoys winding down with a riveting crime or mystery novel.