Our Mission

Protecting What Matters Most

We’re dedicated to making insurance simple, accessible, and tailored to your needs. Our mission is to empower individuals, families, and business owners with the right coverage, backed by exceptional service and trusted expertise.

Why Choose Catalyst Insurance Brokers?

We stand out from other insurance agencies because we prioritize:

• Independent Expertise – We work with multiple top-rated carriers to find the best coverage for you.
• Personalized Service – No one-size-fits-all solutions—just custom insurance plans designed around your needs.
• Community Commitment – A portion of our earnings supports causes that matter, especially initiatives benefiting veterans and those in need.
• Seamless Experience – We simplify the insurance process, offering clarity, guidance, and peace of mind every step of the way.

Your Trusted Insurance Advisors

Dedicated Experts, Personalized Support

Our team brings industry expertise and a personal touch to every client relationship.

Don Malcolm

Owner/Agent

Don brings over 34 years of insurance industry expertise, with the last 20 years at Burns & Wilcox, a national broker, where he served various roles across underwriting, brokerage, marketing, strategic planning around new business development, and establishing and managing carrier and agent relationships. Don’s efforts have earned him a seat in the Burns & Wilcox Million Dollar Club for the years 2017-2021, Burns & Wilcox 2015 Director Award, in addition to numerous Burns & Wilcox Top New Business Producer Awards. If you ask him, no other award outweighs seeing the development and growth of his team members. Don is an active member of Browns Bridge Church where he spent the last 10 years volunteering. Don graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan College with a Bachelor of Science degree. 

Carol Frederick Benda

Life and Health Agent

Carol Frederick Benda brings decades of insurance experience rooted in her early years at her family’s independent agency in Raleigh, NC. Starting at age 10, she gained hands-on knowledge in claims, operations, and customer service under the leadership of her father, Larry Frederick—recording artist and former UNC football athlete. Over the years, Carol has served in agency leadership, financial services, and technology, including roles at Microsoft and a major IT services integrator, always maintaining a strong connection to the insurance industry. Licensed in Life, Health, and Property & Casualty, she now joins The Catalyst Insurance to serve clients across multiple states, with a focus on benefits, annuities, and long-term care. Carol lives in Roswell, GA with her husband, Scotty, and their well-known dog, Auggie, and enjoys time with her blended family and new granddaughter.

Cindy Austin
Agency Operations Manager

Cindy is a 21 year veteran of the insurance industry, and she holds designations as a Certified Insurance Counselor and Certified Insurance Service Representative from The National Alliance. She is a creative thinker with invaluable experience concerning the daily operations of a retail insurance brokerage, including cultivating successful underwriting relationships & the design/placement of insurance programs.

John Young

IRMI Risk Management Advisor

John brings 46 years of commercial lines business focused around E&O, D&O, EPLI, Cyber Liability, Workers Comp Stop Loss, and Commercial Underwriting. John honorably served as a Special Forces Medic in the United States Army. John attended University of South Carolina prior to joining the Army and finished up with a Bachelors in Communications from Georgia State University after the Army.  

Debbie Peak

Commercial Underwriter Assistant

Debbie Peak is a seasoned insurance professional with over 35 years of experience. She is skilled in sales and underwriting. Debbie serves as an administrative assistant, supporting operations with her exceptional organizational skills and commitment to efficiency. Outside of work, she is a devoted family person who enjoys playing tennis and participating in card games with friends and loved ones. Her warm, approachable nature and her passion for staying active make her a valued member of both her professional and personal communities.

Donna Lyons

Agency Accounting & Systems Consultant

Donna is an insurance agency accounting and systems professional with a diverse range of experience in accounting, payroll, system implementation, and human resource management, with a special focus on serving independent insurance agencies on Applied Epic. As a former CPA and agency controller, Donna helps agencies better understand the importance of data management and accounting. Whether she’s helping agencies transition to Applied Epic, cleaning up accounting, or providing monthly accounting services, Donna uses her industry experience to pave the way for agency owners to more effectively manage and grow their business.

Tom Gibson

Insurance Executive

Tom is a highly accomplished Insurance Professional and former Partner at Lipscomb Insurance Group covering over 35 years of leadership across elite carriers, including Nationwide Private Client, Chubb, ACE Group, and Fireman's Fund. Proven track record of driving large-scale regional growth, previously scaling a five-state territory to $65M in premium while optimizing a network of 100+ independent agents over 5 states that covered Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Colorado and New Mexico. A relationship-driven leader recognized for deep, specialized expertise in private client portfolios and high-net-worth risk solutions. Tom's passion for this business is what sets him apart. Tom resides in Carrollton with his wife, Jennifer, loves to travel, play golf and spend time at the lake with his family and those grandkids are icing on the cake. A graduate of Cornell College with degrees in Economics & Business, Health & Physical Education.

Kennedy Goad

Assistant/Agent

Kennedy is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with an Economics degree and her Property & Casualty license. She is an administrative assistant and producer who is passionate about client service and helping clients understand their coverage. With a background in hospitality, Kennedy brings strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a relationship-focused approach to every client interaction. Her experience with agency operations and technology helps her provide efficient and exceptional service. Outside of the office, Kennedy enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

Michelle Payne

Accountant

Hi, I'm Michelle. I'm a proud mom of three amazing adult children and grandmother to a wonderful grandson who keeps life fun and full of joy. Family is at the center of everything I do, and some of my favorite moments are spent making memories with the people I love most.



I enjoy traveling, spending time on the water, and finding reasons to laugh every day. I'm the kind of person who values genuine connections, loyalty, and kindness. Whether I'm gathering with family and friends, exploring somewhere new, or simply enjoying a quiet evening, I believe life is best lived with gratitude, a good sense of humor, and an open heart.

At 50, I've learned that some of life's greatest blessings come when you least expect them. I strive to appreciate the little things, embrace new adventures, and make the most of every season of life.