Rick D'Aprile and Gene Berger are back, bringing their professionalism, knowledge and integrity, as well as their 60 years of amusement industry experience. Now with their own company (A.E.R.I.A.), they offer multi A+ markets the same service, respect, and dependability you have always expected and received from them.

In 2017, Gene Berger and Rick formed the Amusement Entertainment Risk Insurance Agency (AERIA) because of their dedication to their clients and their commitment to the amusement and entertainment industry. Rick and Gene hope EVERYONE gives them a chance to show that they are the best option for coverage, service and integrity. They are confident that if you give them a chance, you will not regret it!

OUR BIOGRAPHIES

Richard W. D'Aprile

Born: in Hartford CT
 
School: Graduated in 1979 from Bristol Eastern High; attended University of Connecticut and graduated in 1983 with a BS in Marketing/Business Administration
 
First Job: Worked summers at Lake Compounce Amusement Park in Bristol, Connecticut from 1978-1983
 
Duties:  Set up rides during the spring, operated the rides during the summer, and assisted with teardown and preparation for winter storage during the fall.
 
First Insurance Position: Met Life of Bristol Connecticut / St. Pete Florida 1984-1987
 
From 1988 until 2014, Rick worked at an insurance agency dedicated to the amusement and entertainment industry.  Rick spent over 25 years handling amusement risks of all sizes which included carnivals, amusement parks, family fun centers, water parks, circuses, etc. A large number of his former clients he considers to be close friends and many as his extended family.
 
Industry Affiliations:  Rick is a proud standing member of the IISA, OABA, and a Gold Card holder of the Miami Showmen's Association.  Rick served a term as President of the Miami Showmen's Association. 

Gene Berger

Born: born and raised in the Bronx
 
School: Graduated in 1963 from De Witt Clinton High School; attended Fashion Institute of Technology and graduated in 1965 with a associates degree; attended Fairleigh Dickinson University from 1967-1970 and received a bachelors degree in marketing.
 
Military Experience:  Served from 1965-67 with a tour of duty in Vietnam.
 
Work Experience: Worked as a buyer for Maas Brothers Department Store in Tampa, Florida from 1971-1983
 
First Insurance Position: Davis E. Kaplan Agency from 1983 - 1985.
 
In 1985, Gene began his career with a major insurance agency in the amusement and entertainment industry.  Gene helped build the agency from the ground up which eventually became a major force in the entertainment industry.  Gene worked at its Florida headquarters before moving to San Antonio, Texas where he still resides.  In 2014, Gene resigned and left the company to seek other opportunities.
  
Industry Affiliations:  Gene is a proud standing member of the OABA, IISA, SLA and SLA St. Louis.  Gene served a term as President of the St. Louis Chapter of the Showmens League of America. 

Sam Ryan

Commercial Account Manager

Sam Ryan joined Johnson Kendall Johnson, an insurance brokerage and risk management firm, in June, 2016. He holds a Business Administration degree in Risk Management and Insurance Temple University. His responsibilities include designing, implementing, and controlling property & casualty insurance and risk management programs. Within the insurance industry, Sam is pursuing his Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation to further his education at JKJ.