Emery & James, Ltd. was founded on December 1, 1974 by Arthur B. Emery and Donald E. James.  This was the merger of the two oldest insurance agencies in Hammond with history dating back to 1902.  On July 1, 1988 John L. Gohres, Jr. and Robert J. Gohres acquired the agency and partnered it with their business through Gohres Insurance Agency, Inc.  Business is conducted at both offices through the entity Emery & James, Ltd. which also owns and has trademarked the name Gohres Insurance.

Gohres Insurance Agency, Inc. was founded on July 1, 1953 by John L. Gohres.  Mr. Gohres started with an idea and then expanded the business into a premiere insurance agency.  Ronald L. Black joined the staff in the early 1970's and later John L. Gohres, Jr. and Robert J. Gohres began their association.  The agency provides virtually all lines of insurance for personal and commercial clients with the emphasis on heavy industrial and contractor accounts.  Business is now conducted through the entity Emery & James, Ltd. The name was retained because of it's long history and reputation for providing professional service in the Greater New Orleans area.

Emery & James, Ltd. has offices located in Hammond and Metairie, Louisiana.  We are an Independent Insurance Agent representing many national and regional insurance companies allowing us to select the best insurance company suited to meet our clients' particular needs.

Employee Contacts & Profiles

Robert J. Gohres

President of Emery & James, Ltd., since 1988. Robert has a Bachelors degree in marketing from Southeastern Louisiana University. He started his insurance career in 1978 and has been an instructor of insurance courses at Southeastern for over 10 years.  He is active in the local community and a member of many civic and social organizations.  Robert has extensive knowledge and experience handling all types of commercial clients throughout Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. .

E-mail Robert

John L. Gohres Jr.

Secretary and Treasurer of Emery & James, Ltd. Director of Globe Bank Corporation and Director of Island Utilities, Inc. John has a degree in marketing from Louisiana State University. He started in the insurance business in 1977 with Gohres Insurance Agency. Inc. John has widespread knowledge regarding all commercial and personal customers. He specializes in all forms of workman’s compensation, umbrellas, and general liability.

E-mail John

Brian J. Gohres, CIC

Account Executive, graduated magna cum laude from Southeastern Louisiana University. Brian is a CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) and has over five years of management experience. He is currently working towards his CRM (Certified Risk Managers ) & CPCU (Charter Property & Casualty Underwriter) designations.

E-mail Brian

Paula Tischler

Commercial Lines Customer Service Representative, has been in the insurance industry since1980.She has worked as both an underwriter and manager with several different companies and brokers throughout her career. Paula services and produces a vast amount of commercial accounts at Emery & James, Ltd.

E-mail Paula


Amanda L. Sharp

Accountant and Commercial Lines Customer Service Representative, is currently attending Southeastern Louisiana University in pursuit of her accounting degree as well as her CPA.  Amanda has been with Emery & James for over two years.

E-mail Amanda


Julie D. Poche

Personal Lines Customer Service Representative, has over 15 years experience in both personal and commercial lines. Julie has been with Emery & James for over eight years and has a vast working knowledge of personal lines.

E-mail Julie


Kristen W. Hoffield

Personal Lines Customer Service Representative, graduated with a degree in economics from Southeastern Louisiana University. She has over five years of sales experience as well as immense experience in customer service. Kristen has been working wiht Emery & James, Ltd. for over two years.

E-mail Kristen

Brandon M. Schanzbach

Personal & Commercial Lines Account Producer/Marketing , holds a degree in Business Administration form the Louisiana Tech. Brandon has vast experience in both management and sales.

E-mail Brandon


Chad T. Leming

Personal Lines Account Producer, is a graduate of Millerville University.  Chad has over over five years of management and sales experience througout the southern United States.

E-mail Chad

Kelsi M. Chambers

Commercial Lines Customer Service Representative is currently working towards her CISR (Certified Insurance Service Representative) as well as a degree in psychology.

E-mail Kelsi


Connie E. Olivier

Personal Lines Customer Service Representative, has over 10 years of customer service experience. Connie has run a successful small business for over 6 years and brings a tremendous amount of professionalism to Emery & James.

E-mail Connie


John Bankston

Commercial Account Producer, has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry as a former owner and manager of several agencies. John handles wide spread production in both the commercial and personal lines.

Lannell "Tony" L. Landry

Commercial Account Producer, has been working for Emery & James. Ltd. Since 1974. Lannell is a producer for both personal and commercial accounts