Our Team

Gino Clemente, LUTCF Senior Managing Partner

Since launching BearStar Insurance in 2004, Gino has been driven by a passion for helping individuals and businesses protect what matters most. With decades of experience and deep expertise in the insurance industry, he brings a level of insight and service that sets BearStar apart. As Senior Managing Partner, Gino remains committed to building authentic, lasting relationships with clients—an approach that continues to shape the company’s success and reputation.

Phone: 888.601.0088 ext. 101

Jesus Galvan - Broker Partner

Jesus brings a wealth of expertise to the Bearstar team, specializing in providing tailored insurance solutions for business owners. With a deep understanding of the construction industry and a strong presence across all 50 states, he is committed to helping clients navigate the complexities of the insurance marketplace. Jesus is dedicated to ensuring his clients are fully protected with the right coverage, offering competitive rates and strategic advice to meet their unique needs

Fluent in: English / Spanish

Phone: 888.601.0088 ext. 108

Matthew O'Connor - Broker Partner

Matt O’Connor brings more than 20 years of commercial insurance experience spanning both brokerage and carrier roles, including nearly 13 years with Aon, where he served as a Vice President. His background includes advising homebuilders, real estate developers, contractors and commercial organizations on property and casualty risks ranging from straightforward business insurance needs to complex insurance programs.

Throughout his career, Matt has worked with Aon, CNA and other insurance organizations, developing broad experience in commercial property and casualty insurance, claims, client strategy, market negotiation and new business development. His experience spans property, general liability, excess liability, commercial auto, builders risk, professional liability, directors & officers liability, employment practices liability and cyber insurance, with particular expertise in construction, real estate, restaurants and manufacturing.

At BearStar Insurance Services, Matt works with businesses of all sizes—from local business owners and individual trades to growing contractors, developers, restaurant operators, manufacturers and larger commercial organizations. He believes every client deserves the same level of attention regardless of size and takes a hands-on approach to understanding the business, identifying meaningful exposures and coverage gaps, accessing appropriate insurance markets and negotiating competitive coverage and terms.

Matt’s experience on both the brokerage and carrier sides of the insurance industry gives him a broad perspective on how risks are evaluated, coverage is structured and claims are ultimately handled. He focuses on making commercial insurance understandable and practical, so clients know what they are buying and why it matters.

His approach is straightforward: understand the risk, communicate clearly, provide practical advice, negotiate aggressively on the client’s behalf and be there when a claim occurs.

Phone: 888.601.0088 ext. 110

Steven London - Broker Partner

Steven brings years of management experience in the restaurant industry and has spent the last three years building a strong foundation in insurance. His background gives him a practical understanding of the challenges business owners face and the importance of having coverage that truly fits their needs.
At BearStar Insurance Services, Steven is committed to helping clients secure the right protection at the most competitive rates available. Known for his strong work ethic and client-first approach, he takes pride in making the insurance process straightforward, dependable, and focused on long-term value.

Phone: 888.601.0088 ext. 105

Patricia (Pat) Thompson – Commercial Relationship Manager

Pat brings more than 35 years of insurance experience to BearStar Insurance Services, along with a deep understanding of the marketplace and a strong commitment to client service. Her extensive underwriting knowledge and familiarity with major carriers make her a trusted resource when it comes to finding the right coverage for each client’s needs.
At BearStar, Pat is known for her thoughtful, relationship-driven approach and the care she brings to every client interaction. She takes pride in helping clients feel supported, informed, and confident throughout the placement process, always with a focus on personalized service and long-term value..

Phone: 888.601.0088 ext. 103

Shishir (Shawn) Shastry- Broker Partner

Shishir (Shawn) Shastry holds a Masters Degree in Marketing & Human Resources in addition to several professional licenses & credentials. His experience spans across Real Estate, Mortgage Loans Origination, Financial/Investment and a broad range Insurance services. He serves the Southern California market with passion and persistence with clients' best interests in mind. He is very friendly and patient

Fluent in: English / Hindi / Marathi / Telugu / Kannada / Oriya / Gujarati / Urdu / Punjabi

Phone: 888.601.0088 ext. 109

Luis Gonzalez – Executive Administrative Coordinator

Luis supports Gino Clemente and the BearStar team with day-to-day administrative work, helping the agency stay organized and responsive to clients. His background spans education, customer service, and small business support. He taught math, geography, and English to students in China for about eight years, delivering lessons in English. At an AT&T customer service center, he advanced from agent to manager, gaining experience in customer care and collections. Earlier, he rose from agent to team lead on Bank of America’s small business team. Luis also studied structural engineering.

Phone: 888.601.0088 ext. 106