Meet The Team

Sean M. Hicks

Sean has been in the retail service and service contract business for more than 30 years. In 1986, Sean began his career with Sears by managing various service operations in the Southeast. Here, he learned how to operate call centers, run field service operations and sell service contracts. Sean eventually took his talents to Montgomery Wards, where he led the company’s field service operations with more than 135 locations across the United States. Later, Sean joined Warrantech to help grow one of the leading third-party service contract administrators in the United States at the time. In 2011, Sean and Rick Gavino started New Leaf Service Contracts to bring "a whole new approach” to the service contract industry by building innovative products and providing customizable program capabilities.

Richard gavino

president & chief operating officer

In 1984, Rick joined Tops Appliance City, which was the first of the “big box” retailers. As the CFO of Tops, Rick led the company through an LBO and eventually took the company public to raise over $200M for the company shareholders. Rick pioneered the industry by pushing for insured service contract programs and became one of the founding clients of Warrantech Corporation. He took his financial skills to the auto industry and joined Planet Honda, one of the top Honda dealers in the northeast. After a successful run as the CFO, Rick was recruited to be the Executive Vice President and CFO of Warrantech Corporation. At Warrantech, he oversaw all aspects of the company’s financial operations and took the company through a successful go-private transaction that ultimately sold the company to AmTrust Financial. In 2011, Rick and Sean Hicks launched New Leaf Service Contracts to bring “a whole new approach” to the service contract industry.

Chief executive officer

RD Patel

est. 2015

Vice President of Finance

"As the VP of Finance at New Leaf, RD brings over 10 years of experience in accounting and finance. After growing up in Cleburne, Texas, RD obtained his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of North Texas. In his free time, RD enjoys traveling, playing sports, and spending time with his wife and two children."

Kharl Mena

est. 2020

Vice President of Business Development

"Kharl joins New Leaf with 25 years of experience in the service contract industry. Kharl has held multiple executive positions and served as a consultant in the services industry with a focus on consumer products, automotive and the home warranty service contract marketplace.

Kharl is an influential and dynamic communicator, who has developed and lead top-producing teams through promoting a culture of innovation, accountability and a keen focus on customer satisfaction."

Sameer Mohsin

est. 2019

Director of Service & Claims

"Sameer brings extensive knowledge in data analysis, operations management, customer service and business development to New Leaf. Sameer is responsible for all claims activity as well as New Leaf's entire nationwide service network.

Sameer's background in e-commerce, fulfillment and technology solutions makes him a critical part of the New Leaf team."

Aubrey Jones

est. 2017

Contact Center Director

"Aubrey brings over 18 years of call center management experience to New Leaf. With extensive knowledge in customer service automation, market research, and team building, Aubrey combines his skills to organize and develop the contact center to meet the needs of the evolving industry.

Aubrey spends his weekends with his wife and three children. "

Patrick Kimbley

est. 2017

Director of Account Management

"Patrick brings over 10 years of experience in leadership and team management to New Leaf. With a background as a manager for a large, national appliance retailer, Patrick combines his knowledge of retail management and project development to oversee the design, implementation and day-to-day management of all New Leaf programs. Patrick enjoys spending his free time with his beautiful wife and children."

Cinthia Aguilera

est. 2017

Training & Development Manager

"Cinthia brings 10 years of industry knowledge and 5 years of quality assurance experience to the team. Cinthia oversees all introduction training and side-by-side coaching for all departments at New Leaf.

In her free time, Cinthia enjoys spending time with her children, family and friends."

Melissa Colberg

est. 2013

Claims & Service Network Manager

"Melissa has been with New Leaf since 2013 and began as an agent in the Contact Center. Since 2013, Melissa has rightfully earned multiple promotions and now oversees the entire Claims Department as well as Service Network. Melissa brings over 20 years of management and book-keeping experience to the team.

In her spare time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and watching her youngest son play hockey."

Mario Vilmenay

est. 2017

Contact Center Manager

"Mario brings over 15 years of managerial experience to New Leaf. Mario was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York where he learned the true value of providing exceptional customer service. As the Contact Center Manager, Mario is responsible for the day-to-day activity of the largest department at New Leaf as well as directly managing the Customer Care program. Mario has over 10 years of industry knowledge in service contracts, appliances, and extended service solutions.

In his spare time, Mario can be found in his garage working on cars, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends."

Allie Hicks

est. 2017

Sales & Marketing Manager

"Allie joined New Leaf in 2017 after graduating from McPherson College in Kansas, where she played collegiate soccer. Allie brings experience in applied research, communication, data analysis and team-building.

Allie joined the team as a claims agent and began to move through all departments at New Leaf before settling into sales and marketing.

In her free time, Allie enjoys spending time with her partner and two dogs, Ody and Brutus."