Firm Foundations serves clients throughout Northern California, Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon. We prioritize trust by listening to your needs and goals. We educate on your options and guide you in securing the best value with compliant plans, all while offering exceptional service and tools for your success.

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The Team

Our well-rounded, diligent team at Firm Foundations strives to be wildly dependable and sharp. From prior work and life experiences to the knowledgeable, high-caliber service displayed today, the effort and genuine relationships with our clients are happily maintained.  

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The Brokers

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​​                        Dale E. Penne, RHU 

                        President, A Firm Foundation, Inc.

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​​​​"My family has had its healthcare challenges over the years. These personal situations and business experiences have given me a perspective that has changed who I am today. I started Firm Foundations because I enjoy helping others save money and find value. I know health insurance is important in our lives and that people need help, want help, and don't always know how to get it."

Dale was born and raised in Red Bluff, CA. His diverse and varied background gives him the unique ability to view our clients' benefits, concerns, and management needs from a 360-degree perspective while offering value and innovative solutions. After over 25 years of serving the community in other businesses, he saw an opportunity to become a licensed health insurance broker to help prevent people from going through the misfortune he and his family endured. In 2011, Dale created the Firm Foundations Insurance & Benefits Center.

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                        Stuart Kurtz

                        Individual Account Manager

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​I am a Marine Corps veteran and proud graduate of Chico State, driven by a deep desire to help others and make a meaningful impact in my community. After serving my country and completing my education, I found my calling in the health insurance industry, where I use my attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and commitment to service to guide individuals and families through the often complex and confusing world of healthcare coverage. Selling health insurance isn’t just a career for me—it’s a way to continue serving by ensuring people get the support, clarity, and protection they need to live healthier, more secure lives.

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                        Melissa Dunn

                        Group Account Manager​

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​​My family roots run deep in Butte County. I was raised in Oroville and am proud to be a Chico State graduate. Serving this community is both a privilege and a personal mission. Navigating employee benefits can be overwhelming—that’s where I come in. I’m passionate about helping individuals and businesses make sense of the complex world of health insurance. My goal is to simplify the details, provide clear guidance, and take the stress out of the process. If I can spend a few minutes helping someone understand their options and save them an hour of frustration, I’m all in. Customer service isn’t just a priority—it’s the heart of what I do. I bring a well-rounded perspective to every conversation, with experience on all three sides of the group health plan world. My career history includes working with a national insurance carrier, assisting with benefits in a large employer’s HR department, and serving as a licensed broker. This background helps me anticipate needs, answer questions thoroughly, and find solutions that work.

My goal is to build lasting partnerships through reliable service, honest communication, and trusted guidance.​​​​​​​​​​​​​