I’ve always been involved in agriculture. I grew up on my family’s grain farm near Andover SD, was active in FFA in high School, and earned an Ag. Business degree at SDSU. I also attended Missouri Auction College and became an Auctioneer. Upon returning from SDSU in 1986, I began to take over management duties on the farm alongside my Brother-in-law. I worked for my family’s custom harvesting operation for 11 years, where I learned the importance of customer service. I have been active in Ag Policy Development for over 30 years, first as a delegate to the South Dakota Farm Bureau conventions, then as a member of South Dakota Wheat Inc board of Directors, and the National Association of Wheat Growers board of directors. During my time on the NAWG board, we worked on foundational policy development for the 2002 and 2008 farm bills. After stepping away from farming in 2001, I began selling residential, commercial, and agricultural real estate before getting into Crop Insurance sales and service in 2003.
My duties in the office revolve around understanding rules and changes in crop insurance and farm programs. Crop insurance policies are complex and there are times when farmers, adjusters, underwriters, and agents have different interpretations of terms of the insurance contract. I concentrate on understanding the key terms that affect our customers. I try to develop ways to explain crop insurance and make it more understandable to our customers. In the rare instances when an insurance provider or RMA makes a determination that we think is in error, I assist the customers in presenting information to appeal the determination.
I still reside on the family farm near Andover with my awesome wife Louise, and my eight children. I spend a few weekends a year helping with auction sales. I really enjoy getting out of the office and visiting our customers on their farms.
I work with a great team here at Groton Ag Partners, we all have our strengths, we work well together, and we are all dedicated to providing superior service for every customer.
