As farming interests begin to resemble those of corporations, Minnesota insurance agent Donna Yokiel is at the forefront of helping clients in her rural town of Wells adapt.
Yokiel, 55, began working for Wells Insurance Agency in 2001 where she brought a farming background to her new line of work in her hometown. Having grown up on a farm with pigs, cow and chickens, Yokiel is an invaluable asset to Wells, which still deals heavily in agricultural interests including small and large farms, land, crop, automobile commercial and health insurance.
“It’s a nice community to work in,” Yokiel told the
Albert Lea Tribune. “I feel very fortunate to work here.”
As an agent, she has had the chance to form new relationships with residents she didn’t know before. She’s also staying ahead of some of the changes to come to the farming community, as younger people begin to take over Minnesota farming operations.
“It’s quite cool to see,” she said of the generational change.
And as to the difference in farm life today, Yokiel says, “It has gotten bigger. Now it’s more of a corporation.”
This means adjusting to a new set of risk management skills – one that requires more of her time and attention. She told the paper she is busy with customers all day, every day, though October through January are the busiest months with health insurance issues.
Since joining as an agent, Yokiel says she has grown significantly in her position and builds her book of business by encouraging clients to ask questions and refer friends to the agency.
“Now I have a lot of knowledge about insurance, continue to learn and work with a great group of people here,” she said.
Others in the community appreciate both Wells Insurance Agency and Yokiel.
“We’re a rural community, and farming is important to our community,” said Chuck Schulenberg, vice president of Wells Federal Bank, which serves the town and surrounding area. “It’s a need.”
Yokiel lives in Easton, Minnesota and has three grown children: Scott, Stacie and Katie.
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