Lori J. Mickelson Agency - American Family Insurance opens in New Ulm
By SERRA MUSCATELLO Journal Staff WriterArticle Photos
NEW ULM - Lori J. Mickelson Agency - American Family Insurance - opened Oct. 1 at 1401 S. Broadway in New Ulm.
Mickelson joined with American Family Insurance in July. A month later, she went through the company's training program.
"It's an amazing company," said Mickelson, "It's a multi-line company, so it offers a lot of solutions for people that are looking for protection for their family. It's a very passionate company they're very conservative in the way that they do things - which is a good thing. They're not growing too fast where they can't support themselves. It's a very sound company. The people are really great to work with and work for... they are very supportive and have a very good reputation in the industry."
When Mickelson joined with American Family Insurance, there was an opportunity to come to New Ulm to have an office.
"It's a new location, it's not a brand new agency," said Mickelson.
Nathan Korhonen, an American Family Insurance agent who had an office at 1700 N. State St., was promoted to a sales support unit in Madison, Wis.
Mickelson said she has been entrusted with some existing policies that were formerly with Korhonen.
"I really wanted an opportunity to expand our agency, so we needed a little bit more space and room," said Mickelson.
Mickelson grew up in Lanesboro, near Rochester.
"I grew up on dairy farm," said Mickelson, "So I am definitely from the country. I'm very passionate about agriculture. I'm very comfortable with the rural community."
She earned a degree in psychology from Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) - in Marshall.
While she was in Marshall, she began working for the Schwan Food Company - primarily with leadership, management and instruction. She worked therefor about nine years.
She then decided to join the finance industry. She worked for HSBC in a mortgage division for about a year. In this job, she helped people refinance their homes. She tried to help them come up with a financial plan to help them become debt-free without filing bankruptcy. She also helped them maintain their credit, Mickelson said.
"That's where I kind of got interested in the insurance side, because with the mortgages - we'd protect the loans," said Mickelson.
She decided that because she was more passionate about protecting people she wanted pursue the insurance field.
"That's when I decided to get licensed, so I went and took my life and health, property and casualty licenses," said Mickelson.
She will be completing her securities license in the next couple of months.
Throughout high school Mickelson was active in FFA, 4-H, FLA/FHA, and the pep squad. She also joined the March of Dimes as a representative.
"I have a lot of non-profit organizations that I still support and am a part of," said Mickelson.
She presently a home in Tracy. She plans to continue commuting until the housing market turns around and she can sell her home and buy a home in New Ulm.
Dawn Turbes works as an agent assistant at the Lori J. Mickelson Agency.
American Family products include personal insurance, life insurance, commercial insurance and health insurance. The company also offers annual reviews and second opinions on coverage.
Mickelson hold an open house from noon to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14 and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. Prizes and refreshments will be provided.
Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments can also be made for other times, Mickelson said.
"I'm just excited to be here (in New Ulm)," said Mickelson, "Just to get to know people and become part of the community. Everybody's been just really, really welcoming."
