OUR TEAM

Bryce Nelson

Risk Advisor

Education/Industry Training: B.A. in Finance from University of Northern Colorado

Personal Accomplishments/Recognition:10 years of experience in Commercial Insurance

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy traveling, camping, exercising, and most of all spending time with my amazing wife and daughter.

Favorite Movie: Mad Max Fury Road and Interstellar

Favorite Quote: “Choose not to be harmed—and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed—and you haven’t been.” ― Marcus Aurelius

Stacey Bean

Client Service Advocate

Education/Industry Training: 25 years+ working in the Health Care Industry. Licensed in Property and Casualty Insurance.

Personal Accomplishments/Recognition: Married my high school sweetheart, Mike and a Proud Mother of our two incredible adult children, Taylor and Tory.

Hobbies/Interest: Love to travel, read, finding treasures thrifting, party planning, just being creative, spending time with the family, especially my granddaughter Mavey.

Favorite Movie: Napoleon Dynamite

Favorite Quote: “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” Winne the Pooh

Justin Berg

Risk Advisor

Education/Industry Training: Bachelors Degree from SCSU in Recreation Sports Management.

Personal Accomplishments/Recognition: 4-year college degree, Wapicada Golf Club BOD Officer, Licensed Insurance Agent.

Community Involvement: Sauk Centre Meals on Wheels, Sauk Centre Chamber of Commerce.

Hobbies/Interests: Anything sports related.

Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption.

Favorite Quote: Don’t give up…. Don’t ever give up.

Sheryl Braun, CISR Elite

Client Service Advocate

Education/Industry Training: St. Cloud State University: 1990 – Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Insurance Agent – continuing education in personal lines.

Personal Accomplishments / Recognition: I have been married to Jim since 1991 and we have 10 children. Pacesetter Program for CSR’s – Oct. 2016, CISR Elite Designation.

Community Involvement: Our family does foster care for Stearns County, Active in church and youth activities

Hobbies/Interests: Walking/hiking, Travel – when I can get away on vacation, Watching my children’s sports games Watching ole’ western movies

Favorite Movie: John Wayne: McClintok

Favorite Quote: “Life is about choices, and the choices we make, define who we become.” – I tell this to my kids all the time.

Carrie Kloss

Risk Advisor

Sarai Botello

Client Service Advocate

Personal Accomplishments: Mom of three wonderful children Miranda, Melanie, and Milo.

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending quality time with family & friends.

Favorite Movie: Mr.& Mrs. Smith

Favorite Quote: “In the Middle of Every Difficulty lies Opportunity.” Albert Einstein.

Mera Martinez

Client Service Advocate

Andy Otremba

Risk Advisor

Education/Industry Training: Licensed in Property, Casualty, Health & Life insurance.

Personal Accomplishments / Recognition: Married to my wife Karen and our 3 kids, Isabelle, Isaac and Owen.

Community Involvement: President of the St Marys of Mt Carmel Faith and Ed board, Long Prairie Chamber board member, Organize the Holes to heaven ice fishing derby, Long Prairie High school track coach.

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my wife and our 3 kids, we all love to be in the woods or on the water but if the kids challenge be to a game on the Xbox I can’t say no. Personally I love to hunt, fish and golf.

Favorite Movie: Rudy, The Power of one and The Princess Bride

Favorite Quote: “I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, he will not ask, ‘How many good things have you done in your life?’ rather he will ask, ‘How much love did you put into what you did?” – Mother Teresa

DeAnna Opsal

Client Service Advocate

Education/Industry Training: Anoka Technical College. Over 20 years working in Medical offices and claim processing. Licensed in Life, Health, Property & Casualty Insurance.

Personal Accomplishments / Recognition: Married to my husband Dan since 1988

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with Family, Camping, Photography, Flower Gardening, Bowling, Antiquing

Favorite Movie: Anything with Audrey Hepburn

Favorite Quote: Life is too short to wait

Mark Buntjer

Risk Advisor / Ag Specialist

Education: Animal Science Degree. U of M St.Paul.  25+ years of Farming/Ag experience.  Licensed In Property and Casualty.

Personal Accomplishments / Recognitions: Have been Blessed to be Married since 1994 to my lovely wife Kim. 5 children ages 4-19.  Have been Blessed to be involved in Farming all of my life.

Community: St. Mary’s Church, Knights of Columbus, Todd County Livestock Advisory Council, 4-H, Todd county Ag Society.

Matt Mitzel

Risk Advisor

Education/Industry Training: College degree in Business Management/Golf Operations.

Personal Accomplishments / Recognition: A beautiful wife and two great kids.

Community Involvement: Long Prairie Country Club Board of Directors.  Little League Coach.

Hobbies/Interests: Hunting/Fishing/Golf

Favorite Movie: Good Will Hunting

Favorite Quote: “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”  — John Woo

Norma Hernandez

Client Service Advocate

Education/Industry Training: Licensed in Property & Casualty

Personal Accomplishments / Recognition: Married to my husband Jose and our two kids Sophia & Alex.

Community Involvement: St. Mary of Mount Carmel Catholic School board member.

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family and friends. Reading and walking.

Favorite Movie: Miracles from Heaven

Favorite Quote: “ Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with GREAT love” Saint Mother Teresa

Soledad Botello

Client Service Advocate

Education/Industry Training: Licensed in property and casualty insurance.

Personal Accomplishments/Recognition: Proud mom of 2 wonderful children.

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Favorite Movie: The Pursuit of Happyness.

Favorite Quote: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better” – Maya Angelou

Dan Fiedler

Risk Advisor

Education/Industry Training: Holdingford HS Grad class of 84 SCSU Grad 1989 Major in Finance and minor in Econ Insurance License in Nov 1993 Annual continuing education

Personal Accomplishments/Recognition: Along with my wife, we raised three outstanding children

Community Involvement: Involved with the Husker Booster Club and Holdingford Chamber Hobbies/Interests: Golf, fishing, kayaking, warm weather and mowing lawn

Favorite Movie: Pulp Fiction or Shawshank Redemption

Favorite Quote Do not give in to the war within. And some people should use a glue stick instead of chapstick.

Ross Voit

Risk Advisor

Years with the Agency:

Since 1985

Years in the Industry:

Since 1985

Education/Training:

• Property Casualty License: 1985
• Accident/Health/Life License: 1985
• Annual Continuing Education

Community Involvement:

• Past Board Member of the Albany Area Hospital
• Past Board Member of Albany Boys Basketball Association
• Current Chairman of Albany City Park Board
• Past President & Current Board Member of Albany Lions Club

Andy Noble

Risk Advisor/ President

Education/Industry Training: B.S. in Business Administration- Minnesota State University, Moorhead (Moorhead State University when I attended, Go DRAGONS!). Licensed in Property, Casualty, Life and Health Insurance. CLCS designation.

Personal Accomplishments/Recognition: Three great kids that I love to see grow into their own in their teen and pre-teen years! My hair shall be turning grey soon!

Community Involvement: St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, BNI Ambassador, Youth sports coach in Sartell, Chair of the 2018 Central MN Farm Show.

Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans

Favorite Quote: “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?”

Robbie Plombon, CISR

Client Service Advocate

Education/Industry Training: Attended St Cloud State University, 25+ years of P & C Insurance experience with the CISR Designation for Insurance.

Personal Accomplishments / Recognition: I’m married to my husband Ken with two grown boys and five grandkids (so much fun!)

Community Involvement: I’m a member of the St Cloud Chamber of Commerce, FEW and bell ringing for the Salvation Army

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my Family, Boating, Zumba and Sunny Vacations

Favorite Movie: Sleepless in Seattle

Favorite Quote: “Surround yourself with positive people.” – Melanie Fiona

Amanda Austin

Client Service Advocate - Benefits Specialist

Education/Industry Training: B.S. in Business – St. Cloud State. Licensed in Property & Casualty since 2004 and Health since 2017. Hold CISR, CIC & CRM designations.

Personal Accomplishments / Recognition: Married since 2005. Mom to 4 (2 boys & twin girls). Graduate of the St Cloud Leadership Program (2016-17).

Community Involvement: Salvation Army, United Way, & Anna Marie’s Alliance. Active volunteer at my children’s school. Board member of the Albany Boys Basketball Association

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with family & friends. Love watching my kids participate in their activities (sports, swimming, etc…).  I also enjoy reading, playing volleyball, being outdoors, completing projects around the house, & traveling.

Favorite Movie: The Italian Job

Favorite Quote: “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, either way you are right” – Henry Ford

Beth Fiedler, CISR Elite

Client Service Advocate

Education/Industry Training: A.A.S degree in accounting from Rasmussen Business College, Licensed agent since 2000, acquired my CISR designation in 2004 Currently working on my Elite.

Personal Accomplishments / Recognition: Have been married to my husband Jeff for over 20 years. Have two wonderful adult boys Jason and TJ.

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy Camping, Golfing and Sewing

Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans

Favorite Quote: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world”

Carmen Honken

Client Service Advocate

Education/Industry Training: A.A.S. Degree in Business Management/Sales and Marketing from Rasmussen Business College. Licensed in Property and Casualty Insurance.

Personal Accomplishments/Recognition: Married for almost 19 years and raising 3 beautiful children.

Community Involvement: Youth Ministry and Volunteer work at my local church

Hobbies/Interests: Fitness, Gardening, Decorating, Home Interior, Reading, Outdoor Activities, and spending as much time as I can with my family

Favorite Movie: Shrek Series

Favorite Quote: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)

Jordan Hess

Risk Advisor

Education/Industry Training: Attended St. Cloud State University for English.  Licensed in Property, Casualty, Life & Health Insurance

Personal Accomplishments/Recognition: One-time “Employee of the Month” – Hoping to repeat very soon!

Community Involvement: Member of North Star Networking, planning committee board member for the annual Jerome Hess Memorial golf event benefiting Quiet Oaks Hospice.

Hobbies/Interests: Fishing, Golfing, Family, Reading, Hockey

Favorite Movie: The Pink Panther (1963)

Favorite Quote: “The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.” -Fyodor Dostoevsky “The Brothers Karamazov”

Brian Jarl, CIC

Risk Advisor

Education/Training: Graduate of Bethel University with a Marketing degree. Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) with annual updates. Recently recognized as a CIC for 15+ years.

Personal Accomplishments/Recognition: Married to my beautiful wife, Cheryl since 1991 and we have two wonderful adult children, Jonathan & Bethany.  I was recently recognized as a CIC for 10 years.

Community Involvement: Past Chair of the Waite Park Chamber & Top Hatters for the St. Cloud Chamber. Past President of the Granite City Rotary. Deacon at Calvary Community Church and head of the greeters. Volunteered on the golf committee for the Central MN Youth for Christ.  Annually ring the Salvation army Bells.

Hobbies/Interests: Going for a walk with my wife. Spending time up at the lake in Northern, MN with family. Enjoy golfing & fishing, even though I don’t do either very well!

Favorite Movie: Hard to pick just 1, so the ones that kept coming up were Tommy Boy, Top Gun, Facing the Giants & Star Wars!

Favorite Quote: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.  Hebrews 11:1

Jill Monson

Client Service Advocate

Education/Industry Training: 2-year AAS Degree in Legal Administrative from Saint Cloud Technical and Community College. Licensed in Insurance since 2016.

Personal Accomplishments/Recognition: Buying 40 Acres of land in the country and building our dream home on it.

Community Involvement: Town Clerk for Lakin Township

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, music, and road trips!

Favorite Movie: Hard to pick just one. Top Three – 8 Seconds, The Outsiders, and Dirty Dancing

Favorite Quote: “If you don’t think every day is a good day, just try missing one.” – Cavett Robert

Bonnie Martin

Agency Accountant

Education/Industry Training: Baylor University BBA Finance/Accounting

Personal Accomplishments / Recognition: Past Chairman of the Board for the Stearns County Medical Alliance, Past Chairman of the Board for the St. Cloud Christian School, Proud Mother of Three Adult Daughters and one Son-in-law.

Community Involvement: Hospice Volunteer – CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital, No One Dies Alone Volunteer – CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital, Woman Support Groups, BSF (Bible Study Fellowship)

Hobbies/Interests: Anything involving Family and Friends, Golfing, Reading, Gardening, Movies, Biking, Knitting, and Drinking Coffee

Favorite Movie: The Intern, The Wedding Planner

Favorite Quote: We are not here to wait for the STORM to pass but to learn to DANCE in the RAIN With God all things are possible.

Cheryl Johnson, CISR Elite

Client Service Advocate

Education/Training: Attended St Cloud State University; Licensed in Property & Casualty since 2007; Licensed in Life & Health since 2008; earned my CISR designation in 2012; earned my CISR Elite designation in 2016. I currently work on Commercial lines accounts, including bonding and I am a Notary!

Personal Accomplishments / Recognition: Proud mom of my two adult children, Christopher & Nicholas.

Community Involvement: Sartell High School music program, especially marching band.

Hobbies/Interests: Reading (I’m never without a book), cross-stitch and spending time with the family when we’re able!

Favorite Movie: “Not Without My Daughter” starring Sally Field

Favorite Quote: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.”  Christopher Robin to Winnie-the-Pooh

Matt Plombon

Risk Advisor

Education/Industry Training: Licensed in Property, Casualty, Health & Life insurance. I also have a designation as a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist.

Personal Accomplishments / Recognition: Married for 12 years to my wife Lisa and have 4 children ages from 19 months to 10 years old.

Community Involvement: Member of the shop STMA (St. Michael-Albertville) business group. Also a member of the I-94 Networker’s (Rogers, St. Michael, Monticello area).

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family. Watching and playing sports. Hunting, Fishing and Boating on the Mississippi River.

Favorite Movie: Field of Dreams

Favorite Quote: Don’t let what you can’t do stop you from what you can do. – John Wooden

Patti Seward

Client Service Advocate

Education/Industry Training: Graduate of Alexandria Technical College. Licensed in Property & Casualty insurance.

Personal Accomplishments / Recognition: Married to my husband Rick and two wonderful children.

Community Involvement: St Cloud Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army Bell Ringing

Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family & friends, reading & gardening.

Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans

Favorite Quote: “Other things may change us, but we start and end with family.” Anthony Brandt

Anne Pressnall

Client Service Advocate

Education/Industry Training: B.S in Business Management with an emphasis in HR – St. Cloud State University.  SHRM-CP. Licensed in Property and Casualty Insurance

Personal Accomplishments/Recognition: Married since 2010 with 2 little boys. Graduate of the St. Cloud Chamber Leadership Program (2016-17)

Community Involvement: Central MN SHRM, Chair of the Volleyball Bash for a Cure non-profit

Favorite Movie: Top Gun

Favorite Quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Carolyn Curfman

Client Service Advocate

Education / Industry Training: Licensed in Property & Casualty Insurance

Personal Accomplishments / Recognition: Healthy Happy Family

Hobbies / Interests: Music, Painting, & bargain shopping!

Favorite Quote: “Love can change a person the way a parent can change a baby- awkwardly and often with a great deal of mess”- Lemony Snicket

Cheryl Jarl

Client Service Advocate

Education/Industry Training: BA Bethel University, Business Marketing & Management.

Personal Accomplishments/Recognition: Married the greatest man and raised 2 great kids.

Community Involvement: Calvary Community Church – Women’s Ministries.

Hobbies/Interests: Home decor, styling our home, repurposing vintage architecture.

Favorite Movie: Parent Trap and Maverick.

Favorite Quote: “Do right. Do your best. Treat others as you want to be treated” – Lou Holtz.

Robin Mergen

Client Service Advocate

Education/Industry Training: Graduated from Alexandria Tech with an Associates degree in Business Management      

Community Involvement: I have been working at my local amateur baseball teams concessions stand since I was 12 and haven’t missed a summer since!

Hobbies/Interests: Lately Pheasant hunting has been taking up my weekends and soon deer hunting will as well. I love the outdoors, pheasant hunting with my dogs especially!

Favorite Movie: Goodfellas (1990)

Favorite Quote: “Nothing changes if nothing changes”

Geoff Martinson

Risk Advisor

Education/Industry Training: B.S. Degree from Bemidji State University Health, Life AD&D licensed

Personal Accomplishments/Recognition: Voted Captain in football in college, worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN for 20+ years prior to joining Advantage One

Hobbies/Interests: Enjoy sports, hunting, fishing, grilling, and spending time with family and friends.

Favorite Movie: Gladiator, Top Gun (first one), Dumb and Dumber

Favorite Quote: “Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.  One died for your soul; the other for your freedom.”

Steve Klaverkamp

Risk Advisor

Morgan Long

Client Service Advocate

Education/Industry Training: Accounting degree from the College of Saint Benedict
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family, going to meat raffles or bingo, and reading!
Favorite Movie: The Last Song

Owen Peterson, CIC

Retired – Consultant

Years with the Agency:

Since 1994

Years in the Industry:

Since 1974

Education/Training:

• Graduate of Hamline University
• Property Casualty License: 1974
• Accident/Health/Life License: 1974
• CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor): 1991
• Annual Continuing Education

Community Involvement:

• Past President and current member of MN Independent Insurance Agent Association
• Past President and current member of Kiwanis Club
• Chair of various Chamber of Commerce committees
• Numerous Church Positions

Ted Plombon

Retired – Consultant

Education/Industry Training: Licensed agent since 1979. Certified Insurance Counselor and LUTC training. Independent Trusted Choice agent since 1994.

Personal Accomplishments / Recognition: Married to my wife Kim since 1980, and 2 great daughters, Brooke and Brianna

Community Involvement: Chaired the Governmental Affairs Division of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as a Top Hatter volunteer.

Hobbies/Interests: Waterskiing, Racquet Ball, Golf, Motorcycling and Hiking.

Favorite Movie: Papillion