Photo by Wanda Hanson
Danielle Luhmann wants to take care of people and make sure they are protected; working as an insurance agent for Country Financial feels like a perfect fit for her. She has been working for the company for 10 months. Danielle has a lot of previous customer service experience. In the past she has worked for the Dakota Post Office, the Kwik Trip in Rushford, and in Good Shepherd Lutheran Home’s medical records.
When Danielle was looking for a job that was more family friendly, she was happy to find Country Financial. The company has a strong focus on family values. It was created by a group of farmers 100 years ago to help families in 1925. Her new job provides Danielle flexibility when she needs to take time for her family. “It’s very family oriented, if you have something for your family going on, you can go,” Danielle enthused.
Danielle took an online course to prepare her for state exams. She needed to take one exam on property and casualty and another on life and health insurance. According to Danielle, it’s rare for an agent to pass the exams the first time, but she did so successfully. She can now serve clients in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.
District Leader Ed Beaver, who has an office in Rochester, helps Danielle with any questions she has as she gains experience in the industry. Luhmann offers auto, home, life, health and farm insurance to her clients.
One of her biggest successes was being able to write her first farm policy on her own. She knew the procedure, but actually doing it on her own was another experience.
According to Danielle, one of her biggest and most difficult challenges is that the company name is not well known in the Rushford area. She found the company when she was looking for personal recommendations for coverage herself.
Danielle has been working to get her company name known. Her business cards emphasize family and include a picture of her own family. She has been getting out and talking to people; one of her goals is to visit businesses in town as well. She’s dropped off treats and business cards at M&M and in Winona as well. Before school started, she hosted a teacher appreciation at Escobars.
According to Luhmann, Country Financial is one of the most financially stable insurance companies. A recent client said it had the best rate he’s found. Danielle encourages her clients to spread the word about their own rates to others in the community.
Luhmann wants to help people find the right coverage and wants them to understand that their needs change over time. “Life insurance needs are fluid,” Danielle explained. “The person’s time of life and family obligations change.” She encourages clients to contact her when changes happen in their lives.
Danielle has been married to her husband Ryan for five and a half years. Ryan is originally from the area; Danielle is from the Dakota/Nodine area. They have a three-year-old son named Elliot and a one-year-old daughter named Addie. The family added a puppy named Bruno at Christmas.
In her free time, Danielle enjoys baking and relaxing with her family. For her a perfect day would include getting her nails done and having a relaxing massage.
Danielle is in the process of hiring her husband to work with her. Ryan would do marketing and get clients initial information; Danielle would then speak with the clients and write the policies for them.
People are gradually getting to know Danielle and Country Financial. Luhmann has a website www.countryfinancial.com/danielle.luhmann as well as a Facebook page: Danielle Luhmann Country Financial. Her office is located at 215 South Elm Street in Rushford. She can be found in the office Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at other times by appointment.
Danielle encourages area residents to stop in to get to know her and learn more about the services she offers.
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