Badger Beacon - April 2020

BADGER BEACON BADGER MUTUAL INSURANCE EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER

APRIL 2020

2020 EMPLOYEE CHRISTMAS PARTY Members of our Accounts & Accounting departments taking a quick break from this year’s Christmas party to snap this great pic!

L to R: Toula Hellauer, Debbie Podlesnik, Mark Michna, Lisa Semski, Mark Miresse, Rose Hoban & Jenny Zubek

WHAT’S INSIDE

APRIL 2020

call 800.837-7833

02.

Employee Events

11.

Reaching Out to The Community

08.

Agency Spotlight

12.

Badger Family

09.

Agent Events

16.

Kudos & Holiday Hours

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APRIL 2020 NEWSLETTER

EMPLOYEE EVENTS STILL DELIVERING SUPERIOR SERVICE WITH HEART We understand the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation is impacting individuals and businesses in unprecedented ways. Although most of our employees were already set up to work remotely, we have temporarily transitioned to a mostly remote work environment to keep them healthy and safe and do our part to flatten the curve. We are incredibly proud of how empathetically and compassionately our employees have responded to our agents' and policyholders' questions and concerns during this time promptly responding to each call and email with careful consideration.

With increased sensitivity to the challenges our policyholders are facing, we have been working behind-thescenes to customize a variety of long-term, flexible solutions that provide relief for both personal and commercial policyholders during this time. Please reference our recent agency bulletin for more details: AZ | IA | ID | IL | MI | MN | NV | UT | WI | WY

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY On January 18, in the spirit of the holiday season, employees and their guests gathered at the Wisconsin Club City Club to celebrate the successful past year, an exciting new year, and the successes we have achieved as a Badger family.

Nikki Alston (middle) with guest Melissa and Cassandra Kirk

Brian Wiza & Mary Pat Fenton Chad & Roy Bubeck

Kelly & Ryan Becker

Gary and Eileen Diener

Dave Wade & Sue Martin

BEACON APRIL 2020

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APRIL 2020 NEWSLETTER

EMPLOYEE EVENTS

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY CONT’D Laura Michna: “Raise your hand if you love the Christmas Party!”

Tom Boser & Chris Centeno Chelsea Sanchez, Joe & Eli Macaluso, and guest Michael Arrigo

Alex & John Szulczewski with guest Carol Meyer

Christina Seitz, Paul Gossett, Joe Seitz, Megan Evens & Kelly Blizzard

Patty Allender, Lisa Cuevas & Roxy Grabarczyk

Rosanne & Paul Kubicek

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APRIL 2020 NEWSLETTER

EMPLOYEE EVENTS #BIGMOVES UPDATE!

While we have all faced our fair share of twists, turns, and unexpected events this quarter, our timeline to move into our new office at The 42 in early summer 2020 has thankfully remained on track.

EARLY JANUARY Sean Costello’s son, Colin, scoping out the place one last time before the construction crew starts their work.

MARCH 3 Claiming our territory: our Executive and guest parking spots are assigned in The 42’s private lot.

MARCH 20 Construction begins!

The main entrance to our two-story unit and opening for the “social staircase” that connects the two floors are constructed.

APRIL 2 Drywall is up!

APRIL 7 Making a statement in downtown Milwaukee with signage officially installed on the east (facing Fiserv Forum) and west sides of The 42.

NEXT UP: More construction, furniture, and finishing touches!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn to stay in the loop on any updates.

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APRIL 2020 NEWSLETTER

EMPLOYEE EVENTS

2020 TV COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION & DEBUT No Milwaukee Brewers quite yet, but that won’t stop us from releasing our 2020 TV commercial for FOX Sports Wisconsin!

Released on what would have been Opening Day at Miller Park, March 26, this commercial is our favorite yet, highlighting the value of our compassionate, knowledgeable independent agents.

You could say our agents are an extension of us… literally.

Check it out!

While our Systems Analyst, Brian, did not make an appearance in this year’s commercial, his daughter, Ainsley, used a day off of school as an opportunity to shadow the production crew. #ShowBiz – it runs in the family.

Some behind-the-scenes action during production day in early March:

And, of course, it wouldn’t be a full day of production without an entertaining blooper reel.

BEACON APRIL 2020

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APRIL 2020 NEWSLETTER

EMPLOYEE EVENTS

#SOCIALLYDISTANTSNACKING The Badger Mutual home office staff enjoying some takeout while observing proper social distancing: Restaurant: Club Charlie’s - Milwaukee, WI Agent: Bedford Underwriters

As we continue to hear how incredibly difficult these times are for our local small business owners – many of them being Badger policyholders – we couldn’t help but step in and help. Which is how we began our #SociallyDistantSnacking social media campaign! What started off as lunch orders from local policyholders for the skeleton crew in our home office grew into takeout multiple times a week, gift card raffles, agent collaborations, and a huge boost in both employee and policyholder morale. So far, we have featured 13 policyholders and we look forward to more in the future! Contact your Regional Manager to learn more about how you can help.

Sean Costello and his son Colin picking up dinner: Restaurant: Pourvino Winebar & Bistro Grafton, WI Agent: Goetsch Bucholtz, Inc.

Melissa Theisen picking up Friday night takeout: Restaurant: BrazenHead Pub - West Bend, WI Agent: First Associated Insurance Agencies

Makayla McGinnis gives a big thumbs up to Friday Fish Fry: Restaurant: Tally Ho Pub & Grill - Hartland, WI Agent: Billy Brown Insurance Services

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APRIL 2020 NEWSLETTER

EMPLOYEE EVENTS

#SOCIALLYDISTANTSNACKING Cont’d

Dan Wolfgram and Paul Gossett picking up lunch: Restaurant: Wauwatiki - Wauwatosa, WI Agent: CRG Services, Inc.

Regional Manager of our AZ territory, Kelly Blizzard, loves supporting our local businesses... and rubbing the warm AZ weather in our face.

Restaurant: Worth Takeaway - Mesa, AZ Agent: The Ambassador Group Anders Ekblad and his family picked up dinner: Restaurant: Anvil Pub - Cedarburg, WI Agent: The Ladd Agency

Dan Nigro picked up some fish fry takeout: Restaurant: Precinct Tab & Table Germantown, WI Agent: MacGillis Insurance Agency

Aubree Reidinger and her fiancé practiced social distancing while enjoying takeout: Restaurant: Dick & Joan’s Supper Club Appleton, WI Agent: Van Dyn Hoven Insurance Agency

Dan Nigro taking advantage of curbside pickup: Restaurant: The Stillery - Richfield, WI Agent: Billy Brown Insurance Services

Hartauer Insurance Agency picked up a Badger-sponsored lunch for their office: Restaurant: Ziggy’s - Marseilles, IL

Takeout tested & approved by Chad & Kathy Bubeck’s granddaughter: Restaurant: The Patio - Port Washington, WI Agent: American Advantage - Nelson AgencyI

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APRIL 2020 NEWSLETTER

AGENCY SPOTLIGHT INSURANCE AGENCY

WISER INSURANCE AGENCY – Mound, MN Appointed November 1, 2008

An interview with Jim Robinette, owner of Wiser Insurance Agency: A Brief Agency History Agency owners Jim Robinette and Jack Diesing founded Wiser Insurance Agency in 1995 with one other producer. We worked hard to provide a valuable service to our community and build personnel relationships with each of our customers. Jack retired in 2017, moving back to Omaha, NE, where he grew up. He enjoys time there with his children and grandkids. We miss his sense of humor at the office.....”GO BIG RED!” Today, Wiser Insurance Agency has added two additional principals, Steve Kvam and Jason Zattler, plus two producers, Ron Carlson and Jim Jones.

Why do you enjoy working in insurance?

We enjoy building relationships with individuals and families in our community, providing help, guidance, and protection.

Jim Robinette: Fast Facts!

Growing up, I wanted to be a: Professional Golfer My favorite activity is: Salt Water Fishing A hobby I would like to pick up if time and money weren’t issues: Small Aircraft Pilot Most interesting place I have been: 2008 Beijing Olympics

What do you like best about the agency?

Over the years, we have created a family environment helping each other succeed in the insurance business. We help each other, learn from each other, respect each other and have each other’s backs to make Wiser a successful and respected agency for Mound and other nearby communities.

What are you some reasons you enjoy working with Badger?

Badger Mutual has a caring heart to help both their Milwaukee community and our own Mound community. They have always matched my effort to give to my favorite charity over the years: Teens for Christ Ministry. We appreciate their commitment to our agency and the visits from our Regional Manager, Mike Haeger.

Do you have any favorite memories with Badger?

Being invited to Mesquite, NV, to the “Best of the West” golf outing 2009 & 2010 and the many friendships that started from those outings.

The next thing I want to cross off my bucket list: Exploring our National Parks in an RV Favorites Foods: Porterhouse Steak & Cheesecake Dream Vacation: African Safari Favorite Quote: “Never regret anything that made you smile.”

Agent Ross Carlson

Agency principals Steve Kvam, Jim Robinette, and Jason Zattler

Agent James Jones

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APRIL 2020 NEWSLETTER

AGENT EVENTS

Agent Ryan Fuhrman with his son Some of our underwriting team (L to R): Drew Falkner, Andy Laine, Savannah Stoewer, Kathy Kallenberger, and John Klauer

AGENT EVENT SERIES: MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY BASKETBALL Before sporting events sadly came to a halt, we were able to host several agency events at Fiserv Forum to watch the Marquette Golden Eagles men’s basketball team take on their NCAA opponents. Our Marquette agent event series resulted in 2 wins and 1 loss – including the National Marquette Day victory against No. 19 Butler Bulldogs.

Agents Scott Dahlstrom and Dan Dobkoski with Regional Manager Mary Pat Fenton

L to R: PL Supervisor John Klauer, Regional Manager Mike Haeger, President/CEO Dan Nigro, agent Greg Budzisz, and Diretor of Marketing Sean Costello

Agent Mike Carnell with Marketing Supervisor Melissa Theisen

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APRIL 2020 NEWSLETTER

AGENT EVENTS

Agent George Markopoulos with an Expo attendee at the Badger booth

2020 MIDWEST FOODSERVICE EXPO We always have something fun to raffle off! Two local business owners won our custom Badger bags set.

This year, our marketing team hosted a booth at our first-ever Midwest Foodservice Expo. Hosted by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association at the Wisconsin Center on March 9-11, the Expo gave us an opportunity to gauge the needs of the hospitality industry, meet local business owners, and allow our agents to build their clientele here in Milwaukee. Huge thanks to our local agents who tag-teamed our booth with us:

Rob Feest

Regional Managers Mary Pat Fenton & Mike Haeger – as you can see, having no fun at all!

Jim Frentz

George Markopoulos

BEACON APRIL 2020

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APRIL 2020 NEWSLETTER

REACHING OUT TO THE COMMUNITY

LA GALLERIA On February 19, in collaboration with the Bruce Guadalupe Community School and UCC Acosta Middle School, we hosted the 6th Annual La Galleria Celebration. This year, 11 student artists were honored at the event and had their artwork professionally framed.

There was one major change to this year’s La Galleria format: due to our upcoming move, instead of the art returning to Badger Mutual to decorate the walls of our home office, each piece was donated to the United Community Center to either decorate their building or be used for future silent auction fundraising efforts.

RISE WISH NIGHT 2020 – A VIRTUAL GALA The effects of the coronavirus pandemic have impacted all of us in some way, at varying levels. One situation that especially resonated with our Badger fam and the Milwaukee community is that of Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, who has postponed over 70 wishes during this global crisis and was forced to change their largest fundraising gala of the year to a virtual event. On Thursday, April 2, they hosted the event online, sharing inspiring stories of the power of a wish, ultimately raising over $575,000 throughout the course of the night. That’s enough to grant over 100 wishes!

QUARTERLY BLOOD DRIVE On February 27, Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin visited Badger for our quarterly blood drive. In one day, over 17 employees were able to donate, potentially saving over 50 lives.

As sponsors of the event, we had planned to have two tables at the inperson gala. Instead, we put on our comfy clothes (as if we ever changed out of them while working remotely), tuned into the Facebook live event, participated in the Silent Auction, and virtually cheers-ed our friends at Make-A-Wish for their dedication to granting wishes for local children battling life-threatening medical conditions.

BEACON APRIL 2020

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APRIL 2020 NEWSLETTER

BADGER FAMILY PROMOTION NEWS Congratulations to John, Jen, Lynn & Shelly for their well-deserved promotions:

John Klauer has been promoted to Personal Lines Supervisor effective February 1, 2020.

Jen Krier has been promoted to Commercial Lines Supervisor effective March 1, 2020.

John was hired in the Personal Lines department in December 2017.

Jen was hired in the Commercial Lines department in November 2017.

JOHN KLAUER

JEN KRIER

Shelly Cubias has been promoted to Senior Underwriter – Commercial Lines effective March 1, 2020.

Lynn Ludke has been promoted to Senior Underwriter – Personal Lines effective March 1, 2020.

Shelly was hired in the Commercial Lines department in June 1992.

Lynn was hired in the Personal Lines department in July 1990.

SHELLY CUBIAS

LYNN LUDKE

• Growing up, Alex wanted to be an architect.

NEW EMPLOYEE

• As a kid, his favorite activity was playing soccer – and it is still his favorite activity as an adult.

ALEX BREITBACH PERSONAL LINES INTERN Start Date: Feb. 27, 2020

• The most interesting place he has been is Guatemala, but his dream vacation would be visiting Austria.

• The next thing he wants to cross of his Bucket List is to attend a World Cup game (big soccer guy!).

• His favorite movie is “Good Will Hunting” and his favorite TV show is “How I Met Your Mother.”

• He cannot live without music and the song he always turns up the radio for is “September.”

BEACON APRIL 2020

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APRIL 2020 NEWSLETTER

BADGER FAMILY Congratulations!

Mark Miresse, ACAS Actuarial Analyst

Mark achieved his Associate of the Casualty Actuarial Society designation on January 15, 2020.

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BADGER BABIES There’s no doubt about it, the whole world could use a little joy right now - and we think Badger babies are the perfect fix!

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Jack, son of agent Dan MacLeod

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Davey, son of Dan McNeeley

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Maura, daughter of Sean Costello

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Percy & Evelyn, son and daughter of Abe Rohde

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Harper & Paisley, twin daughters of Kelly Becker

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Johannes, son of Anders Ekblad

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APRIL 2020 NEWSLETTER

BADGER FAMILY

Contratulations on your retirement!

STU WARRINGTON 21 Years as a Badger Mutual Insurance Director At the end of April, Board Member Stu Warrington will be retiring from the Badger Mutual Board of Directors. Stu was appointed to the Board on July 26, 1999, and has served for nearly 21 years.

Stu attended the University of Minnesota. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, he held the position of President/CEO at Strategic Data Systems prior to its acquisition by Inspire Insurance Solutions. He held positions as Vice President and Executive Vice President at Inspire Insurance Solutions until his retirement.

Stu, we appreciate all your hard work and dedication to this company. We wish you the best in your retirement!

BADGER BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES Apr 2 Apr 3 Apr 3 Apr 20 Apr 22 Apr 28 Apr 30 May 13 May 14 May 22 June 7 June 13 June 18 June 19 June 20 June 20 June 21 June 30 July 1 July 4 July 6 July 6

BIRTHDAYS

Lynn Ludke Alex Szulczewski Jeff Pierce Tyler Hamlin Laura Michna Melissa Theisen Matt Drobka Jenny Zubek Toula Hellauer Dan Filo Brian Wochele Jacky Bernal Mary Pat Fenton Chris Klemens Debbie Taylor Alex Breitbach Tyler Protz Doug Pedersen Jared Huntemann Javon Alston Sonia Perez Mark Zierer

P. Lines Claims C. Lines IT Asst. VP Mktg.

P. Lines Accts.

Accting Claims IT Claims Mktg.

Claims Accting P. Lines C. Lines Claims Claims Admin.

C. Lines Admin.

July 18 July 18 July 22 July 22 July 23 July 28

Lisa Cuevas Patty Allender Kevin Epel Abe Rohde Quinton Gustavson Andy Laine

Apr 1 Apr 4 Apr 14 Apr 24 Apr 26 Apr 29 Apr 30 May 6 May 11 May 11 May 15 May 15 May 16 May 16 May 18

Cassandra Kirk, Claims Greg Voigtschild, Claims Doug Pedersen, Claims Dali Kojic, Accts.

Kelly Jaynes, HR Darrin Groendal, Accting Kathy Kallenberger, P. Lines Kim Gateb, Claims Minu Perez, Claims Jared Huntemann, Claims Kevin Epel, Claims Rose Hoban, Accting Mary Pat Fenton, Mktg.

Abe Rohde, IT Dee Hoglund, Mktg.

ANNIVERSARIES

Claims Admin.

Claims IT Claims C. Lines

9 yrs.

4 yrs.

6 yrs.

14 yrs.

4 yrs.

29 yrs.

2 yrs.

1 yr.

39 yrs.

11 yrs.

2 yrs.

14 yrs.

4 yrs.

4 yrs.

26 yrs.

May 20 May 21 May 28 May 28 May 29 Jun 4 Jun 4 Jun 4 Jun 7 Jun 9 Jun 16 Jun 21 Jul 2 Jul 6 Jul 6 Jul 7 Jul 8 Jul 15 Jul 15 Jul 16 Jul 17 Jul 18 Jul 21

Tyler Hamlin , IT Mike Haeger, Mktg.

Charlie Jaskolski , C. Lines John Szulczewski, Claims Savanna Stoewer, P. Lines Aubree Reidinger, C. Lines Manuela Alcaide, C. Lines Kelly Blizzard, Mktg.

Sean Costello, Mktg.

Ryan Kelley, Mktg.

Melissa Theisen, Mktg.

Margaret Warner, Accts.

Andy Thiede, IT Mark Miresse, Accting Joy Bilicki, Admin.

Sharon Clemens, C. Lines Chelsea Sanchez, Claims Dan Filo, Claims Tom Boser, IT Lynn Ludke, P. Lines Joe Seitz, Security Kathy Markgraf, Claims Aaron Huntemann, Claims

1 yr.

30 yrs.

1 yr.

1 yr.

2 yrs.

2 yrs.

2 yrs.

2 yrs.

14 yrs.

3 yrs.

6 yrs.

21 yrs.

13 yrs.

5 yrs.

5 yrs.

12 yrs.

5 yrs.

12 yrs.

1 yr.

30 yrs.

3 yrs.

9 yrs.

12 yrs.

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APRIL 2020 NEWSLETTER

BADGER FAMILY

IN MEMORIAM Thomas “Tom” Duclos On January 15, agent Tom Duclos passed away at the age of 67. After graduating from Saginaw Valley State University, Tom started, owned, and operated the Five Star General Agency in Saginaw, MI. He began his relationship with Badger Mutual in 1991 and was a great agent for us for almost 30 years. Tom had a passion for history and loved all kinds of music. He enjoyed camping, boating, and picnics along Lake Superior. Anyone who knew him can say he always had a story to tell. Tom will be truly missed.

George “Rollie” Colburn On February 15, retired agent George “Rollie” Colburn passed away. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in Business from UW-Whitewater, Rollie worked in the insurance industry until his retirement in 2014. Rollie was passionate about his clients and dedicated to providing the best for them. Badger remembers Rollie as a great agent and we send our deepest sympathies to his family.

Judi Stilley On March 2, retiree Judi Stilley passed away. Judi was a Personal Lines Underwriter with Badger Mutual from December 2002 until her retirement in 2013. She was a sweet, kind, and generous person who brought joy to many. Judi will be deeply missed by her Badger family.

Robert “Bob” Baggot On March 9, agent Robert “Bob” Baggot passed away. Bob was the proud owner of Sullex International and a member of the esteemed 1752 Club. He became an agent with Badger Mutual in 1986. Bob cared deeply about his clients and was passionate about helping others. He loved to travel and enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s events. Badger remembers Bob as a great agent and friend.

Betty Jane “BJ” Kurcinka On March 22, retiree Betty Jane “BJ” Kurcinka passed away. BJ worked at Badger for 44 years, starting in 1946 and retiring in 1991. She was a proud member of the Quarter Century Club and enjoyed going to the annual Quarter Century Club luncheons. BJ loved reading the Badger Beacon and kept up with all Badger news throughout her retirement.

We extend our deepest sympathies to BJ’s family and friends; she will be deeply missed by her Badger family.

BEACON APRIL 2020

BADGER KUDOS! To Claims Representative

To Claims Representative

from a Policyholder

from a Policyholder

I just wanted to thank you for the way my claim was handled; I thought you did a very professional job and made it as painless as possible. I am pleased with the way it was handled and would recommend Badger to anyone.

We wanted to thank you for all your assistance in helping us to file a claim for the hail and wind damage that was done to our roof. You made the process so simple for us to understand and had an effortless way of making us feel we were in good hands. We are so grateful for your customer service, it was above and beyond. We have been with Badger Mutual since 2008 and will continue to do so. We tell family, friends and neighbors they should at least call and get a quote. Saying thank you for all your assistance seems not enough. We are so very grateful!

Quinton Gustavson

To Claims Representative

Julie Bender

from a Policyholder I have been notified by [the auto repair shop] that my [car] is now in their capable hands. Again, thank you so much. When all this is close to over, please if you would provide your supervisor’s name and number or email; I want them to know what an amazing lady they have on staff.

They are lucky to have you, for real.

Kevin Epel

To Receptionist

Patty Allender

service rep I have ever dealt with.

She is consistently kind and courteous.

To Claims Representative

John Conway

from a Policyholder I just wanted to personally call you and say thank you; I appreciate what you did for me. Thank you so much; I really do appreciate all you’ve done.

To Underwriter

Kathy Kallenberger from an Agent

Thank you so much, Kathy, for the rules on kids with cars at school!

That would be great to meet you in person if/when you come over with Mike! Until then, I love your voice and your hard work that you do for us!

from an Agent

Patty who answers the phone at Badger is honestly the best customer

HOLIDAY HOURS May 25

Monday

Memorial Day Holiday

Office Closed

July 3

Friday

4th of July Holiday

Office Closed

If you have any suggestions or articles you would like to feature in the next Badger Beacon, please contact: Melissa Theisen mtheisen@badgermutual.com 414/647-3664

1635 West National Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53204 800/837-7833

badgermutual.com call 800.837-7833

click www.badgermutual.com

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