Bev Rossow American Family Insurance celebrates 15 years

The end of one career for Bev Rossow led her to the beginning of a new, successful venture where she is celebrating 15 years. Bev Rossow American Family Insurance Agency, Inc. is in its 15th year of business and hosted an open house Wednesday to celebrate.

“I have always been a small business owner. I had sold my interior landscaping business and was a horticultural editor,” Rossow said. “After the dotcom bust I was looking for other business opportunities.”

Rossow said she was asked about selling insurance but initially said “no way — it would be too boring.” Through the business, though, she has found meeting people of all different ages in different areas of their life has been very rewarding.

“That is what I love,” Rossow said. “That was 15 years ago, and we are still here.”

Like most businesses, the agency has gone through changes in the past 15 years. The rise of technology has made Rossow modify how to contacts clients.

“We have fewer people coming in the office,” Rossow said. “The online, texting, emails it is just a different way to communicate. We are glad that we have all of those different way to interact with customers but I still like somebody sitting across the desk from me and getting to know them and some face to face time, as well.”

The agency also faced challenges when the largest employer in Newton, Maytag, closed shop.

“It has been challenging,” Rossow said. “Fifteen years ago, Maytag was continuing to expand. We’ve seen a lot of wonderful customers move away through the years, adjust to their different economic realities as their paychecks have changed, as well.”

Rossow said that is why she likes to speak with customers face-to-face. If she can offer changes to the policy she likes the ability to explain the changes and why a customer may or may not need to retain the insurance.

“I always tell people the reason you are writing out a check or sliding a debit card is if there is a claim, you want to make sure you are covered and covered the right way,” Rossow said.

The business made a big change in the last year, moving to its new downtown location at 106 N. Second Ave. E.

“We have a little more space here, and we are glad to be downtown,” Rossow said. “With Main Street happening and the renovation looking to be started right around the square, we are excited to be down here.”

Through her 15 years in business, Rossow has also been honored several times for her work. The most prestigious was an all around award for general sales, life insurance sales, retention and customer service satisfaction.

“It is kind of hard to hit on all of those so when you can get that one year it is a very big accomplishment that we are proud of,” Rossow said.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at
641-792-3121 ext. 6534
or jpierson@newtondailynews.com