A rich history and a bright future
Farmers Union Agency, Inc. was established in 1947 to meet the insurance needs of Minnesota Farmers Union members. Over our 75 year history, we have broadened to include all of rural Minnesota, the urban market, and the businesses which serve them. Today we have 37 agents in 38 offices located throughout the state of Minnesota.
Our agents are members of the communities where they do business and are actively involved with local organizations, events, and volunteerism. They are committed to providing comprehensive, quality insurance products and service to fit the needs of your family. Farmers Union Agency serves hundreds of families, farms, and businesses who pay over $60 million in insurance premiums for property, casualty, life, health, and annuities.
Our Agents
Our agents are members of the communities where they do business and are actively involved with local organizations, events, and volunteerism. They are committed to providing comprehensive, quality insurance products and service to fit the needs of your family.
State Office Management & Staff
Josh Vickerman
President
Josh Vickerman, CIC, LUTCF
President
Phone: (651) 639-1064
Email: josh@fuainsurance.com
Josh has been involved in the insurance industry for over 15 years as both an Agent and District Manager and was elected President of the Agency in 2019, succeeding Rodney Allebach, whom he considers a friend and mentor. Each year, Josh's passion for the industry continues to grow as he deepens his understanding of the complexities of insurance and its impact on people's lives. People are the reason Josh got into this business. When his three young sons ask him what he does, his answer is simple: when something bad happens to someone—like their house burning down, a car accident, or even death—Dad helps them get their life back together. This career offers him constant variety, change, and opportunities for education and re-education. Josh is a proud CIC and LUTCF-certified insurance professional.
Josh and his wife are active in their church, and involved in the Sunday school program, ushering, and other activities. He is passionate about sports, particularly Minnesota teams like the Vikings, Timberwolves, and Gophers. His family's favorite team is the NDSU Bison football team, five-time national champions. Josh enjoys fitness, playing golf, spending time at the farm and on the lakes, cooking, grilling, and entertaining. History fascinates him, and he and his wife Brooke enjoy traveling when time permits. A fun fact people may not know about Josh is that he once performed at the halftime of a Minnesota Timberwolves game.
Josh's true passion, however, is his family. He feels blessed to have the best wife in the world, Brooke, who puts up with more than she should, and he can't imagine going through life without her. They have four strong, beautiful, and smart boys: Tommy, Henry, James, and Jack. Their free time is often spent chasing their kids around to sporting and other events and spending time with people who enjoy doing the same.
Robin Rohde Keller
Vice President of Operations
Robin Rohde Keller, CIC
Vice President of Operations
Phone: (651) 288-4071
Email: robin@fuainsurance.com
Insurance has always been a part of Robin's life. After learning the ropes in her father’s independent agency, she has spent the last 25+ years serving insureds and insurance agents as an insurance agent, industry consultant, continuing education instructor, commercial marketer, and, since 2015, as Director of Operations at Farmers Union Agency. Robin holds active Property/Casualty and Life/Health licenses. Her rural roots growing up in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and her passion for customer service align well with the agency’s mission.
Robin places great importance on investing time in relationships, including being an active member of Big I of MN, making memories with family and friends and challenging herself to experience new and different places, people and events—always just outside of her comfort zone.. Each winter, she fundraises and participates in polar plunges to benefit Special Olympics. Robin is fiercely proud of her alma mater and enjoys events and involvement with the University of Minnesota. Her husband, Mike, and their four kids, Sam, Theo, Owen, and Leah, keep life "crazy good."
Committed to living life to the fullest, Robin has survived open-heart surgery, run trail races in the mountains of Colorado, jumped out of an airplane, and enjoys the family cabin “up north”.
Jared Harding
Managing Director | Commercial Insurance Advisor
Jared Harding, CIC
Managing Director | Commercial Insurance Advisor
Phone: (651) 288-4091
Email: jared@fuainsurance.com
Jared grew up in Shoreview, MN, and is a proud alumnus of Mounds View High School in Arden Hills, MN, and Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. He is licensed in property, casualty, life, and health, and has been selling financial products and insurance since 2003. Jared has held various roles throughout his professional career, including Branch and District Manager, Commercial Insurance Agent, and Marketing Representative for a national commercial insurance company.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his 'girls'—his wife Kristina, twin daughters Hazel and Frankie, son Eddie, and their American Bulldog, Nellie. Jared also loves traveling with family and friends, spending time outdoors on the lake boating and fishing, playing golf, and cheering on Gophers Football at TCF Bank Stadium. Ski-U-Mah!
Jim Hickey
Director of Property & Casualty
Jim Hickey, AFIS
Director of Property & Casualty
Phone: (651) 288-4077
Email: jim@fuainsurance.com
Jim grew up in a rural agricultural community in Northern Illinois, where he learned the value of hard work through farm labor, mowing lawns, detasseling corn, and working at an equipment dealership during high school. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force, serving from 1984-1995 in both Active Duty and the Air Force Reserve. During this time, Jim attended and graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management.
Jim's professional journey began at a John Deere dealership, where he worked for several years before starting his insurance career in 1996 by opening and operating an Allstate Agency for five years. He then held several roles in the insurance industry, including agency sales management with Farm Bureau, and spent 12 years as a Senior Farm Underwriter with Farmers Union Insurance. In January 2020, Jim joined Farmers Union Agency as Sales Director of Personal Lines and Farm, a role that allows him to leverage his extensive experience in agency sales, management, and underwriting, as well as the strong work ethic and teamwork skills he developed in his youth and in the Air Force.
Jim lives in Dayton with his wife, Carrie, and they have two adult children, Allyson and Drew, who reside in the Minneapolis area. Jim and Carrie are active members of their church community and are involved in groups assisting veterans. Jim's passions include anything related to Jeeps, John Deere, and aviation, particularly the history of the B-17 Bomber aircraft in World War II. He also enjoys traveling and, above all, spending time with family and friends. Jim is an avid DIY enthusiast in home projects, humorously referring to his approach as "Destroy It Yourself – then hire a professional."
Sandy Shapiro
Chief Integrator | Director of Life & Health
Sandy Shapiro
Chief Integrator | Director of Life & Health
Phone: 651-288-4079
Email: sandy@fuainsurance.com
Sandy started his insurance career as an Agent selling Health and Life Insurance, Property and Casualty Insurance, and Mutual Funds for Mutual of Omaha. He continued his sales career at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and HealthPartners, where he had front-line sales roles and management positions - including Vice President of Community Accounts at Blue Cross, where he managed a network of 5,000 Brokers. He also was responsible for designing, developing, and implementing their Blue Partner Program. At HealthPartners, he developed and ran monthly marketing, sales, and underwriting meetings and directed and managed health solutions goals to commercial individual purchasers and Individual and Group Medicare purchasers.
Sandy’s experience in Agency Management at HealthPartners and Blue Cross was directly responsible for significant increases in new sales and retention. His expertise from his multiple management roles with both carriers made him a trusted leader in Group business, Medicare, Individual Sales Solutions, and Administration. Additionally, he designed and implemented sales training programs and consultative selling as Director of Sales for BCBS and in his role on the Senior Sales Leadership Team at HealthPartners.
On a personal note, Sandy has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Minnesota. He and his wife Jodi both grew up in St. Louis Park, Minnesota and reside in Edina. A huge sports fan, Sandy follows all the local teams, which is a testament to his passion and dedication. We’re thrilled to have Sandy as part of our team with his impressive skillset and visionary leadership.
Emily Olson
Accountant
Emily Olson
Accountant
Phone: (651) 288-4073
Email: emily@fuainsurance.com
Emily grew up in Centerville, MN, and now calls Roseville home. She joined the FUA team in 2017 as an Information Specialist and has since advanced to Senior Accountant. Emily earned her Property Casualty licensure in 2018 and her CISR designation in 2024. She graduated from Century College in 2017 with an Associate of Arts degree and an Accounting Associate in Applied Science. In her free time, Emily enjoys reading, streaming movies and TV series, visiting state parks, gardening, and bowling. She also spends many weekends at her family’s cabin in Huntersville, MN.
Danielle Brown
Commercial Account Executive
Danielle Brown
Commercial Account Executive
Phone: (651) 288-4072
Email: danielle@fuainsurance.com
Danielle has been in the insurance industry since 2014. Before becoming a Commercial Account Executive with Farmers Union Agency in January 2020, she was the CSR for agent Ben Caron in Bemidji, MN, for 4 ½ years. She also briefly worked as a CSR for an agency in Huxley, IA, but ultimately decided that she belonged back in Minnesota. Danielle works closely with the Director of Commercial Sales, Jared, assisting agents in finding carriers to insure commercial accounts. She enjoys the challenges of this role and working in the state office.
Before her insurance career, Danielle held various sales, service, and leadership roles at JCPenney from 2001 to 2014 in multiple locations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University. In her free time, Danielle enjoys working out, attending concerts, comedy shows, and sporting events, cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes, reading, traveling—especially to Las Vegas, where she tries to visit at least once a year—and spending time with her dog, Surly.
Roberta Malone Nelson
Account Executive - Personal Lines & Farm
Roberta Malone Oliver
Account Executive - Personal Lines & Farm
Phone: (651) 288-4081
Mobile: (651) 340-1798
Email: roberta@fuainsurance.com
Roberta was born in Madison, WI, but grew up in Cottage Grove, MN. As a youngster, she also lived in St. Louis, Nashville, and Omaha, as her father was in the oil business, and relocations were often necessary. Roberta started her career in nursing but transitioned to insurance in 1997, working for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota before marrying and relocating to Colorado Springs, CO. She lived in Colorado for over 20 years and worked for Farmers Insurance, holding several different roles within the agency force, including customer service and retention, sales management, and agency management. She also served as the district life insurance specialist with Farmers for a couple of years and participated in many agency advisory committees throughout the state. Roberta frequently achieved top honors in the company for personal lines and life insurance sales and retention, both personally and on the agency level. Additionally, she owned and operated an independent agency for two years, holding direct appointments with dozens of carriers.
Having lived in Colorado for so many years, Roberta embraced the outdoors and the mild climate. Nearly every weekend, she spent time in the mountains enjoying the beautiful Colorado weather and scenery while indulging in her favorite pastimes: hiking, snowmobiling, ATVing, camping, kayaking, and skiing. After raising her children, she made a five-year plan to relocate back to the Minnesota/Wisconsin area to live closer to her parents, siblings, old friends, and the water. Roberta currently lives just outside Prescott, WI, and is very happy to have returned to the Midwest, where she enjoys spending time at the cabin and water skiing again. She is very excited about her position at FUA Insurance, where she works with clients, agents, and multiple carriers. Roberta loves the opportunities that come with working with various carriers to find the right coverage to meet individuals' unique needs.
Alexandra Dickison
Marketing & Communications
Alexandra Dickison
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Phone: (651) 288-4074
Email: alex@fuainsurance.com
Alex's roots are in the charming town of Lino Lakes, but they remain immersed in the northern suburbs of Minnesota.
Her high school days at Centennial laid the foundation, but it was Saint Cloud State University that introduced her to Mass Communications and Journalism. Although her professional journey in journalism was brief, it swiftly transitioned into the captivating realm of creative marketing. Over the past decade, Alex has honed her creativity through graphics, social media, media production, and communication.
Family life holds a special place in Alex's heart. She is happily married to Brandon, her college sweetheart, and together they enjoy the joys of parenting their son, Emmett, and daughter Reagan. Their Australian shepherd, Sully, is a cherished family member, often affectionately referred to as their eldest child.
You can often find Alex at her lakeside retreat at the family cabin or enjoying the lively atmosphere of sports arenas. She loves exploring diverse cuisines in quaint restaurants and savoring the hoppy notes of breweries. Alex is also an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying both winter and summer activities, as well as reading, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends.
LaTisha Suchier
Executive Assistant
LaTisha Suchier
Executive Assistant
Phone: (651) 288-4080
Email: latisha@fuainsurance.com
LaTisha and her husband, Tom, reside in Oakdale, MN, where they have raised their three adult children: Kayty, Caleb, and Hailee. LaTisha is deeply involved in her community, serving as a Girls' Hockey coach for the Tartan Area Youth Hockey Association, where she passionately mentors young athletes and fosters a love for the sport.
Beyond coaching, LaTisha is an avid outdoors enthusiast. She has a strong passion for bowhunting and often spends her free time in nature, whether it's fishing, playing softball, or hitting the golf course. Her love for the outdoors is matched only by her dedication to her family. She cherishes every moment spent with her loved ones, especially her grandkids, whom she shares a special bond with. Whether it's family gatherings, outdoor adventures, or simply enjoying each other's company, LaTisha's life is filled with love, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life.
Bev Krall
Information Specialist
Bev Krall
Information Specialist
Phone: (651) 288-4075
Email: bev@fuainsurance.com
Bev has lived in Minnesota since 1981 and made Eagan her home since 1993. She grew up on a farm in Western Wisconsin, where helping others was instilled at an early age, a passion that continues to drive her. Bev volunteers with the American Diabetes Association, Minnesota DeMolay, Feed My Starving Children, and Shriners Hospitals for Children, and she can often be found walking the trails near her house, picking up trash.
Bev has been involved in the insurance industry since 1998, serving as an Executive Assistant for Austin Mutual Insurance Company and Main Street America Insurance. Before her insurance career, she worked as a Tax Executive Assistant at PricewaterhouseCoopers and held bookkeeping roles at various companies. She graduated from Western Wisconsin Technical College in La Crosse, WI, with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting and has taken several courses at Hamline University and the University of Minnesota.
When she's not working, Bev enjoys spending time with her husband Tony, sons Andy (and his wife Dana) and Ben, and grandsons Nolan and Cullen. Bev and Tony enjoy golfing, hiking, reading, traveling, and watching their grandsons' sports activities, particularly hockey, baseball, and soccer. Their travel adventures have taken them to the Grand Canyon, which they've hiked twice, the Fife Coastal Path in Scotland, and various locations across England, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and the United States, with a special fondness for Key West, FL.
Nancee Erickson
Office Architect
Nancee Erickson
Office Architect
Phone: (800) 229-1064
Email: nancee@fuainsurance.com
Nancee was born in St. Paul, grew up in Cannon Falls, and raised her family in Farmington, MN. Coming full circle, Nancee has returned to St. Paul, where she currently resides. Throughout her career, she held various office positions across multiple industries and now embraces the dynamic world of insurance. She is thrilled to be part of such a positive environment at FUA.
Her passion for photos and family history led to a love for scrapbooking. She enjoys attending movies, concerts, and musicals and has a deep appreciation for the outdoors. You'll often find her walking along the river in different parts of the Twin Cities. Nancee cherishes time with family and loves to travel whenever possible; their last adventure took her to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where the grandeur of the Tetons left a lasting impression.
Nancee has one daughter who lives in downtown Minneapolis with her boyfriend. Together, they enjoy exploring the vibrant Twin Cities.
Bre Foss
Accounting Assistant
Bre Foss
Accounting Assistant
Phone: (651) 288-4082
Email: bre@fuainsurance.com
Bre grew up in Champlin and now calls Lauderdale home, where she lives with her wife, Autumn, and their adorable one year old pup, Luka. When not crunching numbers, she’s likely immersed in her biggest passion, basketball. A big Timberwolves fan, Bre lives and breathes the game, though she also deeply admires LeBron James. She loves watching and playing and is dedicated to giving back to the sport by working with youth basketball programs and helping young athletes develop their skills and love for the game.
However, beyond her love for sports, Bre is all about family and quality time with loved ones. She treasures every moment spent with them, especially in the summer when she can be found at the lake, soaking up the sun and playing Kanjam in the yard. She thrives in a fun, competitive environment and loves making memories with those closest to her.
Behind the Shield
Helpful news to make the most of your insurance and learn more about FUA.
Farmers Union State Office Staff Joins the Fight Against Hunger
In a heartwarming display of community support and service, the Farmers Union State Office staff recently volunteered at Second Harvest Heartland,…
Packing Hope: Making a Difference at Feed My Starving Children
On Thursday, September 26, our state office gathered at the Feed My Starving Children packing facility in Eagan, Minnesota, for a…
Creating Blankets for Children at Children’s Home Society of Minnesota
Community involvement has always been a cornerstone of FUA’s mission, reflecting our commitment to giving back and positively impacting the communities…