About Us

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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 for property, casualty, life, health, and annuities.

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Your local insurance experts, committed to your community

Our agents aren’t just here to provide insurance—they’re active members of the communities they serve. Engaged in local organizations, events, and volunteer efforts, they’re dedicated to offering comprehensive, high-quality insurance products tailored to meet the unique needs of your family.

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State Office Management & Staff

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Josh Vickerman
President

Josh Vickerman

President

Phone: (651) 639-1064

Email: josh@fuainsurance.com

With over 22 years in the insurance industry, Josh became President of the Agency in 2020. A CIC and LUTCF-certified professional, he is passionate about leading a team with purpose to serve others and create a lasting impact. Josh enjoys being involved in coaching kids' sports, playing golf, and traveling when time allows. Above all, his greatest passion is his family, including his wife, Brooke, their four sons —Tommy, Henry, James, Jack, and the recent addition to the family, their Mini Golden Doodle, Luna.

 

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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 over 30 years serving insureds and insurance agents as an insurance agent, industry consultant, continuing education instructor, commercial marketer, and, since 2015, as Vice President 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”.

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Jim Hickey
Vice President of Sales & Distribution

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."

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Randy Burkel
Vice President of Marketing & Agency Development

Randy Burkel

Vice President of Marketing & Agency Development

Phone: 651-288-4091

Email: randy@fuainsurance.com

Randy brings 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, with a well-rounded background in agency development, insurance operations, and sales leadership. His career has given him the chance to live, work, and travel throughout the country. He began his journey in 1996 after interviewing with Rodney Allebach in his hometown of Roseau, Minnesota, an opportunity that led him to Grand Forks as a Farmers Union Agent. Randy later spent 10 years as a Territory Sales Manager with Progressive.

Most recently, he served for 11 years as Director of Operations for Insural and the ND Farmers Union Insurance Group, supporting agency success through leadership, operational execution, and business development.

Randy lives in Bismarck, North Dakota, with his wife, Amy. They have four children, a growing family that includes two grandchildren, and two dogs. Randy has spent many years coaching baseball at the youth and high school levels. Today, he most enjoys time with family, playing with his grandkids, traveling, and watching sports.

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Sandy Shapiro
Director of Life & Health

Sandy Shapiro

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.

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Roberta Malone Nelson
Account Executive | Personal Lines & Farm

Roberta Malone Nelson

Account Executive | Personal Lines & Farm

Phone: (651) 288-4081

Mobile: (612) 430-1798

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.

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Danielle Brown
Account Executive | Commercial

Danielle Brown

Account Executive | Commercial

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.

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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.

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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.

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Audra Leisdon

Audra Leisdon

Information Specialist

Phone: (651) 288-4075

Email: audra@fuainsurance.com

Audra currently lives in Maple Grove, MN, but she originally hails from Silver Bay, MN, and was born in Grand Forks, ND. Audra is married to her husband, Craig, and together, they share their home with two lovable pugs, Clyde and Dennis. Outside of work, she’s a passionate traveler, an avid reader, and a dedicated cheerleader for her nephew’s football games. She enjoys spending her free time cooking, baking, and hosting family game nights. Audra also has a love for discovering hidden gems at vintage garage and estate sales, and she’s always up for touring a local brewery and sampling new craft beers.

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Information Specialist
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LaTisha Suchier
Executive Assistant

LaTisha Sucker

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.

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Alexandra Dickison
Marketing & Communications

Alexandra Dickison

Marketing & Communications

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.

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Whitney Tellez
Executive Assistant to the President

Whitney Tellaz

Executive Assistant to the President

Phone: (763) 375-7150

Email: whitney@fuainsurance.com

Whitney is originally from Michigan, where her love for community and connection first began. Now, calling Miami, Florida home, she brings a touch of Midwest warmth to the vibrant energy of the coast.

Her college years at North Central University in Minneapolis were deeply formative, cultivating her passion for leadership, organization, and purposeful communication. Those experiences continue to guide her work today as she supports teams. Whitney’s expertise lies in administration, operations, and communications, which are critical to helping executive leaders succeed.

Family is at the heart of Whitney’s life. She has been happily married to her husband for 8 years and is the proud mom of 2 beautiful girls, ages 4 and 6, and 2 beloved dogs, Skai, a Mini Australian Shepherd, and Stella, an Aussie Doodle.

In her free time, Whitney enjoys exploring parks, taking long walks through the city, or spending relaxing days on the beach. She embraces each day as a gift, living with intention and inspiring others to do the same.

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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.

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Behind the Shield

Helpful news to make the most of your insurance and learn more about FUA.

Resilience, Relationships, and Real Protection – Agent Chris Sanders
Chris Sanders’ path to becoming a trusted insurance professional wasn’t built overnight. It was shaped by resilience, community roots, and an unwavering ...
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Farmers Union Agency Named Big I Minnesota’s 2026 Agency of the Year
Receiving the Agency of the Year Award from The Big I of Minnesota is a meaningful milestone for Farmers Union Agency and ...
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Where Family, Community, and Coverage Come Together – Agent Mike Panka
Mike Panka’s roots in agriculture and community run deep. He grew up on a family farm near Ivanhoe, Minnesota, alongside four siblings, ...
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A Family-Run Agency with a Legacy of Service in Northwest Minnesota – Agents Jay & Brady Swanson
For Jay Swanson, insurance has never been just a business, it’s an extension of a life shaped by agriculture, service, and community ...
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FUA Wins the Make More Happen Award From Liberty Mutual
Farmers Union Agency Earns Make More Happen™ Award for Supporting The Open Door Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance have awarded Farmers Union ...
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FUA Named a SECURA High Performer!
We’re incredibly honored to share that Farmers Union Agency has been recognized as a 2025 SECURA High Performer, an achievement earned by ...
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