Meet Becky!

I started my career at West Bend in August of 2005. I have been an underwriting tech, tech trainer, assistant underwriter, underwriter, and now underwriting supervisor. The thing I like most about working here is all of the great opportunities available to me. I started my career at West Bend not knowing anything about insurance and was able to take advantage of the insurance education classes available (where I was able to earn 7 insurance designations!) As a life-long learner, it is really important to me to continue to have training opportunities available and be able to advance in my career. West Bend truly believes in investing in their employees. Outside of work I enjoy hiking, camping with my family, running, and traveling.

Our internal newsletter often includes inspiring stories about our associates helping others. We wanted to share this one. We talk a lot about having THE BEST people…it’s not just talk, it’s the truth. 😊

The Personal Lines Underwriting Department has managed a non-profit candy/snack center in the breakroom for more than 10 years. They started adopting families around Christmas and used proceeds from the candy sales to provide items to families in need. A few years ago, department associates began applying for help with stories of their own families or friends who suffered a tragedy and needed help in some way. They’ve donated between $300-$800 a year to three to four families to brighten their holiday season. When COVID struck and most associates were working from home, you would think the candy/snack center would’ve halted. Instead, it remained steady! With the lack of vending machines and food availability in the building, those who were working in the home office found the goodies and passed the word.

This past Christmas, they donated $150 each to two families and $50 to one of our own associates dealing with a new medical situation. Joyce, who helps manage the snack center, told us, “It makes all the effort and work that goes into managing the candy/snack center worth it over and over! So proud to work in a company and department where we can get together to do things to benefit others in need even during these harsh COVID times.”

Here’s a thank you note they received from one of the families: "To our friends at West Bend, thank you for choosing us to be the beneficiaries of your Christmas gift this year. What a beautiful and unexpected blessing. We are so humbled and grateful for the kindness of your group of co-workers. May your 2021 be blessed." 

Jim celebrated 25 years with West Bend in December. He joined the company in 1995, working as an agency automation representative in IT. From there he moved to our Personal Lines Department and now he’s senior vice president of Personal Lines and Marketing. Here’s why he loves working at West Bend: “I love working at West Bend for many reasons – but if I had to pick just a couple, number-one would be the people I work with every day. I truly look forward to the interaction with everyone. We get things done and have some laughs along the way. I also love that we are such a strong supporter of the communities where we work.”

In December, Mark celebrated his 20 year anniversary with West Bend. Here’s what he had to say:

It’s hard to believe it’s already been 20 years since I came to work at West Bend Mutual Insurance.  There are many reasons why I consider myself fortunate to work for such a great company over these years:  The state of the art facilities the company provides for us to do our jobs, the tools we’re given to do our work efficiently and effectively, a very competitive benefits package, a company that is understanding of the work/family balance, the great reputation we have in our communities for our giving back, and for the outstanding service we provide to our agency clients and insureds. It truly has been a wonderful ride, just like my 1981 Mazda RX-7.

In December, Debbie celebrated 15 years with West Bend, as well as her retirement! Here’s what she had to say:

“When I joined West Bend 15 years ago, I knew after a very short time that I had joined a company that I would retire from.  Not only have I been given opportunities to use my knowledge to contribute in meaningful ways, I have been able to work on projects involving things that I love to do!  But what really makes it special are the people and the company culture.  We are able to accomplish what we do because we work together and take care of each other.  In turn, West Bend takes care of us with a beautiful work environment, lots of  amenities, a great benefits package, and recognition for our accomplishments.   

As I retire, I feel satisfaction in my accomplishments, knowing I was able to contribute to their continued success.  What I will miss most is the people, many of whom became like family to me. “  

In August, Jacki celebrated her 20^th anniversary with West Bend.  She joined the company in 2000, working in the Records, Claims, and IT Departments, as well as Customer Care, where she’s been since 2010.

Jacki shared with us, “There are so many reasons to love working at West Bend – a beautiful campus inside and out, flexibility, work/life balance, benefit package, and career advancement opportunities, but most important are the co-workers who turn into your ‘family.’ I’ve made life-long friendships here, and when you enjoy the people you work with, it makes your job very enjoyable. I’m grateful to work for such a phenomenal organization where people come first.”