Cory Bloemendaal of Buffalo Ridge Insurance announced last week that his agency is buying the Estenson Company insurance business from Dave Gangestad, who is retiring.
Bloemendaal said the business move is the result of a healthy business relationship between the two agencies.
“Dave and I have been competitors — and he’s been a good competitor,” he said.
“But Dave and I have always maintained a relationship where we could talk to each other about what’s happening in the business.”
Buffalo Ridge Insurance clients will receive letters this week about the news.
“Both companies have been local, independent insurance agencies providing similar lines of insurance, clientele and partner companies, making this an excellent fit,” Bloemendaal wrote in the letter.
“We remain committed to you and will continue to provide the best insurance value and service available.”
He said current clients of both Buffalo Ridge and Estenson Co. won’t notice changes during the acquisition, which becomes effective Jan. 1.
“All services provided to you in the past will continue to be offered in the future,” Bloemendaal wrote in the letter.
He said the Buffalo Ridge staff remains the same, with the addition of Lisa Diekmann of the Estenson Company.
“Lisa brings 37 years of experience, and we are grateful to have her assistance for a smooth transition,” Bloemendaal said.
“She’s really sharp and knows her way around the insurance business. The Estenson customers should be comforted to know she’ll be there to add stability for them.”
For the first several months of 2023, Diekmann will continue working from the current Estenson office as a Buffalo Ridge agent.
“So, if an Estenson customer stops in there, they probably won’t notice anything different,” Bloemendaal said.
“For our part, Estenson allows us to grow and become stronger, and customers can expect more options and the same level of service they’ve been getting.”
Tim Knoll, who has 27 years of experience with Estenson Company, purchased the Medicare and health insurance business from Estenson and will continue serving those clients through his new business, Knoll & Associates.
He’ll lease space from Tim Gust at 222 East Main Street between Heidebrink Insurance and Cardinal Fuel on the south side of the street. It opens Jan. 3. (See the related story.)