Dawson TouchPoints Newsletter - Winter 2012

DawsonTouch PointsTouch PointsWinter 2012a publication of Dawson Insurance

NORTH DAKOTA’SEXPANDING BUSINESSES“Go West, young man” is a phrase most often attributed to American author Horace Greeley. America has certainly undergone tremendous changes and growth since Greeley’s time (1811-1872), yet his words are incredibly timely given the business and growth opportunities in western North Dakota. This issue of TouchPoints profiles five Dawson Insurance clients who have “gone West.”

Pictured above are a few of the projects that Dawson clients have completed in western North Dakota. The story starts on page 2.

President’sMessage

The Boom Heard ’Round the StateBy Tom Dawson

We’ve reflected upon many things throughout 2012, which marks our 95th

anniversary. Who could have imagined, all those years ago, the current oil boom in western North Dakota? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, North Dakota’s oil production averaged 660,000 barrels per day in June 2012, up three percent from the previous month and 71 percent over June 2011 volumes. North Dakota now ranks number 2 in crude oil production in the United States (second only to Texas) and is a major factor for U.S. oil production on track to surpass Saudi Arabia’s production.

Established businesses are expanding faster than ever in western North Dakota, and new businesses emerge practically every day. Boom, indeed! Many of our own clients have grown their businesses by creating and/or increasing their presence in western North Dakota, proof that the boom is impacting businesses throughout our great state and making North Dakota the envy of the country. Of that group of clients, we are pleased to profile five of them that are directly involved in and benefiting from the boom.

Whether old or new, businesses need an established, dependable, and expertise-focused insurance agency to manage the complexities and nuances of the commercial insurance industry. We’re proud to be such an agency. And to provide even more personalized service to our clients in western North Dakota, we recently opened a Bismarck office and hired Brian Howell as a commercial lines producer. You can learn more about Brian in the Employee Spotlight section on page 7.

We’re humbled and honored to celebrate our 95th year in business. As we enter the holiday season, and we look toward a new year, it is with sincere gratitude that we thank you for allowing us to serve you.

All of us at Dawson Insurance wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and the best New Year ever. D

President’sMessage

Client Spotlight Client SpotlightClient Spotlight

Being There… No Matter What

That’s the mission of the disaster recovery/business continuity team at Dawson Insurance: being there no matter what. A recent planning process required us to think beyond obvious physical threats and consider “what if” scenarios that

could be more challenging than the total loss of our building. Little did we know that the “what ifs” – ranging from unlikely and minor to probable and disruptive – could be one of nearly 50 possibilities!

While the total loss of our building would be highly inconvenient, we can say with confidence

The Benefits of a BoomThe oil boom of western North Dakota has been the catalyst for unprecedented growth in the state. From start-ups to established companies, businesses have found a mecca of opportunity as a result of the boom. In this issue’s Client Spotlight, we profile five Dawson Insurance clients with operations in western North Dakota.

Dakota FenceEstablished in 1972

Dawson Client Since 1995

Notable Western North Dakota Projects:

Halliburton, Minot and Williston

Hess Oil Site, Stanley

Power Fuels, Watford City

Pumpco, Minot

Weatherford, Williston

For 40 years, homeowners, architects, engineers and other site designers have relied on Dakota Fence for fencing and guardrail for all types of sites: residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, educational, governmental, storage facilities, and highways. The company expanded to western North Dakota in 1977 by opening a Bismarck office. A Minot

2 TouchPoints • Winter 2012

DawsonAssoci

location followed in 1980, and the company opened an office in Williston in 2011.

As for the oil boom, Dakota Fence works on a variety of projects related to fence, traffic control, guardrail, permanent signage, and more.

“The Dawson team has found the coverage for all of our needs. They have the ability to craft the best coverage that fits our specific needs for our industry,” said Dave Currier, founder of Dakota Fence. “Other insurance agencies can’t hold a candle to this; they don’t have the background or knowledge. Dawson understands the complex needs of businesses like ours.”

DawsonAssociates

Client Spotlight Client Spotlight

SALES STAFFTodd Anderson, CPCU, CIC Dan Armbrust, CIC, CPIA, CPCU, CRISDarthy Brown, CICPenny Crowder, CISR, CICTom Dawson, CPCU, CICZack DawsonRyan Hoffman, CPCU, AICBrian HowellMark Julik, CIC, CRISJay Kleingartner, CICWayne Lauwers, CICJim NyhofMatt Peterson, CICRoger Peterson, CICNatalie Schultz, AIC, CPCUSteve Winter, CICBen Zietz

ADMINISTRATIONMary Bjerke, CPCUJaclyn HansonSteve Miller, CPAJulie MollAngie Wohl

CUSTOMER SUPPORTBONDSBecky HeckerMelody Vinje

CLAIMSJill GravelineKathy Richard

COMMERCIAL LINESJoni Alfson, CIC, CPCUKevin Bruggeman, CPCUDonna Christlieb, AU, CICJennifer Davis, CISRHolly Fitch, CISRJoan Hagen, CISRDeb Johnsen, AUStacy KemerlingLesley KoehlerJen Kopel, CISR, CICMelissa Krystosek, CICKaren LundbergSharon Maasjo, CISRPam RudolfKelsey StevensMatthew Weis

FINANCIAL SERVICESEvonne Johnson, INS

PERSONAL LINESKendra AhlquistConnie BertramStacey Frolek, CISRChristina MaynardRaeanna McCollumCrystal Rosen

“The Benefits of a Boom” Client Spotlight continues on pages 4 & 5

that all core processes would be functional within 48 hours because of several key principles:

• Making decisions now versus in the middle of chaos during a disaster.

• Designating an incident command structure and a clear division of responsibilities.

• Contracting with Agility Recovery Solutions to provide power, technology, space, and connectivity. (Agility Recovery, a former division of GE, is North America’s premier provider of business continuity and disaster recovery solutions to small and midsized businesses. As a valued customer of Dawson Insurance, your business is eligible for reduced monthly fees with Agility Recovery.)

• Gathering the right information and ensuring it’s in the hands of those who need it when they need it.

A quarter of businesses fail to reopen following a widespread disaster. Can you say with assurance that your business could be functional within 48 hours of a total loss? Or would your business be one of the 25 percent? Contact Matt Weis, our client safety coordinator, at 701-237-3311 to learn more about our in-house loss control services and our complimentary business continuity planning. Assisting you in being “there”, on the other side of a disaster, is our goal. D

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3800.220.4514 • DawsonIns.com

Client Spotlight Client Spotlight Client SpotlightClient Spotlight

Olaf AndersonEstablished in 1913

Dawson Client Since 1960s


IPS (Integrated Production Services)

IRET Chateau Apartments

IRET Corporate Office Remodel

IRET First Avenue Apartments

(all projects are located in Williston)

The Benefits of a Boom continued from page 3

Robert Gibb & SonsEstablished in 1915

Dawson Client Since 1990s


Mercy Medical Birthing Center Expansion

North Sanitary Sewer Trunk Line

Williston Community Recreation Center (est. completion early 2013)

(all projects are located in Williston)

and customer service as top priorities.Olaf Anderson has been working in

western North Dakota for 20 years or so. “We’d do a building, and then we might not do anything again for two or three years,” said Jeff Furstenau, president. “With the boom, we have three to four projects going on at any time.”

To date, the company has completed

several office buildings and apartment buildings as well as a sizeable shop addition. The same priorities that serve as Olaf Anderson’s foundation are what Furstenau appreciates in Dawson. “They’re good people, and they’re honest,” he said. “They don’t tell you one thing when you’re selling and then another when you have a claim. They’re good Midwestern folks.”

“We have completed more than $18,000,000 in municipal/civil projects for the city of Williston since September of 2010,” said Greg Gibb, vice president. “Included in this work is the expansion of the $6.5 million North Sanitary Sewer Trunk line which opens up a huge portion of new development for the city.”

Robert Gibb said that Dawson’s new office in Bismarck reflects the company’s commitment to its customers and to western North Dakota. “It’s great that they have a focus out there,” he said. “They’re familiar with the needs and understand how things work.”

In business for nearly 100 years, Olaf Anderson, a design-build general contractor, has certainly seen changes in the industry. One thing that hasn’t changed is the company’s commitment to total client satisfaction with quality, safety,

Another company in business for nearly a century is Robert Gibb & Sons, a full-service mechanical contractor specializing in plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and underground sewer and water utilities. The company has operated an office in Bismarck since the early ’80s and in Williston since 2010. The Bismarck office expanded this year in response to demand in western North Dakota.

“We’re definitely gearing up even more for work in the western part of the state,” said Bob Gibb, president of the company, noting that at times, half of Robert Gibb’s workforce of 150 can be working on projects in the West.


Specifically, when it comes to western North Dakota, Roers focuses on commercial and housing developments in Dickinson, Killdeer, Minot, and Watford City, and the company will be developing in Williston in the near future. It’s clear that Roers is delivering on its motto of “Building Success.”

According to Shane Roers, president of Roers West, long-term relationships are key to delivering on that success, and that includes the company’s insurance agency.

“Dawson is outstanding in finding the best ways to find coverage to meet

the rapid current and future growth we’re experiencing in western North Dakota,” Roers said. “They really understand our business, and they’re excellent to work with.”

Client Spotlight Client Spotlight Client Spotlight

TEK Energy ServicesEstablished in 2011



Access Road to Skunk Creek

Cut Slope around Lawrence Location

Pit for Skunk Creek

Skunk Creek

(all projects are located at Mandaree near Lake Sakakawea)

TEK Energy Services, headquartered in Mandaree, North Dakota, is an earth moving company that specializes in roads as well as locations for oil rigs. The company, which was formerly known as TEK Industries, also performs reclamation work.

Troy Stucki, general manager for TEK,

said the company was led to Dawson years ago because of Dawson’s strong reputation with the Small Business Administration. In his eyes, that reputation has only grown stronger over the years.

“We consider Dawson to be a key business partner in our operation, and risk management is critical to any business,” he said. “A high-quality, highly knowledgeable insurance agency like Dawson brings a lot to the table.”

“On a day-to-day basis, we have the support of Dawson, and that’s huge,” Stucki concluded. “Now that they have an office in western North Dakota, that gives us even more peace of mind.” D

RoersEstablished in 1976



Baker Hughes, Minot

Stoneridge Apartments, Dickinson

Wyoming Casing, Dickinson & Williston

S i n c e b e i n g founded in 1976, Roers has g r o w n f r o m

a construction company to a company that also encompasses development, construction, property management, and real estate. In 2010, Roers recognized a need for an additional presence in the western part of the state and, as a result, opened a Roers West office in the fall of 2010.

800.220.4514 • DawsonIns.com 5

DesignationsDesignationsStaff Designations

CPCU Conferment in D.C.

Corey & Natalie Schultz, U.S. Senator John Hoeven, Joni Alfson and Mitch Volk

Earlier this year, Joni Alfson, commercial lines account executive, and Natalie Schultz, personal lines producer, earned

their Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation (CPCU). In September, they attended the CPCU Society Annual Meeting and Seminars in Washington, D.C., which included a CPCU conferment ceremony. The conference – a major property/casualty industry event – is a wonderful way to celebrate earning the designation. General Stanley McChrystal, former commander of United States and international forces in Afghanistan, shared his insights on leadership, management strategy, and teamwork in a keynote address. Joan Lunden, former host of ABC’s Good Morning America, served as the conferment ceremony keynote speaker and shared her message of “The Ten Secrets of Success”.

While in D.C., Joni and Natalie toured The White House and visited numerous historic buildings and monuments. They also toured the U.S. Capitol and met with U.S. Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota. Jeffrey Rustvang, a constituent services representative for Senator Hoeven, guided them through the Capitol. An Oxbow, North Dakota native, Jeffrey made Joni and Natalie feel “right at home.” D

Did You Know?

Electronic Proof of Coverage

Have you ever received a traffic ticket because you couldn’t find your insurance ID card in your glove compartment box? Or the card you did find was expired and only now, with the police officer standing next to your car, do you realize you forgot to put the new card you just got in the mail in your car? Now you will have to take time off of work just to show up for court with that little piece of paper showing you did in fact have insurance.

But wait. If you can use your smartphone to get through airport security and board an airplane, and video chat with loved ones across the country, why can’t you use that same phone to prove you have auto insurance?

State legislatures and regulators are finally catching up with technology and considering legislation and new regulations that give insurance companies the flexibility to offer policyholders a variety of ways to show proof of coverage. That little piece of paper will still count, but it will no longer be the only option motorists have when it comes to proving they carry insurance.

Electronic display of proof of insurance will save insurance companies the cost of printing and mailing ID cards to policyholders. It will also save law enforcement and court personnel time and money because they will no longer need to process tickets written to drivers who had coverage but not that little piece of paper.

States that allow electronic proof of insurance include Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, and Minnesota. Pam Rudolf, commercial lines producer at Dawson, was recently able to assist a customer via electronic proof of insurance. The customer was by the roadside, much in need of proof of insurance for a police officer. Pam emailed an auto ID card to the customer who was able to access the email – and ultimately the auto ID card – via his smartphone. D

Source: PCI


24-7 Dawson 2Employee Spotlight EmpEmployee Spotlight

Your insurance information is always available so you can:

New EmployeesJennifer DavisCommercial Lines Account Manager, CISR

Jennifer joined us in September, the same month she and her family relocated from Midway, Kentucky to Fargo. She has 30 years of experience as a commercial lines account manager and select sales agent. While she’s been with Dawson Insurance only a short

time, she says she can see that the company’s commitment to its customers and the community sets it apart from the competition.

In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys kayaking, reading, and crocheting. She and her husband, Tim, who works in western North Dakota, are natives of Colorado. They have two children.

Evonne JohnsonLife and Health Account Manager, INS

Prior to joining us in June, Evonne worked 11 years as an administrative assistant for an independent agent/broker. Before that she worked briefly as an independent agent after spending nine years as a senior policy service representative and an assistant underwriter for a local insurance company. She says

Dawson’s reputation of being a great place to work as well as their position in the community drew her to the company.

Evonne resides in Tower City, North Dakota and loves to spend summer weekends at the lake fishing, reading, and relaxing. She also enjoys sewing, embroidery, cooking, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

Kelsey StevensCommercial Lines Account Assistant

Before joining us in September, Kelsey worked as an administrative assistant at Investment Centers of America in Aberdeen, South Dakota. She was drawn to Dawson’s friendly and welcoming people as well as its positive reputation in the community.

Kelsey and her husband, Brad, reside in Fargo. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as playing with her dogs Toby and George.

Christina MaynardPersonal Lines Account Manager

Christina became a part of the Dawson team in early November. Prior to joining us, she worked as a personal underwriter for Auto-Owners Insurance. She says that the relationships Dawson builds with its clients is what drew her to the company. Her primary responsibilities are to manage client

accounts, and she says the best part of her job is doing just that: working with clients.

Christina resides in West Fargo with her husband, Jeff, and their son, Nathanial. She enjoys spending time with her family.

All the Best!As we welcome new employees, we also

want to take time to say goodbye and best wishes to a dedicated and passionate employee, Julie Moll. Julie joined the Dawson team in January of 1988, and in her 25 years with us, she’s worn a number of hats, most currently serving as administrative assistant. Julie will be relocating to Arizona to be closer to her son, daughter-in-law, and two darling grandchildren.

Julie has said that what she enjoys most about her job is the diversity in handling a wide range of “behind the scenes” responsibilities for the agency. Undoubtedly there will be big shoes to fill as Julie attended to so many, many things, both large and small, that all ultimately created a better experience for customers and employees. We think her coworker Steve Miller put it best: “The Dawson Insurance engine will keep moving on, but it will have a different sound to it without Julie.”

Julie, we appreciate and value your unparalleled dedication to the agency. Thank you for all that you have given us. We wish you the best and know that our friendship will last forever.

Brian HowellCommercial Lines Producer

Brian joined our team in August and leads our Bismarck, North Dakota office. Before joining Dawson, he worked as a television news reporter in western North Dakota. Prior to that, Brian gained extensive business experience in residential and commercial real estate as well as advertising sales.

Brian says the best part of his job is interacting with many different North Dakota businesspeople on a daily basis and, most importantly, building relationships with them and providing them with risk management solutions. Working with the wonderful team at Dawson’s home office in Fargo also makes the top of his list. Brian resides in Bismarck with his wife, Molly. He enjoys running, lifting weights, watching sports, politics, cooking, traveling, and spending time with his family. D

• Obtain Certificates of Insurance.

• Print auto ID cards.

• Notify Dawson of a claim or loss.

• View your policy information.

• Make change requests such as address or adding vehicles/drivers. Keep in mind, coverages are not bound until you receive confirmation from our office.

800.220.4514 • DawsonIns.com 7

TouchPoints content is for illustration and informational purposes only. Dawson Insurance relies on the accuracy of information provided to us in developing this newsletter. For premium quotes, specific coverage options and other products and services, please contact us.

Dawson Insurance is proud to be a locally owned, independent agency that provides a full line of property and casualty coverage, as well as life and health benefits, surety and financial services for individuals and businesses. For more than 95 years, we have been working hard to ensure our customers always come first, both in the services we offer and the protection we provide. Thank you for your business.

Dawson Insurance Dawson Insurance Fargo Office Bismarck Office721 1st Avenue North 1741 North Grandview LanePO Box 1958 Bismarck, ND 58503Fargo, ND 58107 701-526-6202701-237-3311

800-220-4514 • 701-232-4442 (fax)[email protected] • [email protected]

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Wise Words for WinterThere are many things you can do to protect

your home and family from the effects of winter. Plus, good planning can help reduce maintenance and utility costs. Prepare your home for winter by doing these 10 things: 1. Have chimneys cleaned and inspected

2. Have furnace professionally inspected

3. Install a carbon monoxide detector

4. Install fresh batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

5. Inspect fire extinguishers and recharge if necessary; replace extinguishers older than 10 years

6. Clean gutters; remember, clogged gutters can lead to interior water damage if water has nowhere to run off

7. Remove garden hoses from water spigots

8. Be sure there are no flammable materials stored close to the furnace

9. Inspect fireplace damper to make sure it is opening and closing properly

10. If you vacation during the winter months, leave your heat on and set it no lower than 55 degrees; turn off your water and leave faucets open slightly D

Dawson TouchPoints Newsletter - Winter 2012

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