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The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) recently presented its annual Award in Innovation to West Bend Insurance Company. The Award in Innovation recognizes mutual insurers that exemplify the vision and entrepreneurialism it takes to stay relevant in changing times. With the creation of the EZ•Upload tool, West Bend has taken successful steps to create an affordable and efficient way to write small-market business.
West Bend receives NAMIC 2025 Award in Innovation
West Bend Insurance Company announced a strategic realignment of its executive leadership, effective July 1, 2025. This alignment is designed to position the company for scalable, long-term growth and greater agility in today’s evolving insurance landscape. “We’ve been working hard for the past year on our strategy and are very excited about our future,” said Rob Jacques, president and CEO. “The key is now to execute effectively, and this structure we believe best positions us to do that.”
West Bend announces leadership realignment and Emery promotion
West Bend Insurance Company was recently named a Top Workplace in Southeastern Wisconsin and Madison! This is the 14th consecutive year West Bend has been recognized as a Top Workplace! West Bend was ranked second for companies with 500 or more employees on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Top Workplaces in Southeastern Wisconsin list and fourth on Wisconsin State Journal’s list of Madison Top Workplaces with 100-299 employees based in the Madison area. The Madison office also received a special award for management. Employee feedback is the sole basis for determining which employers make these lists and receive special recognition awards. Through a confidential survey administered by Energage LLC, employees are asked questions that measure six key themes that drive the workplace experience, including being fairly valued, respected and supported, enabled to grow, closely aligned, empowered to execute, and engaged. We sincerely thank our associates for continuing to make West Bend a Top Workplace!
West Bend named a Top Workplace for 14th consecutive year
West Bend is excited to share that Tom Kluxdal has joined our team as vice president of claims! Tom will be instrumental in guiding our Claims division and advancing our corporate strategy. Tom is an innovative leader with two decades of experience in the insurance industry. He has a strong track record of building client solutions; leading high-performance teams across various lines of business, including workers’ compensation, auto, and property liability; and driving improvements in operations, profitability, and customer satisfaction. His expertise spans claim management, strategic planning, process improvement, and change leadership. Tom has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Dave Ertmer, chief operating officer, shared, “I’m very excited to have Tom on our team and I know that he’ll be a great fit for our organization.”
New vice president of claims joins West Bend Insurance Company
West Bend is proud to announce the addition of two new officers to its leadership team. Dee Brown joins as senior vice president and chief human resources officer, and Bob Cataldo joins as vice president and chief investment officer. Both will play key roles in advancing West Bend’s corporate strategy. Dee Brown brings more than 25 years of human resources expertise to her new role. Previously, she served as chief human resources officer at Covenant Living Communities & Services, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit retirement living organizations. Dee holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and a master’s degree in Organizational Development, both from Roosevelt University. She’s also SHRM-SCP® certified. Passionate about community service, Dee serves on the board of directors for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana. Bob Cataldo has more than 30 years of investment management experience, including most recently, 11 years with UFG Insurance (United Fire). Bob has a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from Drake University. He’s also earned the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation. He’s active in his Iowa community, serving on the boards of trustees for Mercy Medical Center and Brucemore, a historic mansion and estate, and volunteering at school activities.
West Bend Insurance Company welcomes two new officers
West Bend Insurance Company, in partnership with 360 independent insurance agents, key business partners, friends, and associates, raised more than $700,000 during the 2024 Silver Lining® Classic, a special fundraising event that included golf outing, dinner, and auction. The proceeds raised during this event are managed by the Silver Lining Charitable Foundation and are distributed to targeted nonprofit organizations. The 2024 Silver Lining Classic took place on August 12 at the West Bend Country Club, Hidden Glen Golf Club, and the West Bend Prairie Center. This year marks the tenth biennial fundraiser organized by West Bend since 2006. The focus of this year’s event was youth education. The Silver Lining Classic was attended by representatives from the benefiting organizations, including John Kaczkowski, president and CEO of the Western Golf Association for Evans Scholars, Donald Driver of the Donald Driver Foundation, and Pat Connaughton of the Pat Connaughton Foundation. Each of these charities received a $165,000 check at the event. While each charity has a unique mission, all three serve youth and families by providing access to various resources; teaching valuable skills like work ethic, leadership, and endurance through sports; offering scholarships for higher education; and connecting individuals to education and wellness programs.
West Bend Insurance Company raises more than $700,000 for youth education
West Bend Insurance Company was recently named a Top Workplace in Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin, the Greater Madison area, and the country! Awards include: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Top Workplaces in Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin – Second place for companies with 500 or more employees. Wisconsin State Journal’s Top Workplaces in the Greater Madison area – Sixth place for companies with 100-299 employees based in the Madison area. USA Today’s Top Workplaces USA – Twelfth place for companies with 1,000-2,499 employees. A special award for communication Employee feedback is the sole basis for determining which employers make these lists and receive special recognition awards. Through a confidential survey administered by Energage LLC, employees are asked questions that measure six key themes that drive the workplace experience, including being fairly valued, respected and supported, enabled to grow, closely aligned, empowered to execute, and engaged. We sincerely thank our associates for continuing to make West Bend a Top Workplace!
West Bend honored as a Top Workplace
In a significant leadership transition, West Bend Insurance Company is pleased to announce the promotion of Rob Jacques to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Jacques, who has dedicated over 24 years to the company, also currently holds the position as President an appointment he’s held since 2022 where he represented the Commercial Enterprise division as a senior officer. In his expanded role as President and CEO, Jacques is set to guide West Bend's corporate strategies and operating principles into a new era. Jacques steps into the shoes of Kevin Steiner, who’s been at the helm as CEO since 2009, marking a period of substantial growth and success for the company. Under Steiner's stewardship, West Bend not only fortified its position in the market, but he’s also left an indelible mark the community and the insurance industry. Reflecting on the transition, Jacques expressed deep appreciation for Steiner's mentorship and leadership. "Working alongside Kevin has been an extraordinary journey. His profound impact on our company, community, and the insurance sector at large is truly remarkable," said Jacques. He further emphasized his commitment to the company's core values, stating, "With the support of our exceptional team of officers and leaders, I am eager to continue fostering strong relationships with our agency partners and caring for our dedicated team of over 1,600 associates."
West Bend Insurance Company announces Jacques appointment as CEO
West Bend Insurance Company is proud to be certified by Great Place To Work® for the eighth year in a row! This prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at West Bend. This year, 92% of our associates who participated in the survey said West Bend is a great place to work, significantly exceeding the 57% average at a typical U.S. company. Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention, and increased innovation. "Great Place To Work Certification is a highly-coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience," says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of global recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it’s evident that West Bend stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its associates."
West Bend earns Great Place To Work Certification™
We have offices across Wisconsin in West Bend, Madison, Appleton, and Waukesha, in addition to remote work opportunities. While we’re very proud of our facilities and amenities, maybe what stands out the most at each of our locations is the true sense of community. Just ask any number of West Bend associates and they’ll tell you why they chose careers at West Bend!
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