In our ongoing Meet the Team feature, we put a name and a face on the amazing members of our team. Today we would like to introduce Silveus Insurance Group (Silveus) Agent Brad Westrate.
Where is your hometown and did you grow up around farming?
I’m originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, and I grew up in a family with a long history in large-scale greenhouse production. My dad and three uncles are all still in the greenhouse business and ship product all over the eastern half of the United States. In college, I met Erin Silveus, who would later become my wife. Once we married, we moved to Warsaw, Indiana where we now reside.
What are your clients asking you about today?
My clients want me to keep them informed about the trajectory of the stock market so they can make the best possible decisions regarding their investments.
What is your approach to customer service?
I am fundamentally people-first and understand that it is the producer’s goals and concerns for their operation that must drive our risk strategy. Agriculture is an emotional and high-risk industry. I am available to all my producers at any time because when an issue is important to them, it is important to me.
How long have you been working at SIG and what do you like best about your job?
In 2011, after multiple years working in information technology and analysis, I was approached by Scott, Cameron and Tyler Silveus about joining the family business. The first few years that I spent with Silveus were actually being a part of the team that designed, coded and built much of the software that all Silveus agents use for their risk management decisions. After demonstrating a deep understanding of strengths and weaknesses of the wide spectrum of risk management policies and products, I transitioned into an agent role and have been in this position for three years.
What are you most excited about?
When it comes to work, I am a numbers guy at heart, and my favorite opportunity is to help my client find opportunities that can benefit them. Our industry is rife with stagnation and I find myself with so many opportunities to help producers with new ideas and perspectives that no one has shared before. Outside of work, I’m excited to see my two-year-old son when I pull up the driveway at the end of the day. My son is thrilled to go outside and play with me every day when I get home and I love spending time with him.
What is one fun fact about yourself your co-workers don’t know?
I’ve brewed my own beer for several years now. I love sharing it with friends and watching them enjoy it!