MINOT, ND

Ryan Skarphol

Email: Ryan @ Western-Agency.com
Cell: 701-721-5105

Ryan began his career in the insurance industry in 2010 and joined Western Agency in 2013. His experience has earned the trust of his clients and he’s most proud of the personal relationships which he cherishes as a part of the Western Agency team. His highlight is having the pleasure of meeting and working with extraordinary people.

When he’s not at his desk, you’ll find him with family and friends or taking in a football or basketball game as an avid fan. He looks forward to building more relationships and continuing his career of helping others with their insurance needs.

Erick Talbott

Email: erick @ western-agency.com
Cell: 701-707-3882

Erick Talbott is an Agent who joined Western Agency full-time in May of 2024 after spending a year as an intern in the crop department. Before that, he worked for many years with TriGen Ag Partners, gaining hands-on experience at fertilizer plants, grain elevators, and across various areas of agriculture. Erick enjoys meeting new people, building connections, and helping clients find the coverage that fits their needs.

When not in the office, you’ll find Erick golfing, working on cars, and following sports. Originally from Max, he still enjoys supporting local events, especially attending Max High School basketball games.

Jacob Ochs

Phone: 701-450-1254
Email: Jacob @ Western-Agency.com

Jacob is an Associate Insurance Agent at Western Agency joining the team in November 2024. Before his current role, Jacob worked as a construction operator, gaining hands-on experience that has helped him thrive in his new position. He takes great pride in representing a North Dakota-grown company, appreciating the local values and connections that come with it.

Outside of work, Jacob is an avid skier, golfer, and car enthusiast, always looking for new adventures and opportunities to enjoy his hobbies.

Jacob’s diverse background and passion for his community make him a valuable asset to the team at Western Agency.

Matthew Boen

Email: matthew@western-agency.com
Cell: 701-340-9965

Matthew is excited to be a part of the Western Agency team and looks forward to helping clients feel at ease with their insurance coverage. He is passionate about the insurance industry and loves meeting new people.

In his spare time, you can find Matthew at the lake enjoying ND summers.

Thor Nelson

Email: thor@western-agency.com
Phone: 701-707-3904

Thor Nelson is an Insurance Agent who joined Western Agency with three years of commercial lines experience and a BBA in Finance from UND. Fully licensed in Property & Casualty, Life & Annuity, and Health & Accident, he enjoys meeting local business leaders and helping them succeed through thoughtful coverage and strong relationships.

Outside of work, Thor enjoys hunting, golfing, officiating hockey, and volunteering with local nonprofits, and he proudly claims his spot as a diehard Minnesota sports fan. A fun fact about him: he wasn’t named after the Marvel superhero, but he does consider himself the best cornhole player in North Dakota. Thor is excited to be part of the Westy team and looks forward to supporting clients and the community.

Michelle Gessner

Email: Michelle @ Western-Agency.com

Michelle began her insurance career nine years ago before joining Western Agency in 2014. Since then, she has grown with the company and worked as a sales associate, customer service representative, account manager and office manager. Michelle has enjoyed expanding her insurance knowledge and is rewarded by the work she’s accomplished for her clients.

Michelle, her husband, and their four children live on their family farm north of Granville. Her father helps them to raise Angus Cattle and take care of the farm. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys camping with her family and friends. She also serves as the secretary and treasurer for the McHenry County Farm Bureau and is a TGU Granville FFA Alumni.

Dru Bogden

Email: Dru @ Western-Agency.com

Dru is an Account Manager at Western Agency who started with us in 2023 as a Receptionist. Dru continues to bring the same welcoming presence and commitment to service that clients have come to appreciate since her time at reception to her new role. She enjoys meeting new people and building lasting relationships.

When she can, Dru spends time golfing—always aiming to improve, especially when surrounded by friends—and is known for her sense of humor and storytelling. She never hesitates to share the funny mishaps she’s collected over the years. Dru is proud to continue serving Western Agency clients in a new capacity and is dedicated to helping them feel supported and well taken care of.

Kenzie Sterkel

Email: Kenzie @ Western-Agency.com

Kenzie Sterkel serves as an Account Manager and Marketing Specialist, bringing four years of insurance experience to the team after starting in Life and Health before moving into Property and Casualty. She enjoys helping others and values the relationships she builds with clients each day.

Outside of Western Agency, Kenzie stays active, whether lifting at the gym or spending time outdoors. Her love for basketball makes March her favorite month of the year. Kenzie appreciates the opportunities her role provides to support clients and contribute to a positive, service-focused environment.

Ella Lloyd

Email: Ella @ Western-Agency.com

Ella Lloyd is an Account Manager who joined Western Agency with a background in administration, sales, and management, bringing a well-rounded approach to serving clients. Although she has been with the company for less than a year, she already enjoys helping customers protect what matters most to them, from their homes and belongings to their farms and families, while also supporting her peers.

In her free time, Ella is deeply involved in community outreach, volunteering at church and local events, and assisting with fundraisers for Veterans, active-duty service members, and area schools. She also enjoys crochet, knitting, gardening, and canning. A fun fact about Ella is that she speaks two languages, can drive a manual, and loves to travel. She is committed to going the extra step for clients and wants them to know they are always in good hands.

JACKIE LARSON

Email: Jackie @ Western-Agency.com

Jackie began her insurance career with Western Agency over a decade ago after spending multiple years in the medical field. The change in careers was a stark one, but the constant has been the role of helping people.  Jackie’s industry knowledge and experience has been directly influenced by working in every capacity at the agency since her start.   While her relationships with her clients are paramount, she is passionate about her work with the sales and support staff to ensure that Western Agency is consistently providing the best service possible.

Jackie and her husband, Steve, live in Minot where he operates the family farm. Both enjoy spending time with family and friends, relaxing at the lake, and supporting youth activities in their community. She and Steve often have a “project” underway to keep them busy.  Jackie is also a member of the Agribusiness committee of the Minot Chamber of Commerce.

Upon thinking of Western Agency, Jackie recalls the support she received during the flood that occurred in 2011. Her family, like many others in their community, was caught off guard by the order to evacuate. The Western Agency family  – clients and agency personnel alike, provided trailers, tools, and the support she needed during evacuation and beyond. She continues to be thankful for the quick action from the owners of Western Agency and her ability to keep her family in Minot.

RYON BOEN

Email: Ryon @ Western-Agency.com

Ryon began his insurance career in 2007 after serving as vice president of products for TestQuest, a software engineering company in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn. Here, he led the engineering, development and new-product launch for a variety of software products in both domestic and international markets.

An engineer by trade with former roles at Caterpillar and Phoenix International, he joined Western Agency as a farm insurance agent, quickly assisting in the agency’s growth, which has more than doubled the past seven years. He was appointed CEO for Western Agency in 2010, following the retirement of former owner Chuck Tompkins.

He earned his bachelor of science in electrical engineering/computer engineering from North Dakota State University and his master’s of business administration/strategic marketing from Moorhead State University, now Minnesota State University Moorhead. He and his wife Kristen and their three kids live in Minot, N.D.