MINOT, ND
Advice you can trust from
Pete, Ryan, Wade,
Michelle, Vicki, Kacey, Ben AND Cynthia
Open 8:00am to 5:00pm
408 20th Ave SW, Suite 101, Minot, ND 58701
701-852-5383
Western Agency
MEET YOUR TEAM
Personal Lines Agent
Since 2022
BEN KRAMER
Email: ben@western-agency.com
Cell: 701-707-3833
Ben is Western Agency’s personal line insurance expert. He enjoys getting to know his clients and what is important to them – this allows him to build the perfect insurance package for your needs.
When he is out of the office, you can find Ben participating in a sporting event – golfing, softball, curling or hockey. He also enjoys spending time with his nieces and nephew.
As a Minot native, Ben is proud to be involved with Minot Y’s Men, West Dakota Waterfowler’s Delta Chapter and Minot Sunrise Rotary.
Account Executive
Since 2023
CYNTHIA FERNANDEZ AINS, CIC, CISR
Email: cynthia@western-agency.com
Cynthia has been in the insurance industry for over 25 years and specializes in commercial insurance. She is well versed in commercial coverage and underwriting and also was a public adjuster for two years.
She is a proud mom to two boys. Cynthia loves the outdoors, fishing and baking. She strives to give back to the community and support local.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Cynthia is passionate about helping the Hispanic community to achieve their business dreams.
BUSINESS Insurance Agent
Since 2010
Pete Fiske
Email: Pete @ Western-Agency.com
Cell: 701-500-3743
Pete came to Western Agency after teaching at the elementary and middle school level. He quickly used his teaching skills to help business owners understand how to minimize or manage risks and began specializing in commercial insurance in 2013. Along with his top producer awards, Pete says his greatest reward is helping build a policy that is tailored specifically to his client’s business.
When he’s not helping clients, he’s at the rink playing a pick-up game, coaching for the Minot Hockey Boosters or watching his sons play hockey. When it’s not hockey season, it’s soccer season in support of his favorite soccer players or mountain biking/fat tire biking on the local trails. He gives back as a committee member for the Minot Legends Soccer Association, a council member for his church, and volunteers as a Sunday morning Sunday school teacher and mentor for 10th-grade confirmation students.
Pete is proud to be a part of the Western Agency team because of how he can work to make sure his clients are protected.
AG, BUSINESS, AND PERSONAL INSURANCE AGENT
Since 2010
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.
Commercial Insurance Agent
Since 2021
Wade Regier
Email: Wade @ Western-Agency.com
Cell: 701-509-0591
Wade brings to the team more than 13 years of sales and business development experience. Growing up in Canada, he came to North Dakota to attend Minot State University and graduated in 2008. In 2010, he took over as the Head Coach for Minot State University Hockey where, along with coaching, was extensively involved in the sponsorship, fundraising and business development for the program.
In his spare time, you can find Wade volunteering as a coach for our community’s youth, spending time with his wife Ashley, and chasing their daughter around the soccer field, baseball diamond, basketball court, or arena.
ACCOUNT Executive
Since 2014
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.
ACCOUNT Executive
Since 2016
Vicki Nielsen
Email: Vicki @ Western-Agency.com
Vicki joined Western Agency in 2016 after immigrating from Canada. She was an insurance agent in Saskatchewan for seven years where she sold both commercial and personal/farm insurance prior to moving to North Dakota. Vicki started Western Agency as a customer service representative and has since been promoted to an account manager. She works closely with all the Minot commercial insurance agents, providing daily support to them and our insureds.
Vicki is a mother of five and has nine grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with family and spoiling her grandbabies.
Vicki is proud to say that she is a team member of Western Agency. She feels the work ethic and quality of customer support that Western Agency fosters makes this a great place to work.
Associate Account Manager
Since 2022
Associate Account Manager
Since 2023
Tristan Maldonado
Email: tristan@western-agency.com
Tristan is excited to bring his leadership experience with him to Western Agency. His professionalism and energy will be an asset to clients.
When Tristan is not at work, he is playing, studying or thinking about sports. He is an avid fan and is working toward a master’s degree in sports management. He also is very interested in technology – he builds computers in his spare time!
Tristan looks forward to continuing to build his insurance knowledge and assisting clients achieve their needs.
AGENT
Since 2023
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.
Account Manager
Since 2024
Drew Pearson
Email: drew@western-agency.com
Drew joins the Western Agency team with a background in insurance and is ready to assist clients. Drew is a MSU grad and you might have also seen him on the basketball court for the Beavers!
Drew enjoys spending time with his family and friends and staying active. He also refs local high school basketball and enjoys the ND outdoors.
Drew is committed to offering clear, honest guidance to clients to ensure confidence in their insurance decisions.
AFTER HOURS CONTACT INFO
WE LOVE OUR COMMUNITY!
Western Agency