Meet The Team
Your Independent Insurance Agent:
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Is a licensed professional with strong customer and community ties.
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Assists you when you have a claim.
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Works as a consultant with you to determine your needs.
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Offers one-stop shopping for a full range of products, from Homeowners, Renters, Auto, to Business, Life, and Health.
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Reviews your coverage to maintain your changing insurance needs.
Agency Owner & Agent
Cory Bloemendaal, CIC
I was born and raised in Luverne, MN and after graduating from South Dakota State University with a business degree, returned to begin my career at Buffalo Ridge insurance. I worked as a licensed agent for several years with the best mentor I could ask for (Marilyn Bloemendaal) until I was able buy half of the agency. I am licensed in several states in Property/Casualty, Life, Health, and have my CIC designation. Insurance is one of my passions but I also enjoy golfing, hunting, hiking, and spending time with my wife, Paula. We live on an acreage just outside of Luverne with our two girls (until they both went off to college).
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Cell: 507-227-2087
Email: coryb@buffaloridgeins.com
Agent/Commercial Lines Specialist
Pam Haakenson, CIIP, CLP, DAE
I am a Minnesota farm girl at heart. I left the farm after High School to earn my Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Southwest State University. I moved to Luverne in 1987 after I married my husband, Mike. Together we raised our 2 kids. Those 2 “kids” are now grown and raising families of their own. (Yes – being Grandma is #1 on my list of favorites!) In addition to spending time with family & friends, I enjoy travel, sports, theatre, reading, music, volunteering as a Bookn' Buddy at Luverne Elementary School and volunteering as a communion minister at Luverne's MN Veterans Home. I can often be found cheering for sporting events or singing out loud at live concerts. I began my career in Insurance over 35 years ago and I am licensed in Minnesota for Property/Casualty, Life and Health. I have been a member of the International Association of Insurance Professionals for 30+ years. I am that insurance geek, who loves insurance and what I do!
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Email: pamh@buffaloridgeins.com
Agent
Steve Smedsrud, CIC
I am a seasoned Insurance professional with 18 years of experience at Buffalo Ridge Insurance. I take pride in serving our community as a licensed insurance agent. Originally from Luverne MN, I hold a bachelor’s of science degree from Mankato State University and earned my Certified Insurance Councilors designation in 2011. Beyond the office, I enjoy activities like golfing, side by side riding, and great sport of hockey as a spectator, ref, and player. Above all, I cherish moments spent with my family. Feel free to reach out and together we can navigate your insurance needs.
Cell: 507-920-6835
Email: steves@buffaloridgeins.com
Agent
Sadie Steen
I am a Minnesota native that grew up in the small town of Evansville (just west of Alexandria in God’s country). After high school I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Science at St. Cloud State University. Since 2011, I have lived on an acreage south of Valley Springs with my husband Lance, our horses and dogs. We enjoy traveling and showing horses together as well as spending time with the kids. We also enjoy going back “home” to see friends and family, spend time at Eagle Lake, deer and turkey hunt, 4-wheel and horseback ride. I began my career in Insurance in 2008 and I am currently licensed in Minnesota, South Dakota and Iowa for Property/Casualty, Life and Health. I grew up in a family of business owners and understand the importance of protecting your livelihood.
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Cell: 320-492-4469
Email: sadies@buffaloridgeins.com
Customer Service / Claim Specialist
Lorie Gruis
I grew up on a farm near Columbia, South Dakota which is in true prairie ground! In 1986 I married my husband, Kevin and we have 2 sons, Adam and Tyler, along with my much loved dog, Chloe. I enjoy taking Chloe for walks around Luverne, spending time with my family & friends & traveling to fun destinations whenever I can. I worked many years in the banking industry then started working for Buffalo Ridge Insurance in 2009. I enjoy working with my insurance family of coworkers and clients with all kinds of insurance coverage & claim needs. Every day brings something new to look forward to!
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Email: lorieg@buffaloridgeins.com
Customer Service / Farm-Crop Specialist
Dawn Wenzel, AINS, AIS
I was born and raised in Michigan and grew up with my summers spent at/in Lake Michigan. I eventually settled in Madison, WI and, in 2002, started working in insurance on the corporate side of things. During this time, I earned my Associate in General Insurance and Associate in Insurance Services. I moved to Luverne, MN to be with family (son & daughter in law and daughter & son in law) and to watch my 4 grandkids grow up. I also have 3 rescue dogs that keep me on my toes at all times. My husband, Gordy, and I are almost always working on home projects and spending time with our family, friends and dogs. I have 22+ years of insurance experience under my belt, and still counting!
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Email: dawnw@buffaloridgeins.com
Call Today
Our commitment is to provide customers with the best insurance value and service available while maintaining the highest ethical standards and credibility with our clients, carriers, and the public.
507-283-2381