From left, Marty Nelson, Tom Sorenson, and Kiana Bumbusky.
By Deb Bently
Staff Writer
When it’s difficult to let go of something, sometimes the solution is not to let go…at least not entirely.
That’s the approach Marty Nelson, 76, who had operated his Security Insurance Agency in Ellendale for 40 years and more, has taken in allowing his business to move under the umbrella of the Americana Insurance Group, Inc, which already has branches in Albert Lea and Wells.
The “umbrella” opened September 1. To bring about the transfer, Americana co-owner Tom Sorenson and agent Kiana Gumbusky began working to help modernize Nelson’s…long-established practices.
Nelson and Gumbusky will be operating the agency together for the next year or so, and both agree they have much to learn from each other.
“Don’t touch the piles,” jokes Gumbusky. “That’s the rule.”
Sorenson says he looks forward to seeing how successful Gumbusky can be at broadening Nelson’s skill with computers and networks. In the meantime, Nelson will be acquainting Gumbusky with the ins and outs of small-town familiarity.
Gumbusky, whose roots are in Owatonna, was deeply impressed when working late one night in the company’s downtown building: A community member had seen the lights on–and wanted to make sure Nelson knew someone was in his office.
“People look out for each other here,” she observed. “They know each other and they notice when something’s not quite right.”
Both Gumbusky and Sorenson comment on the number of people persistently out and about in Ellendale. “It’s a busy, non-stop, thriving town,” says Gumbusky.
“Other towns fade away,” observes Sorenson. “This one doesn’t.”
Nelson tells how his time with the insurance company has evolved. Ellendale once had a “Security State Bank,” which offered insurance under the same name. When Nelson began working at the bank in the 1980s, he gradually specialized more and more on the insurance side of the bank’s operations. In 1992, he bought the business and the name, moving to an office located along the city’s center street.
Nelson is a Korean War veteran, having served from 1968 to 1972. While in Korea he met his wife, Lee. She and he were married for 48 years, until Lee’s death in July of 2020. The two of them raised two daughters adopted from Korea, Nancy and Heidi; both now live in the Twin Cities area. Heidi and her husband Ryan have two daughters, Audrey, now a fourth-grader, and Anna, now in fifth grade.
Nelson drove a school bus route for NRHEG for 21 years. “Folks just knew where I was,” he comments of his schedule. “If I wasn’t in, they would leave a note.”
Gumbusky confirms this, having already found a note or two on the desk in the freshly remodeled Americana office.
Since September 1, hours have been a bit more regular, with Gumbusky, Nelson, or both manning the office on business days from 8:30 to 5. For those who walk in, it will be anybody’s guess which of the two agents will be “teaching” the other, and whether the topic will be electronic communication or hometown culture.
All the services Nelson has offered will continue to be available, while Americana’s network will also be at customers’ disposal. This will mean an expanded line of available products and follow-up service, including a designated claims manager who will shepherd any claims all the way through the process, assuring timely completion.
Americana is planning a grand opening celebration on October 13 and 14. Sorenson promises “Goodies and refreshments, and drawings for some awesome door prizes.” The days will give folks a chance to meet Americana Insurance Group representatives including Sorenson and Gumbusky, and to congratulate Nelson on his changed workload.
It may also be a chance for Nelson to assure his long-time customers that his personal touches will be retained. One particular promise he makes is that the company will still give away calendars each year: “The ones with the songbirds,” he reassures, mentioning how those have always been a favorite. So much so, in fact, that numerous customers have already asked about them.
As for Gumbusky, Nelson feels sure her knowledge, personality and professionalism will quickly make her a favorite in the community. For a starter, “She sure is better looking than I am,” he quips. “I think people will like her.”