When did you begin working at Farm Bureau?

I started January, 1991, as a proofreader. Then I worked as a coder and eventually moved into underwriting.

 

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born in American Falls, grew up in Aberdeen, Paul, Minidoka, and eventually moved to Pocatello.

 

I raised two great kids, Tiffany and Drew, and they gave me some wonderful grandchildren.

 

I’ve been with my husband for 10 years and have a great blended family with more kids (Iesha and RJ) and a couple more grandchildren.

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What were some highlights about working for Farm Bureau?

Highlights of working here forever? Knowing some people here so long, it’s hard to just leave because they are family. Honestly, it’s not stopping me, but seemed poignant for the story.

 

I have done so much with this company it seems like some of my funniest and best stories always have something to do with my friends here and some type of volunteer work we have done. From Relay for Life for about a dozen years (thanks Brenda, Cara, and Dana), to Christmas in the Nighttime Skies and the chili feed. I have helped with fundraisers, clothing drives and cleaning the highway.

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What are your retirement plans?

Our first cruise is to come and hopefully I don’t talk myself out of the zipline - but who knows.

 

I am excited for my newest and funniest adventures to come and hoping to spend more time with family and friends.

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Anything else you'd like to add?

Thanks for the memories Farm Bureau!

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NOTES FROM MELINDA'S COWORKERS

All I can say is I am ecstatic that these women [underwriters Michelle Corbridge, Melinda Rodriquez, and Cindy Taft] are retiring. Maybe now I can stop having nightmares at night.
 

From their beginning they have abused, berated, taunted and cursed at me. It has been horrible.  
 

Also Melinda is secretly in love with me and that has been awkward.
 

I do however wish them the very best.

-Mike Asker, Agent, Grangeville

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Melinda has been such an integral part of the Underwriting Department. She has worked hard to expand her knowledge and learn new skills. I have been fortunate to work with her the entire time I have been at Farm Bureau; we have made some great memories. Some of those stories may be forever kept quiet.

 

Melinda is looking forward to her next chapter and spending time with family. We will miss her sense of humor, knowledge and dedication.

 

She says she isn’t coming back to see us, but I know she will.

 

Thank you for your years of service and dedication to our company.

-Lisa Barber, Vice President of Underwriting

 

After over 30 years the underwriting department is going to be very different without Melinda.

 

I have worked with Melinda since I started at Farm Bureau and over the years we have shared many laughs, sarcastic comments, and at times tears.

 

Melinda has always been a friend even when I have been her supervisor and she truly cares about people. She might make a sarcastic comment but ultimately, she cares a lot.

 

She has always worked hard to do her very best at each task, fundraising event, and activity she is involved with even when it makes her uncomfortable.

 

The day-to-day without Melinda cracking jokes is going to be an adjustment for all of us.

Melinda, I hope you enjoy your retirement and maybe you can finally get some time to relax, without your husband or dad around. Congratulations on your retirement, I will miss you!

-Erin Giles, Agri-Business Underwriting Manager

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Melinda, what is life going to be like around here without you? Quiet, kind of boring, less candy, less shenanigans, and one less work-mom.

 

You’ve been an important asset to the company and our department because of your knowledge, courageousness, and passion for giving for all your 12,000+ days here (sheesh, how old ARE you?).

 

You’ve also been important to me for the entirety of my time here. Thank you for taking me under your wing and recommending me for a position at Farm Bureau. Your kindness doesn’t go unnoticed by those around you who truly get to know you. I’m thankful to truly know you.

 

I hope retirement treats you and Ray well, you deserve it.

-Liz Maldonado, Agri-Business Underwriter Trainee

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Congratulations on your retirement. You will be missed around here.  Wishing you good health and happiness in the future. 

-Shannon Simmons, Personal Lines Underwriting Supervisor

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I started at Farm Bureau 28 years ago in accounts receivable. Melinda was the first person that I found a friendship with. She was quick to invite me on break and lunch and we soon became great friends at work and outside of work.

 

She always has something funny to share and is never shy about giving you her opinion, whether you want it or not.

 

When I moved to being a coder, she taught me the ropes. And we spent another 10-plus years in underwriting together.

 

Over the years, Melinda has been such a great friend and a caring person. Melinda was at the hospital when my second baby was born, granted she was not a fan of the language, but she was there. We’ve watched each others' kids grow, got tattoos together, and spent more ladies' nights having more fun than I can count.

 

Melinda is always on board to set up a scare or prank on someone; Josh can tell you she is great at it!

 

Most of all, Melinda is someone I consider a lifelong friend. She is a hard worker, a great mom and wife, and a true friend.

 

We will stay in touch and continue our 28-year friendship even as she retires.

 

I wish her and Ray the most fabulous life as they start new adventures. We will miss you, my friend, and your bold personality every day at the Bureau!

-Brenda Swindle, Business Analyst Team Lead

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Melinda’s got that spiciness in her that you have to love.

 

I will miss hearing the stories from the past 32 years, 356 days that she’s been here (she didn’t quite make it to 33 years so I’m told)… and man she’s got some good ones.

 

I wish her all the best in the retired life and I hope to see her face around here once in a while.   

-Meeghan Zaugg, Agri-Business Senior Underwriter

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