When did you begin working at Farm Bureau?

I started working at Farm Bureau in December of 2003. I was hired as a proofreader and have held many positions during my time here (too many to count). I would go wherever the company needed me. I actually only applied for positions twice - when a started and then the underwriting position. I have been an underwriter for the past four years.

 

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We moved to Pocatello when I was four, so I grew up here. I graduated from Highland High School.

 
I got married at 21. We moved to Spokane, Washington. I did catering for an Italian restaurant. Loved it! My husband was killed in accident when I was 26, and I moved back here to Idaho to be close to my family.

 

Now I have a wonderful husband, Kenny, three beautiful girls - Haylee, Kaci, and Taryn, and a grandson who is full of energy.

 

I love the outdoors. Taking the pontoon boat out and just relaxing on the lake! Kayaking and riding ATVs is also a must.

 

What were some highlights about working for Farm Bureau?

I love how Farm Bureau is always giving back to the community. I would say a highlight of working here is our Salute to Idaho Veterans. Such a wonderful program every year. I cry every time.

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Any other memorable things come to mind about your Farm Bureau career?

I love all the wonderful people I have worked with. I will miss them dearly!

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What are your retirement plans?

My husband is retiring around the same time. We plan on traveling more and spending a lot more time at our cabin in Island Park.
 

NOTES FROM MICHELLE'S COWORKERS

Michelle! Good luck in retirement- you’ve worked hard for it! I will miss your personality around the office and am glad to have gotten to work with you. Thank you for being you.

-Hannah Adamson, Personal Lines Underwriter

 

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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I think Michelle wins for the most positions worked within our department.

 

Michelle brings a quiet calm and levelness to the Underwriting Department. She has knowledge in many areas outside Underwriting and has been such a big help in getting the Washington farm project off the ground. We got a big win when we were able to bring her back to the Underwriting Team.

 

I know Michelle and her husband are looking forward to some down time at the cabin and enjoying life.

 

Enjoy life!

-Lisa Barber, Vice President of Underwriting

 

Michelle was one of the first people I sat with during my first week at Farm Bureau. I was there to learn about what a coder does, but what I took away most was how kind Michelle was. To this day, she is the kindest person I have encountered in my time at Farm Bureau.

 

Over the last few years, I have gotten to know her much better since she has been on my team and it has been so great. She is always trying to do the absolute best she can and make sure things are correct. Michelle is a person that everyone loves and is a friend to everyone.

 

I recently asked her to help me with a lot of work that isn’t underwriting, and she has stepped up immensely and is a huge asset to me. I will miss all her help and kindness when she is gone.
 

Michelle, I hope you can take time to enjoy yourself without stress of work or Guidewire or Washington. Maybe you can visit Washington instead of looking at mind maps.
 

Congratulations on your retirement. I will miss you!

-Erin Giles, Agri-Business Underwriting Manager

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I hope you enjoy retirement, you’ve earned it! Your knowledge and kind, caring attitude will really be missed. Thank you for everything you have done to make this place a better place to work. All the best wishes.   

-Shannon Simmons, Personal Lines Underwriting Supervisor

 

I don’t even remember when I first met Michelle at work. But I do know that she is the friendliest lady around.

 

Michelle is the reason I am doing the job I love right now. She requested to the powers that be for me to move from underwriting to the Guidewire project almost 10 years ago.

 

Michelle taught me how to gather requirements, write stories, and test in Guidewire. We worked together on the new lines for many years before the department grew into what it is now.

 

Michelle is very meticulous at her job and strives to make sure every piece is discussed and addressed. She is patient and kind and people get happier when she is around. Her energy is contagious.

 

I have become friends with Michelle outside of work and she is such a fun and adventurous person. I look forward to spending more time with her in the future. I know she and Kenny will be enjoying the next chapter of their lives living life to the fullest.

 

Best wishes. You will be greatly missed around here!

-Brenda Swindle, Business Analyst Team Lead

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I will forever be impressed how that little lady can put down a giant bowl of pasta. Our trip to north Idaho a few years ago holds some of my favorite memories of her.

 

I have truly enjoyed working with Michelle during my time here. She has always been supportive and helpful to those around her.

 

If only we could figure out a way to leave her big brain full of all the knowledge here with me.

 

I wish her many happy days in her Island Park cabin snuggled up to Ozzy.   

-Meeghan Zaugg, Agri-Business Senior Underwriter

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