CHAD CHRISTENSEN

Born in Idaho Falls, Chad graduated from Ricks College in Rexburg with an associate's degree in criminal justice, earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Idaho State University, and served a mission for the LDS Church in San Diego. 

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Chad is also a U.S. Army veteran who has served 12 years in law enforcement, eight of those for the state of Idaho as a parole officer and welfare fraud investigator.

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He belongs to the Military Police Regimental Association, the American Legion, the Oath Keepers, the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance, the NRA, and Gun Owners of America. Chad also coaches hockey and baseball, and is an American Legion baseball umpire.

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Chad has been an Idaho State legislator since December 2018. He says he "overcame overwhelming odds that tested me the core" when he challenged and beat a 30-year incumbent for the office. He's just finishing his first term in office, and will be heading into his second term, "depending on whether I beat my Democrat opponent in the November general election." Chad is also "passionate about the U.S. Constitution and God-given rights."

 

He was recently awarded the "Friend of Agriculture" award from the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation for his "tireless efforts to support Idaho agriculture." 

 

Chad loves being in the outdoors with his sons, Ryan and Cooper. They love to fish, hunt, camp, snowmobile, dirt bike, and ride horses.

 

In 2012, Chad owned a horse named Golden Boy. "Well, this horse was not a golden boy," Chad says. "He was an obstinate horse. He would challenge anyone who dared ride him." Despite being bucked off dozens of times by Golden Boy, Chad always got back on and "tried to give this horse another chance."

 

In 2012, Golden Boy broke six of Chad's ribs and punctured his lung. The love/hate relationship with Chad and Golden Boy finally ended.

 

Chad's father sold Golden Boy to a neighbor while Chad was in the hospital. "My father warned this neighbor about Golden Boy's ornery, mean disposition," Chad recalls. The man told Chad's father that he was an experienced rider and nothing would happen. His father admitted they were not experts, and had no doubt the man was very experienced, but he was "leery that the neighbor would escape unscathed." Golden Boy dumped the neighbor on the asphalt, and Chad now has a new horse, Liberty, with whom he has a much better relationship.

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"Life can be challenging and difficult," Chad says. "However, getting back up and fighting for what is right is key. I feel like I have always fought for people who need my assistance. It is who I am, and it is who I always will be. It is a very important aspect of who I am to the core."

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Chad will work out of the Idaho Falls office.

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JANEL HOLMES

Janel was born and raised in St. Maries, Idaho. "I loved growing up in a small town," she says, "but I dreamed of the big city." Her dreams became a reality. "I moved to Southern California and graduated from California State University, Long Beach, with a degree in Marketing and Consumer Behavior." During her time in California, Janel worked with "amazing" companies like Budweiser, Coca-Cola, Kohler, Saks 5th Avenue, Ford, Toyota, Kia, Hyandai, BJ's Restaurants & Brewhouse, Taco Bell, and Transamerica. While Janel loved the city, she still always felt attached to her roots. Over time, her husband of 25 years, Andrew, and their children, Sofia (17), Wyatt (15), and Landen (13), made the decision to slow down the pace of their life and enjoy more time with family by moving back to Idaho. "I now realize," Janel says, "that although it was nice to leave, it's 1,000 times better to come back home."

 

Janel will work out of the St. Maries office.

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KOLTER JEPPESEN

Kolter and his wife, Mikayla, have been married seven years. They have lived in Baker, Montana, for the past eight years, where they have "enjoyed traveling and experiencing new opportunities." Kolter grew up in St. Anthony, and enjoyed playing basketball, hunting, other outdoor activities, and being with family. "My dad [Kyle] is in the insurance industry," Kolter says. "He's worked for Farm Bureau for 37 years." Farm Bureau is also where Kolter wants to pursue an insurance career. "It's a dream I've had since I was a kid." Kolter moved back to Idaho to pursue his dream, and "hopes to be very successful in my new career field." 

 

Kolter will work out of the St. Anthony office.

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BRITTNEY SMITH

Brittney grew up with four siblings in Star Valley, Wyoming. "My parents owned a hunting camp business," Brittney says, "where I gained a great love for the outdoors and a hard work ethic." Brittney is married with three "wonderful children." The family has made their home in Preston for the past 15 years. "I am passionate about helping others," Brittney adds, "and excited to be working in the insurance industry."

 

Brittney will work out of the Preston office.

 

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