As the son of a Lava Hot Springs wheat and alfalfa farmer, Paul Roberts always knew weather could affect people's lives. But it wasn’t until his tenure as Farm Bureau Insurance’s CEO that Idaho’s weather made its biggest impact on Paul’s life. When asked about memorable events during his 29-year Farm Bureau career, Paul cites “two years of catastrophic weather events” as something that stood out.

 

But Paul says there are many other, more positive highlights he'll remember. “The changes in technology, planning and participating in the annual ‘Stakeholder’ meetings, visiting field offices and delivering anniversary pins. The people are definitely a highlight.”

 

Paul spent his youth helping his father in the family farm fields. After he graduated from Marsh Valley High School, Paul turned his attention to the accounting field. He attended Idaho State University, where he majored in business and accounting. After graduating from ISU, Paul worked in the accounting departments of several companies, including Bucyrus Erie, Double L Manufacturing, and Basic American Foods.

 

Paul relocated to Wisconsin for his job with Basic American Foods, but he and his wife, Sheila, were anxious to return to Idaho. A job opening at Farm Bureau Insurance in 1990 made this possible.

 

At Farm Bureau, Paul worked as an accountant, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer. On July 1, 2014, Paul took the helm of the company as Executive Vice President and CEO.

 

Paul’s term as CEO has been marked by significant growth in the company which saw record-setting sales in both 2017 and 2018. Paul has also championed a forward-thinking leadership style with a focus on technological advancement.

 

Outside of work, Paul enjoys hunting, fishing, and gardening. As for retirement plans, Paul, who has three married children and five grandsons, says, “I have grandkids to spoil. And I need more cabin time! Maybe an occasional visit to Lambeau Field. Go Packers!”

 

One last sentiment comes to Paul as he looks back on his Farm Bureau career and ahead to retirement. “Thanks to all for many great memories. I’ll miss everyone tremendously.”

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NOTES FROM PAUL'S COWORKERS

I have worked with or for Paul for the last 28 and a half years. I have found Paul to be the most highly principled individual I have ever known. He has a level of integrity that is unwavering. Even when we did not agree, he was always willing to listen to what I had to say. He will be missed as a friend and a boss.

-David Acevedo, Chief Operating Officer

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Paul, on behalf of the entire organization, congratulations to you and Sheila on your retirement! Your 29 years of great leadership and service to the organization helped build a company that, over those years, rose to the second position in Total Market Share in Idaho, experienced surplus growth from $23 million to $247 million, and premium written grew by $200 million. Thanks for your commitment to the organization’s success, Paul!

 

Your support during my transition into the CEO role was incredible. I am so appreciative of how welcoming, professional, and informative you have been during this change. You were willing to do whatever was in the best interest of the organization and our customers to ensure a smooth transition. Thank you!

 

As the wise Dr. Seuss wrote: “Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.” You have made an amazing difference in this company and I hope your retirement days are filled with wonderful family events, playtime with grandchildren, laughter with friends, exciting travel, and loads of fun and relaxation. 

-Todd Argall, Executive Vice President & CEO

 

I can honestly say that I will not be missing you at work after you retire!  

Of the 15 years that I have worked on the other side of your door, I have never once doubted your dedication to Farm Bureau or questioned your integrity. You led this company with vision and strength, and you always remained professional and exemplified excellence - even through the challenging times. Farm Bureau Insurance continues to grow as a prominent company in Idaho because of you. The contributions you have made are immeasurable. 

It has been my honor to finish out my career at Farm Bureau as your assistant and I cannot think of a better way to close this chapter. You have been an amazing boss and a true leader. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!

-Marsha Ferguison, Administrative Assistant to the Executive Vice President and CEO

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There are a number of things that I will always remember about Paul Roberts and my time working for him. First, Paul is willing to do anything to help the company achieve its goals and set an example. One of the first fundraisers that occurred after I joined Farm Bureau was the “Kiss the Pig” event in support of the Relay For Life. Not only was Paul a good sport when he received the most votes to be the one to kiss the pig, he also enthusiastically lead the event and helped us raise a significant amount of money for this important cause. Second, Paul has the courage and discipline to do whatever is necessary to lead Farm Bureau and help it remain a financially strong and independent insurance company. For the past five and a half years, he has challenged us to become a great company and not be comfortable with just being a good one. He is always pushing us to not be comfortable doing things the same way just because “we have always done it that way.” Lastly, he has always lead by example, not expecting us to do anything that he was not willing to do himself. Even now, as his career comes to an end, he is still coming into the office earlier than most, if not all of us.

 

Paul, and his wife, Sheila, are the kind of great people who make Farm Bureau the company where people want to spend their entire career. I am grateful for Paul’s example of leadership and his unwavering vision. I wish Paul and Sheila a great retirement as they get to spend more time together and with their grandchildren.

-Tom Lyons, Vice President of Legal Affairs

 

I just really want to congratulate Paul on his retirement and let him know how happy I am for him and his family. The hard work, leadership and decision making that Paul has contributed over the years does not go unnoticed. I’ve really admired Paul’s commitment to excellence and ability to step up and make decisions that needed to be made for the company.  Paul allowed his leadership team to work with autonomy and created a strong culture of accountability. I will always remember our leadership meetings, coaching sessions, and advice that Paul gave to me. The main lesson being, “give direction and help people by holding them accountable to deliver results.” Paul’s advice has helped me to grow and become a better leader. I can still remember interviewing with Paul and a few other leaders. I feel grateful to have been hired by Paul and am proud to say that I work at Farm Bureau to this day. 

 

On a lighter note, I do have some fun memories of Paul. I do recall Paul dressed up like Miami Vice my first week on the job and Paul dancing for MAPS. I think there is some professional dancing happening on the side. I could not keep up and neither could anyone else. I also recall on one occasion during a leadership meeting, there were several water bottles in an ice bowl for drinks and one single Pepsi bottle. I made the decision to pick out the one Pepsi bottle out of the waters and drink it, not realizing that that one Pepsi belonged to Paul. I believe I still owe Paul for that Pepsi. Finally, I remember the Human Knot activity at one of our team building exercises that made everyone laugh a little and feel a little uncomfortable. I’m glad there were no pictures taken. It did teach us a valuable lesson about working together as a team and communicating though. These are just a few of many memories made over the past few years. 

 

Finally and most importantly, I would like to wish the best to Paul and Sheila and his family. May this next chapter in your life bring you a relaxing future, good health, abundant time for family and vacations, and many more great memories. I sincerely thank you for all you have done for me personally for my career, and to help set up Farm Bureau for many years of success.

-Dana May, Vice President of Underwriting and Policy Administration

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When Paul started working for Farm Bureau, there was only one computer for the entire Accounting Department to share. How things have changed since then. I have had the privilege of having Paul for my manager since I started my career at Farm Bureau. Paul is a hard worker and is very efficient. He has never been above doing any task that needs done. I read a quote by Rosalynn Carter that made me think of Paul’s leadership style: “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” I believe Paul is a great leader. We wish Paul and Sheila the best in retirement. 

-Jason Williams, Treasurer

 

A retirement reception for Paul and Marsha Ferguison will take place at the Home Office lunchroom on Friday, December 27, at 2:00 PM. Please join us in thanking Paul and Marsha for their dedicated service and wishing them the best in their retirement.

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EMPLOYEE NEWS

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