Russ Holland will retire on March 31. To celebrate his well-deserved retirement, a reception will be held at noon this Friday, March 29, at the Burley office. Please join us in thanking Russ for his dedicated service and wishing him all the best in his retirement.

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Before becoming a Farm Bureau Insurance agent, Russ Holland managed a retail clothing store in Rupert for 25 years. “Small town retail was a losing proposition at the end of the century,” Russ says. “So I talked to [Agency Manager] Monte Watson in 1998 about a career as an insurance agent and the rest is history. Wow – 21 years! Where did the time go?”

 

 “I have really enjoyed these years here,” Russ says about his time at Farm Bureau’s Burley office. “The agents and office staff have always been friendly and helpful to each other. That made coming to work each day a pleasure. I will miss all of them.” Russ says the highlight of his career has been his clients. “Clients become friends,” Russ explains. “Working with them when they have problems or claims has been particularly satisfying.” Russ credits Farm Bureau’s claim service for helping him build lasting client relationships. “Our claim service has been outstanding and great to watch. The service we give makes lifetime Farm Bureau members. I have great relationships with all of my clients – in and out of the office – and I know these relationships will continue past my retirement.”

 

Russ and his wife, Sally, live on the farm where Sally was born and raised. “We built a home down in the back of a hayfield a half-mile away from any neighbors and absolutely love country living.” Russ and Sally have five children, four girls and one boy. “They are all happily married and live close enough to visit regularly.” The best part of family, Russ says, “is when your kids start bringing grandkids home to see grandma and papa. We will continue to enjoy all the ballgames, recitals, and other events of growing grandkids – some events are more enjoyable than others.”

 

Russ and Sally’s retirement plans include continued church work and potentially a church mission in the next few years. “I look forward to retirement,” Russ says in conclusion. “I know we will continue to enjoy these coming years. Sally has been making a list of what she wants to do.

It is now three pages long and will take several years to complete. Life is great!”

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NOTES FROM RUSS'S COWORKERS

A simple thank you for everything is just not enough to express my gratitude to Russ Holland. He has been a friend of my family and myself, personally, for as long as I can remember. He’s also been my agent since I went on my own insurance years ago. His example to me and how he conducted himself in his business is what convinced me that coming to work at Farm Bureau was the right thing to do.

 

Russ is a genuinely caring person who is always willing to lend his time and advice. I feel privileged to have worked so closely with him as his PA over these last few years of his career. I have learned so many good things from Russ that go beyond being a good agent with Farm Bureau. I am going to miss seeing him every day and miss our discussions about everything and how to fix the world. I can’t thank Russ enough for getting me into this business, and for being such an amazing friend and supporter of me over the years. I owe him a huge debt of gratitude for taking a chance on me, and I hope I can live up to the potential he seems to have in me.

 

That’s the thing about Russ - he sees the potential in you that you don’t see in yourself. I have heard that from multiple people and I am so glad there are people like Russ. I can think of no one more deserving to have a happy retirement. Thank you Russ!

-Stetzen Bailey, Agent, Burley

 

I have worked with Russ for the last 15 years. I appreciate his friendship and knowledge. He has always been willing to take time to answer questions, and help me out. I wish you and Sally all the best in retirement.

-Gary Bliss, Agent, Burley

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It has been a pleasure to work with Russ for several years. His door has always been open for visits from clients or any of us in the office. Russ - enjoy spending more time with family and stop by to visit with us occasionally. I wish you and Sally the best in retirement.

-Kurt Geary, Agent, Burley

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As long as I have been with Farm Bureau I have been working with Russ. His friendship and advice have helped me look forward to and build the opportunity I had at Farm Bureau. Over the years he spent countless minutes and hours giving me advice and counsel. We have thoroughly enjoyed becoming close to Russ and Sally over the years and through the trips we have taken. Enjoy you retirement Russ!

-Eli Hansen, Agent, Burley

 

I have worked with Russ in the Burley office for the last 21 years. I have always admired Russ for his integrity and mild mannerism. We have built a friendship throughout the years that I appreciate very much. I wish Russ the very best in his retirement.

-Dave Nevarez, Agent, Burley

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Russ Holland is one class act. His professionalism, his customer care, and his willingness to help agents in the office have been outstanding. A great mentor to this young agent. Thanks Russ.

-Jim Powell, Agent, Burley

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