Congratulations to Tommy Zinke, Senior Business Development Representative for the Upper Midwest Region, for receiving the Silver Circle Award for Customer Service for Quarter 4, 2025. Read below for Tommy's insights and thoughts on delivering exceptional customer service!
How would you define excellent customer service?
To me, excellent customer service means having the willingness to go the extra step to help customers succeed, even when it isn’t required or expected. It’s about truly partnering with agents to understand their goals, offering knowledge and support proactively, and being fully invested in their growth. Excellent service shows up through clear communication, follow-through, and a commitment to adding real value. Solving problems is required but helping customers excel is where we set ourselves apart. Strive to be Elite!
What personal attributes do you believe set you apart in your approach to
serving customers?
I bring a strong sense of initiative, collaboration, and enthusiasm to my work with agents. I always enjoy stepping forward when an opportunity exists to improve outcomes or try something new. I believe thinking “outside-the-box” is one of my strongest attributes. I’m committed to being accessible, professional, and knowledgeable, while also thinking creatively about how we can better serve customers in a changing industry. I take pride in representing AgriSompo with integrity and ensuring my actions reflect positively on the company and the partnerships we build.
What motivates you to consistently deliver great service, even during
challenging moments?
I’m motivated by the trust agents place in me and by the responsibility that comes with supporting their businesses and customers. I am extremely competitive with everything I do. I find out what our competitors do and then I make it my goal to do it better. Knowing that my efforts can directly contribute to an agency’s growth and success pushes me to stay engaged, responsive and solutions-focused even when
challenging moments arise. I’m also driven by pride in my work and in representing AgriSompo in a way that demonstrates commitment, expertise, and reliability.
What advice would you give to others who want to elevate their customer
service impact?
My advice would be to lead with enthusiasm, collaboration and curiosity. Listen more, dig deeper into the needs of our customers. Be willing to go beyond what’s expected, communicate openly, and look for ways to add value before being asked. When you focus on helping customers grow, not just checking the box for the day-to-day transactions, you build stronger relationships and long-term trust. Consistent professionalism, forward-thinking and a genuine willingness to help others succeed can and will make a meaningful difference.