The Rest of the Story
As we’ve said many times before and will no doubt say again, the ProAg difference can be found in our people. We’ve recently added four outstanding individuals to our west region team, and would like to take this opportunity to introduce them to you.
Sunny Atwal
An “interest in ag and everything associated with it” propelled Sunny into his career in crop insurance. A 2008 Fresno State graduate, Sunny worked in the crop division at Great American Insurance for seven years prior to joining ProAg as an underwriter.
“My family has a farming background, so I enjoy learning about the crops, rules and regulations that come with the insurance side of the business,” he says. “ProAg is a great place to work because they treat employees fairly, understand the importance of life outside of work and see the funny and humorous side of the crop insurance world. It’s fun and challenging at the same time.”
Sunny and his wife, Raman, have been married for four years and had a baby boy earlier this year. In his free time, Sunny enjoys traveling, playing and watching sport, hanging out with friends and trying new recipes on the barbecue.
Annette Klein
“Patience, a winning personality and a sense of humor.” Those are characteristics Annette believes are required to do her job as error resolution lead well. “This job is a puzzle, and you have to be willing to learn new things to figure out the process.”
Annette’s family has farmed in California’s central valley for more than 50 years, and it was their crop insurance agent that got her started in the business. “He recommended I consider a position as an operation clerk with another AIP, so I did,” she says. “That was eight years ago. I came to ProAg four months ago, and I enjoy the team-effort atmosphere. Everyone I come in contact with has a great attitude, and that’s reflected in the way they do their job.”
Away from the office, Annette enjoys spending time with her four grandchildren. Apparently, she’s also a pretty good baker. “I got feedback that I made a great pumpkin sheet cake for the office Halloween party,” she notes.
Alana Stribling
A self-described free spirit, Alana’s resume reflects both that attitude and her diverse interests. “My first job at 16 was as the rat at Chuck E. Cheese,” she says. She went on to become a diesel mechanic in the Navy and at UPS, a chiropractic assistant, a medical transcriptionist, a graphic designer and, before joining ProAg, she worked for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.
Her work as an administrative assistant at ProAg plays right into her appreciation for all sorts of people. “I’m a helper with natural maternal instincts,” Alana states. “If I can help you figure out what you need, then I’m a happy camper. I like the family vibe I get from the ProAg team. People seem genuinely happy to be here, and there seems to be a real cohesion that works like a well-oiled machine.”
As far as Alana’s interests, we can’t even begin to do that list justice here. The quick overview—music of every genre (she’s married to accomplished new-age musician Michael Stribling), world travel, and working with the homeless and mentally disabled. She’s currently attending Fresno City College, studying to fulfill her dream of becoming a sign language interpreter.
Samantha Edmonds
A strong work ethic turned a temp position into a full-time job as an underwriter and launched Samantha’s crop insurance career. Now she’s putting her talents to work at ProAg and enjoying the transition.
“I am happy to be here,” she says. “The atmosphere here is relaxed but the focus is still on getting the work done, getting it done right and learning new things so you can grow. I like the people I work with and find a lot of help all around when needed, which is not always easy to find in a workplace.”
Samantha’s free time is spent with husband and best friend Richard Imel, their two daughters and four dogs. “I love to make arts and crafts, cook and bake and spend time outdoors with my kids and dogs, and talk and laugh with my husband,” she says. “When I get some time alone, I like to read.”
