River City Six – Shelly Hermsen

Meet Shelly Hermsen, the account manager – employee benefits at North Risk Partners.

Tell us a little about your business.

North Risk Partners is one of the largest, privately owned independent insurance agencies in the Midwest with over 300 employees in 26 locations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. We work hard to help our clients face risk head-on, finding them the best fit insurance for their employees. We support them with keeping up with industry changes as they happen. I enjoy working with and building relationships with our clients to better learn their specific benefit needs to assist them with their claims, enrollment and benefit needs.

How did you get started in the business?

After being a stay-at-home mom for many years, I decided it was time to get out of the house and back into the workforce. I went to work in a part-time/temporary position for a major health insurance carrier in their small group installation and renewal department. A few years later, I decided to go to work for an insurance brokerage where I can work directly with clients providing service with their various needs. I also get to work with many different carriers who provide coverage for the numerous benefits we offer, such as health, dental, vision, life, and disability.

Tell us a little about your family.

I was born and raised in Omaha. I am married to my husband Dave and we live in Elkhorn. I have three children: Ashlynn (26), Jarret (24), and Kyle (21); and three stepchildren named Jordyn, Gage, and Hunter. Dave and I have two granddaughters—Brixtyn (4) and Brogyn (2 months)—whom we love spending time with!

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

In the winter, it might be curling up with a warm blanket and watching a movie. However, in the summer, I enjoy meeting up with friends and family and enjoying good food, drinks, and live music.

Who inspires you?

My kids! They make me proud of the young adults they have become.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My grandmother always told me to “Kill’em with kindness!”

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Kind.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To be a good singer. I love music but am not gifted with any sort of singing talent.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

To be a nurse and help people be well. I have a very weak stomach and do not like the site of blood, so that profession was out of the question for me.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

The Backpack Program through the Omaha Food Bank. I enjoy supporting them because I know how many children are helped by this program on a daily basis.

What is your favorite movie?

I love movies, but it is hard to pick just one! Among my favorites are The Proposal with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, any movie starring Morgan Freeman, and Toy Story.

What is your favorite TV show?

Game of Thrones.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar for their mouthwatering filet mignon and relaxing atmosphere.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

(402) 905-9059; shelly.hermsen@northriskpartners.com; www.northriskpartners.com.