SFM’s Ryan Jirak, who has more than 16 years of experience in the insurance industry, was recently promoted to VP of Regional Business, Large Accounts.

He has previously worked at SFM as a midmarket underwriter, small business marketing representative and in large accounts business development. As of 2020, he has led SFM’s strategic business unit for large accounts, now being promoted to Vice President.

“It’s exciting. Our team is incredibly experienced. We have great relationships with our policyholders and agency partners,” Jirak said. “And now our next generation is stepping up and running with the culture already created. I’m just excited to be part of it.”

Jirak said he views the team as a resource for policyholders. His role is to help ensure the transfer of knowledge when employees take on new roles among SFM’s large accounts.

“A lot of times, we’ve been working with the same claim handlers and in-house attorneys at these policyholders for 10-15 years,” he said. “It’s so fun to help develop new relationships and assist those professionals who are taking over new roles with our policyholders.”

A native of New Prague, Minn., Jirak now lives in Victoria, Minn., with his wife and dogs. During the fall, he volunteers — or “voluntold,” as he put it — on his in-laws’ apple orchard. He also enjoys enhancing wildlife habitat on his conservation property in western Minnesota.

“When I first came to the Twin Cities, I was looking for a job outside insurance,” Jirak said. “But after finding SFM, having the coworkers I do and the strong relationships we have with our policyholders, that’s the reason I come to work with a smile every day.”

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