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Americana Insurance Group co-owner Tom Sorenson was named the Big I Minnesota Agent of the Year last month at the independent insurance agent association’s annual expo in Prior Lake. 

The MN Independent Insurance Agents (Big I MN) is the state’s oldest and largest association representing independent agents, brokers and their staff. The Big I MN represents over 6,000 insurance professionals throughout Minnesota.

“It’s a huge, huge honor to be named Minnesota Agent of Minnesota for the Year,” Sorenson said on Monday. “I think of how many independent insurance agents are there.” 

Sorenson, who started in the insurance industry in 1994 at the encouragement of Gene DenHerder and who now co-owns Americana Insurance, credited his employees for helping him receive the award. 

“I wish I could just extend it out and give pieces of my award to all of my employees,” he said. “Without my employees, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” 

He said he has also appreciated all of the other agents and agencies he has networked with over the years and for his clients, who allow him to work for them. 

“I am very honored and I’m very appreciative of all the people who have trusted their livelihood, their life, to me and being able to protect them,” he said.   

He said he recognizes the responsibility he has had to put lives back together again in his role and noted how important it is for people to choose the right insurance agent. 

Sorenson said he and DenHerder worked together at one time at Interstate Meat Service in Albert Lea, and DenHerder talked him into coming on board with Farm Bureau Insurance after a time in radio sales. 

In 1999, he was approached by John Lindemann to be the agency director for Americana Insurance, and in 2004 he and Jim Senske became owners of the firm. They now have locations in Albert Lea, Wells and Ellendale. 

Sorenson said receiving the award made him go back and reflect on all the people in his life who helped him get to where he is today — everybody from DenHerder to his employees and his clients. 

He said he enjoys thinking about what he describes as the “champions” in his life, those who helped him get to where he is and who can accomplish great things together. 

“I always call them my champions. …” he said. “That’s the way I look at life — try to fill your life with champions, and people who have positive attitudes and people who want to be successful.” 

He said he remembers where he was standing when he first got the call from the CEO of the organization telling him he would be receiving the award. 

“I think my jaw pretty much dropped to the copy machine top,” he said. 

Sorenson said at first he questioned receiving the award, but as he started thinking about the recognition, he thought of all the hard work he has put into his job over the years. 

“Reflecting on this moment reminded me that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, even when it feels like no one is watching,” he said. “I can’t fully express the amount of blood, sweat and tears that have gone into this journey, and I’m beyond grateful for the support, dedication and commitment from all my employees, clients and industry network that has gotten me here.”

Sorenson was presented the award during the Thursday luncheon of the Big I convention in front of an audience of about 500 people, including carrier partners, fellow agents and other industry professionals. 

“On behalf of Big I MN, I extend heartfelt congratulations to our award recipients,” said April Goodin, executive vice president and CEO. “Their exceptional accomplishments, tireless commitment and steadfast advocacy for the independent agent community exemplify the highest standards of our profession.”