Schneiter takes ownership of Weers Insurance

     There’s a new name and new faces with a well-known insurance company in Anamosa.

     Weers Insurance Agency is now Schneiter Weers Insurance, with Jackie Schneiter taking over ownership in March. Joining the insurance sales group is Jon Kyte, having jumped on board just a couple weeks ago.

     Schneiter serves as president of the business, and also sells insurance alongside her cohorts. Schneiter Weers Insurance employs three sales representatives and two customer service reps.

     Schneiter, a long-time Jones County resident at heart, has been working in the insurance industry for 25 years. Her resume includes time with Holmes Murphy, UFG (United Fire Group), State Farm Insurance, and Farm Bureau. With both State Farm and Farm Bureau, Schneiter served on the companies’ leadership teams.

     “Gary (Weers) contacted me about selling,” Schneiter said of taking over a long-running Jones County insurance business.

     She was one of six different agencies who bid on the business, and is now getting used to her ownership role.

     “I’m from here and am known around the county,” she said. “The reception has been really good.”

     Each day is different working in the insurance world. Schneiter’s job entails so many arms of the business: marketing, business planning, business development, coaching, customer service, risk review, sales, and networking.

     Schneiter said networking is key to any business. Aside from Schneiter Weers being members of both the Monticello and Anamosa chambers of commerce, Schneiter volunteers with the Anamosa Rotary, while Kyte is a new member of the Monticello Rotary Club.

     “I’m big on community involvement,” urged Schneiter. “In a small town community, you get to know everyone.”

     Schneiter said with her children busy in school, she’s enjoying working local and having the time to attend their events.

     “I’m hoping to use my leadership skills and build something here,” she said. “I want to make insurance simple for our customers, cost effective, and to know their options out there.”

     Schneiter said Gary Weers left quite a legacy behind with Weers Insurance, so much so that she felt it was important to keep the name despite the new ownership.

     “It’s been here for 48 years,” she said. “It’s what people recognize, and he’s earned it. We want the legacy to continue.”

     Schneiter said her knowledge in the business combined with a long-standing company makes a great combination.

     “It’s to our clients’ advantage,” she said.

     Combined, the employees and current and former leadership of Schneiter Weers Insurance brings 95 years of experience to their clients.

     Kyte, who worked in sales prior to the insurance world, said his passion for helping others brought him to Schneiter Weers Insurance.

     “I want to be an outlet for people and help them out in their time of need,” he said. “Everyone’s world is different, and we can support their needs, whether it’s insurance or financial.”

     Kyte has a young family, and wanted to pursue a career that allowed him to remain home more often than not.

     “My family is growing and I wanted to work locally rather than travel,” he said.

     Kyte’s job entails not only working with existing clients, but also bringing in new accounts as well, both commercial and personal insurance carriers. He adds to the day-to-day inner workings of the office, processing claims and heading out on insurance calls.

     “Jon is an asset,” praised Schneiter. “He’s a natural-born teacher and coach, and has a personality that leads to educating people.” She said Kyte’s leadership within the company extends to networking.

     “He knows a ton of people and he’s able to help them in different situations understand what’s best and offer advice.” Kyte is the former Monticello High School head football coach, and is also from Jones County. He remains an assistant coach.

     When coming on board, Kyte took the time to become licensed by the State of Iowa to sell life and health insurance, as well as property and casualty.

     “I went back to being a student,” he said.

     Schneiter Weers Insurance offers a full menu of insurance and financial needs: automobile, home, renters, life, health, farm/agriculture, retirement planning. “Our motto is insurance for every need,” Kyte said of their wide range of services.

     Schneiter said her outlook on the insurance business includes working with their customers to help them understand and prepare for life’s risks.

     “I just love to understand people’s worlds, talking through what’s best for them,” she said. “We’re here when bad stuff happens to help people feel better.”

     Schneiter said since she took over, they’ve expanded their financial services, and added additional insurance offerings.

     Schneiter Weers Insurance covers Iowa, as well as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Illinois, and Missouri.

     “We’re all over,” said Schneiter.

     Schneiter Weers is located at 900 E. Third St. in Anamosa.