Danny Anderson
Assistant Vice President, Claims

Years I’ve been at Western National:
Almost 10

The most gratifying thing I experienced while working on the office move:
Getting everyone moved into our new location over one weekend

The biggest challenge I experienced while working on the office move:
Our furniture was moved from our old building prior to the people moving, and we had to create temporary work stations for more than half of the company – in some cases up to four weeks. My biggest challenge was my own concern for others' discomfort during that period of displacement. However, what I found is our people handled it incredibly well.

I think the best thing at or in the new office building is:
The entire experience of the building – it is a great atmosphere.

The one thing on my bucket list that I’m most determined to do:
I don’t know if I have ever prioritized my list, and this could change next year, but I recently said that going to an Oktoberfest in Germany is something I will do someday.

An interesting fact about me that people might not know:
I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ.

My favorite thing to do outside of work:
Travel. I enjoy traveling and seeing new places, new people, and new cultures. I also enjoy hunting.

If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would go to:
East Asia. Ever since I was very young I have been interested in the Asian culture and history. I  recently visited Vietnam, and it was really fascinating. Someday, I would like to spend at least a couple of months traveling through more of Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.

Karen Wisdorf
PL Underwriting Operations & Facilities Manager

Years I’ve been at Western National:
19 years.

The most gratifying thing I experienced while working on the office move:
Watching the new office take shape and come together week after week

The biggest challenge I experienced while working on the office move:
The plan changes that occurred along the way during the construction process

I think the best thing at or in the new office building is:
The fact that we have so much room to grow as a company

The one thing on my bucket list that I’m most determined to do:
Retire at 55

An interesting fact about me that people might not know:
I have 7 siblings, And I dabble in decorating spirit wear and apparel.

My favorite thing to do outside of work:
Spend time with family and watch my children’s sporting events

If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would go to:
Ireland – in honor of my grandmother who was 100% Irish

Mike Nelson
Facilities Engineer

Years I’ve been at Western National:
25 years this April, and I worked several months as self-employed prior to being offered a full-time job

The most gratifying thing I experienced while working on the office move:
The team working together to get the office ready for the employees and business as usual

The biggest challenge I experienced while working on the office move:
I don’t think I experienced a big challenge. With the great planning and teams executing the plan, it seemed effortless.

I think the best thing at or in the new office building is:
The impressive, new start with a fresh look

The one thing on my bucket list that I’m most determined to do:
Be healthy and happily retired, traveling in the RV around the United States, spending longer periods of time in the states we like the most.

An interesting fact about me that people might not know:
I play the drums and strings, but I am not very good at either one.

My favorite thing to do outside of work:
Staying active, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors

If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would go to:
Switzerland. I think it would be fascinating to see and spend time there with all its uniqueness.

Ron Mills
Purchasing Agent

Years I’ve been at Western National:
30 years

The most gratifying thing I experienced while working on the office move:
The “Office Move” was probably the biggest project I’ve been a part of. However, it doesn’t
end here – I feel like it will be an ongoing endeavor,  as it brings a variety of challenges most every day.

The biggest challenge I experienced while working on the office move:
Trying to keep up with all the moving parts

I think the best thing at or in the new office building is:
The view from the third floor! Actually, there’s too much to name – the new building is really great! Still seems odd not to drive to the old building after working there for 30 years!

The one thing on my bucket list that I’m most determined to do:
Get it organized!

An interesting fact about me that people might not know:
I enjoy helping others and teaching them the skills my dad taught me. Whether it’s building a shed or fixing a leaky sink, it’s rewarding for me to see someone learn something new.

My favorite thing to do outside of work:
Spend time with family at our cabin

If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would go to:
Mazama, Washington in the North Cascades

Andy Code
Facilities Technician

Years I’ve been at Western National:
Two years this March

The most gratifying thing I experienced while working on the office move:
The first day we moved into the new building. Seeing the place up and running was crazy!

The biggest challenge I experienced while working on the office move:
Everything being out of place – it was hard to find anything

I think the best thing at or in the new office building is:
The park right in our backyard!

The one thing on my bucket list that I’m most determined to do:
Bring my wife to the rainforest

An interesting fact about me that people might not know:
Riding bicycles is my favorite hobby.

My favorite thing to do outside of work:
Spend time outdoors with my family

If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would go to:
I would like to visit Yosemite National Park. It looks so beautiful there.