MINNEAPOLIS, June 3, 2026
Executive Summary
Bell Insurance has announced a significant expansion of its Minneapolis commercial insurance team, adding six new professionals and effectively doubling the size of its commercial insurance operation in the market. The expansion strengthens the firm’s ability to serve business clients with broader expertise across commercial insurance advisory, placement, account management, risk assessment, relationship management, and market development. According to the company, the additional talent enhances its capacity to provide informed guidance, responsive service, and long-term support to businesses across key markets.
Announcement Overview
Bell Insurance has expanded its commercial insurance capabilities in Minneapolis through the addition of six new team members with experience spanning commercial insurance advisory, placement services, account management, and risk assessment. The hires collectively bring decades of industry knowledge and strengthen the firm’s ability to support business clients with tailored insurance solutions. According to the company, the expanded team increases capacity, broadens expertise, and reinforces Bell Insurance’s commitment to helping organizations navigate evolving risk environments. The move also supports the continued growth of Bell’s insurance division while extending its reach across strategic markets and enhancing service capabilities for existing and prospective commercial clients.
Key Announcement Details
- Announcement Type: Commercial Insurance Team Expansion
- Company: Bell Insurance
- Parent Company: Bell Bank
- Location: Minneapolis
- Announcement Date: June 3, 2026
- Primary Initiative: Expansion of Commercial Insurance Team
- Team Growth: Commercial insurance team doubled in size
- New Hires Added: Six professionals
- Commercial Insurance Advisors: Amy Hairston, Alex Lauer, Dylan Burchill, Mike Welch
- Commercial Insurance Placement Advisor: Devin Acrea
- Commercial Lines Account Executive: Brian Cohoon
- Combined Experience Added: Commercial insurance, placement, account management, relationship management, market development, and risk assessment expertise
- Client Focus: Business and commercial insurance clients
- Strategic Objective: Strengthen client service capabilities and expand market reach
- Service Enhancement: Increased advisory, placement, and account management resources
- Operational Benefit: Greater capacity to support commercial insurance clients
- Customer Benefit: More informed guidance, proactive support, and long-term service
- Growth Impact: Supports continued expansion of Bell Insurance’s insurance division
- Community Alignment: Supports Bell Bank’s ongoing commitment to service and community impact
Bell Insurance Doubles Commercial Insurance Team in Minneapolis
Bell Insurance announced that it has doubled the size of its commercial insurance team in Minneapolis through the addition of several new professionals.
According to the company, the expansion is intended to:
- Strengthen service capabilities for business clients
- Expand market reach across key regions
- Increase advisory and placement expertise
- Enhance commercial insurance resources
- Support continued growth of the insurance division
- Improve responsiveness to client needs
The company stated that the expansion represents a significant investment in talent and client service as demand for commercial insurance expertise continues to evolve across industries and business sectors.
The newly expanded team brings together professionals with experience in advisory services, placement strategies, account management, relationship development, and risk evaluation, creating additional resources for commercial clients seeking insurance guidance and coverage solutions.
New Team Members
Bell Insurance announced the following additions to its Minneapolis commercial insurance team:
Commercial Insurance Advisors
- Amy Hairston — Commercial Insurance Advisor (26 years of experience)
- Alex Lauer — Commercial Insurance Advisor (4 years of experience)
- Dylan Burchill — Commercial Insurance Advisor (3 years of experience)
- Mike Welch — Commercial Insurance Advisor (new to the insurance industry)
Commercial Insurance Placement
- Devin Acrea — Commercial Insurance Placement Advisor (18 years of experience)
Commercial Lines Account Management
- Brian Cohoon — Account Executive, Commercial Lines (27 years of experience)
Collectively, the new hires bring experience from multiple areas of the commercial insurance sector, contributing additional expertise to Bell Insurance’s advisory and client service operations.
Leadership Commentary
Ryan Onken, Commercial Insurance Director at Bell Insurance, highlighted the value of the new team members and the experience they bring to the organization.
“The talent this group brings to our commercial insurance business is outstanding. Their addition has doubled the size of our firm and adds proven expertise from several respected organizations across the industry.”
According to Bell Insurance, the expansion significantly increases the firm’s commercial insurance capabilities while bringing together professionals with diverse industry backgrounds and specialized knowledge.
Combined Experience Strengthens Client Service Capabilities
Bell Insurance stated that the collective experience of the new hires enhances the firm’s ability to support commercial clients with practical and informed insurance guidance.
The company noted that the expanded team brings expertise in several critical areas, including:
- Relationship management
- Market development
- Commercial insurance advisory
- Risk assessment
- Coverage evaluation
- Client service delivery
- Commercial placement strategies
- Account management
According to Bell Insurance, these capabilities help team members better understand the operational realities of individual businesses and identify insurance solutions aligned with client needs and objectives.
The company indicated that the combination of experience and industry knowledge further strengthens its ability to provide strategic support to organizations operating across a variety of industries and risk environments.
Focus on Practical and Informed Guidance
Bell Insurance emphasized that the expanded commercial insurance team is positioned to provide clients with practical guidance supported by real-world experience and industry expertise.
According to the company, the additional talent allows advisors and account professionals to:
- Assess business risks more effectively
- Understand industry-specific exposures
- Recommend appropriate coverage options
- Support long-term insurance planning
- Respond efficiently to changing client needs
- Deliver ongoing service and consultation
The company stated that these capabilities contribute to a stronger client experience and reinforce its commitment to helping businesses navigate insurance decisions with confidence.
Bell Insurance noted that the expanded team structure creates additional capacity to serve existing clients while supporting future growth opportunities across targeted markets.
Supporting Long-Term Client Success
According to Bell Insurance, the backgrounds and expertise of the new hires contribute to a client-focused approach centered on long-term relationships and proactive service.
The company stated that the team’s combined experience allows professionals to:
- Anticipate client needs
- Provide informed recommendations
- Respond confidently to coverage questions
- Support evolving business requirements
- Maintain a long-term service focus
Bell Insurance emphasized that commercial insurance decisions often require ongoing guidance and industry insight, making experienced advisors an important component of successful client relationships.
The company noted that the expansion supports its objective of delivering personalized service while helping businesses manage risk and protect operational continuity.
Expansion Supports Continued Growth of Insurance Division
Bell Insurance stated that the team expansion aligns with the continued growth of its insurance division.
The company noted that increasing commercial insurance resources enables it to serve a broader range of clients while maintaining a strong focus on service quality and relationship-driven support.
The expansion also strengthens Bell Insurance’s ability to address the changing needs of business clients seeking commercial coverage, risk management guidance, and insurance expertise.
According to the company, the addition of experienced professionals supports both current operations and future growth initiatives as Bell Insurance continues expanding its capabilities across commercial insurance markets.
Bell Bank Culture and Community Commitment
Bell Insurance’s growth initiative reflects the broader culture and values of its parent organization, Bell Bank.
Founded in 1966, Bell Bank has built its reputation on:
- Client service
- Integrity
- Relationship-focused banking
- Community involvement
- Long-term growth
The company highlighted its commitment to Pay It Forward, a program that has contributed millions of dollars to support individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
According to Bell Bank, the continued expansion of its insurance division supports its broader mission of serving clients while maintaining a strong commitment to community impact and service excellence.
The organization stated that growth initiatives are designed to strengthen client support capabilities while preserving the culture and values that have guided the company for decades.
Key Announcement Details
- Announcement Type: Team Expansion
- Company: Bell Insurance
- Location: Minneapolis
- Announcement Date: June 3, 2026
- Primary Initiative: Expansion of Commercial Insurance Team
- Number of New Hires: Six
- Result: Commercial Insurance Team Doubled in Size
- Business Focus: Commercial Insurance
- Strategic Objective: Enhanced Client Service and Market Expansion
- Core Expertise Added: Advisory, Placement, Account Management, Risk Assessment, Relationship Management
- Parent Organization: Bell Bank
About Bell Bank
Bell Bank is one of the largest independently owned banks in the United States and is headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota.
The company manages approximately $15 billion in assets and provides a broad range of financial services, including:
- Banking
- Mortgage Services
- Wealth Management
- Insurance Services
Bell Bank is recognized for its focus on service, integrity, and community engagement. Through its banking, wealth management, mortgage, and insurance operations, the company serves individuals, families, businesses, and organizations across multiple markets.
Bell Insurance Services LLC operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Bell Bank.
Media Contact
For additional information, visit bell.bank.
Source Attribution
Source: Company announcement
