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Hidden Gems: Meet Chrissie M Feike of Feike Agency – Farm Bureau

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrissie M Feike.

Hi Chrissie M, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Before becoming an insurance agency owner, I was working in luxury automotive sales where I thrived on relationships and creating a true “red carpet” experience for clients. I loved learning, serving people, and celebrating milestones with them. At the time, I wasn’t searching for a new career — if anything, I was hoping to move into a client experience or leadership role so I could better serve the people around me.
While I was happy and successful, I wasn’t fulfilled. Long hours, weekends, and holidays left little room for family or balance, and I felt a quiet pull toward something more meaningful. Interestingly, just months before entering automotive sales, 13 years ago, I had interviewed for a financial planning role. The work intrigued me, but the culture didn’t feel right, so I walked away — not realizing how that experience would later come full circle.
The opportunity to own my own insurance agency came with both excitement and fear. Building a business entirely on commission is daunting, and even now it requires daily commitment and discipline. But the freedom to lead on my own terms, serve clients thoughtfully, and contribute to my community in ways I never imagined has been far more rewarding than I expected.
My faith ultimately gave me the courage to take that step. I truly believe I was placed here for a reason. This wasn’t a career I set out seeking — I thought I would retire from automotive one day — but when this door opened, I trusted the calling. That trust continues to guide me as I build something rooted in service, relationships, and community.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road — and I don’t think meaningful growth ever is. The hardest part of these early years is earning trust and reshaping how people view insurance. I’ve worked intentionally to move away from a transactional mindset and instead build real, long‑term relationships, which takes time, consistency, and patience.
Behind the scenes, there are long nights, stress, and moments of doubt that most people never see. Building a business while learning an entirely new industry and carrying the responsibility of serving others is more challenging than I anticipated. Still, those struggles teach me resilience and clarity. I’ve learned that growth often happens quietly, through persistence and trust in the process, even when progress feels slow.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At its core, my agency is built around education, trust, and relationships. While we provide insurance and financial services, what I truly focus on is helping people make informed, calm decisions during life transitions — whether that’s buying a home, growing a family, starting a business, or planning for the future. I want clients to understand their coverage, not feel pressured by it.
What sets my approach apart is that it’s intentionally non‑transactional. I take the time to know my clients — their families, their concerns, and what matters most to them — and I lead with education rather than fear or sales tactics. My goal is to be a trusted advisor people feel comfortable calling, not just when they need a policy, but when they need guidance.
Brand‑wise, I’m most proud of the reputation we’re building within the community. My involvement on local boards and organizations — including economic development efforts, being a Big Brother Big Sister Duo with my Husband, and service‑focused nonprofits — isn’t separate from my work; it’s an extension of it. Being present, engaged, and invested in the community helps shape how I serve clients and how this agency shows up every day. I want readers to know that this brand is rooted in care, consistency, and accountability, and that trust is something we earn through action, not words.

How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is people, presence, and place — being connected to the people I love and rooted in the community and landscape around me. I care deeply about what happens on the hardest days, when life feels uncertain or overwhelming and someone needs steady support. Being trusted in those moments means everything to me.
I find joy in relationships that are real and grounded — my husband, my dogs, my family, my friends, and the community I call home. I also love the simple, everyday things that make life feel full: time on Torch Lake, golfing, growing some of the hottest peppers in the world, and even my hobby as a ham radio operator. I have more interests than time, but they all keep me curious, present, and connected.
For me, happiness isn’t about accomplishments or staying busy. It’s about showing up, listening well, and knowing that when things are hard, I can be someone who cares and is fully present. That sense of connection — to people, place, and purpose — is what truly fulfills me.

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