Pictured left to right: Alexis Rodriquez, life specialist; Isabella Hernandez, agent assistant; Gene Hufford, agent; Darla Spies, agent assistant; Jodie Pooler, office manager; Justin Claussen, agent assistant
Scratch agent isn’t a term that’s heard very often anymore, but that’s how Gene Hufford started his insurance agency in Rapid City in 1989. “A scratch agent is someone who starts out without a book of business,” Gene explained. “That just doesn’t happen anymore.” Gene was 28 years old when he decided to start work on his college education. He first attended Black Hills State University. His first daughter, Mistina, was born during the final weeks of his first semester. He later attended the University of Montana School of Business. He started out as a pre-law major there, but finished with a business finance degree. He pursued a law degree after that from the University of South Dakota. Following a year of full time law classes, Gene decided to re-assess how he could use his education. Gene soon discovered that insurance was a very good fit. From there, he set out to start his own insurance agency in Rapid City, and American Family Insurance considered his unique background in business, finance and law a perfect combination to serve the clients of the region.
From that point, Gene rolled up his sleeves and started working to establish his agency as a fixture of the Rapid City community. “There was a building right next door to our current location here on Jackson Boulevard — it doesn’t exist there anymore — but they used to sell vegetables out of that building,” Gene said. “So, I rented that little building, moved the corn and the vegetables out, and I remodeled it myself. I put in a desk, three chairs and a phone — and I went to work.”
From that hard-working, boot-strapping spirit, Gene has found tremendous success. “Over the course of 34 years, I built one of the largest agencies in the Dakotas,” he said. Today, Gene has five people on his team, and they’re all bringing that same level of service and dedication that Gene started all those years ago.
The Gene Hufford Insurance Team is made up of individuals with unique backgrounds, training and expertise. This wide scope of experiences has prepared them well to help meet the insurance needs of the people of the Black Hills region. Additionally, as residents of the community, they understand how important it is to be there for you — trusted friends and neighbors. Together, the Gene Hufford Insurance Team is building strong partnerships that help everyone succeed.
If you’re looking for a team of insurance professionals who are dedicated to expertise and service, Gene Hufford’s American Family Insurance Team is ready to help protect what is most important in your life.
Gene Hufford Agency, Inc.
2127 Jackson Boulevard
Rapid City, SD 57702
amfam.com/agents/south-dakota/rapid-city/ gene-hufford
American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & Its Operating Companies, – American Family Insurance Company, Life insurance products underwritten by American Family Life Insurance Company, 6000American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 – ©2023 015967 -2/19-11477143