Ag Service Associates will break ground on its new office building at 14th & Burlington at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 25.
“We have determined it is time to invest in a new office so we can continue to provide exceptional customer service to our clientele,” owner John Williams said. “With the growth of the agency, we also need room to expand and attract additional sales staff and customer service representatives. We are blessed to be in an extremely progressive agricultural area, and we feel it’s time to re-invest our commitment to the community.”
The new building will house six sales agent offices, three customer service representative workstations, a large conference room, a small collaboration room, a reception area, a breakroom, and a secure file room.
“The office has been designed to maximize workspace efficiencies while providing a welcoming environment for our agricultural clientele,” Williams said.
BD Construction of Kearney is the general contractor for the project. Local subcontractors and suppliers will be hired as available. Construction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.
Construction of a second commercial building on the northwest corner of the property is also expected to begin this summer. This building is being constructed as a “build to suit” property. Ag Service Associates is seeking businesses interested in leasing 2,000-4,000 square feet of commercial space on this prime Holdrege intersection.
A third and final phase for the property will consist of an additional 1,500-1,800 building to be located in the southwest corner of the property. Construction will begin shortly after the completion of the first two buildings. The purpose of the third commercial building is currently in exploratory phases.
Ag Service Associates provides insurance services for agricultural producers, landlords, and insurance agencies across a seven-state area including Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming.
John and Michelle Williams purchased the business in 2007. Since then, the growth of the business has exceeded expectations.
“Throughout the past 17 years, the success of the agency can be attributed to a relentless focus on customer service and dedication from employees and agents,” Williams said. “Additional aspects contributing to the success of the business include an extensive knowledge of crop production practices, agronomy, adaptation of technology, and risk management products.”
The business employs six staff, including the Williams’ son, Brennan, who graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2020 with a degree in agronomy and agricultural economics. Brennan shares management responsibilities for the agency while placing a special emphasis on technology with the use of drones for field evaluations and precision agriculture. Brennan’s wife, Kelsey, also recently joined the agency as a customer service representative and marketing manager.
Ag Service Associates anticipates hiring additional staff once the building is complete, including customer service representatives and licensed sales agents.
“We feel the new location will provide opportunities for agents who want to join the Ag Service Associates Team,” Williams said.
Planning for this project has been extensive and has involved years of research and preparation.
“We are excited to continue investing in Holdrege and the surrounding communities,” he said. “We also look forward to expanding our footprint beyond our current boundaries. Having a resource such as PCDC with local, state and national relationships can play a vital role in the success of our business/agency and for Phelps County.”
Article by Kristine Jacobson