About Us

Citizens Insurance Agency is an independent, full service insurance agency that has been providing insurance solutions to Minnesotans since 1934. From personal policies for your auto, home or life, to commercial and farm policies to protect your livelihood, we have the experience and expertise to make certain your assets are protected. Because we are an independent agency, we can find you the best value in insurance and can provide high risk insurance when others can't.

Our values hold us to the highest customer service standards. We believe in treating people with honesty and respect, getting to know our customers, and forming lasting relationships based on mutual trust. No one likes buying insurance, so you may as well buy from someone you can trust, someone who will be there for you.

Scott A. Decker, Executive Vice President

With more than 32 years of insurance industry experience, Scott has managed the day to day operations of Citizens Insurance Agency since 1998. He continually strives to find new companies to work with to ensure customers are getting the best value for their dollar.

A Hutchinson, Minnesota native, Scott graduated from Hutchinson High School, then went on to attend college at Wahpeton North Dakota and Willmar, Minnesota. When he's not at the office, he enjoys fishing and boating with his family, golf, working with wood and concrete, attending church services, and watching his daughters' sporting events.

“When I'm at work and someone comes down and has an insurance problem, I feel like I’m a problem solver. On every account, I'm there to help them - big or small. I believe Citizens Insurance has the BEST customer service around, and we are open for business. There isn't a day I do not want to come to work.” - Scott Decker

Candace Carlson, Insurance Agent

Candace has been working in the Minnesota insurance industry since 1992. She specializes in property, casualty, and life insurance for personal and commercial markets.

Candace graduated from Mesa High School and Mesa College in Arizona. Candace moved to Litchfield with her husband and family in 1989. She is a member of Hutchinson Rotary, and is on the Outreach Board of Ministry for the Southwest MN Synod of the ELCA. Candace enjoys teaching Sunday School, gardening and fishing. She especially enjoys collecting hostas for her hosta gardens.

“Our clients are great people! I enjoy talking with them and getting to know them helps us as agents meet their insurance needs. I know that we do our best for our clients and we are proud to help them get the best coverage for each ones particular insurance need.” - Candace Carlson

Jane Powell, Administrative Assistant/Accounts Manager

Jane is a hometown girl, having grown up in Hutchinson. She is responsible for payroll and taxes, accounts payable, accounts receivable, processing new accounts, renewals and changes, as well as special projects that come along. She has worked for Citizens Insurance Agency for over 17 years.

For the past five years, Jane has been the McLeod County Chair of the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days, which has been a very rewarding experience. She also loves to design new flower beds at her home and anything else that gives her a chance to design and work with color.

“I enjoy working at the insurance agency, because our staff is small enough that we are able to build relationships with our customers. We work in a pretty comfortable atmosphere and hopefully that translates to our customers and they feel relaxed, since insurance is not the most fun product to shop for!” - Jane Powell

Lea Dobberstein, Agent

Lea grew up in the Buffalo Lake area and has been farming for more than 50 years. As a specialist for crop and hail insurance, Lea's first hand knowledge of farming is a great asset.

Lea has been with Citizens Insurance Agency for 5 years. In his spare time, he is active in the American Legion and Lions' clubs. He spent more than 20 years on the Preston Lake town hall board, is a former county commissioner, and has served on the Buffalo Lake EDA.

Charlie Suedbeck, Insurance Agent

Charlie joined Citizens Insurance Agency in January of 2010, bringing with him 37 years of Insurance experience.  He is licensed in property, casualty, and life insurance for personal and commercial markets.  Charlie’s specialty lies in Ag/Farm Insurance.

Charlie grew up on a farm near Slayton, Minnesota which is in the southwest corner of the state. He graduated from Slayton High School and went on to Granite Falls Vo Tech. After Vo Tech he went back into farming.  In 1974 he started in the Insurance industry.
In 1984 Charlie and his family moved to Lester Prairie where he still resides with his wife. When not working Charlie enjoys working with wood, golfing, gardening with his wife, but mostly spending time with any of his 4 children and 7 grandchildren.  He is a member of the Lester Prairie Lions Club, Lester Prairie Planning Commission and the Parish at Holy Trinity in Winsted.

“I love working with people and helping them with their insurance needs. I enjoy helping them figure out what their insurance needs are.  With my farming and insurance background I am qualified to advise them on the insurance program that will best fit their needs.

Joyce L. Cripps, CIC, CISR

Joyce joins Citizens Insurance Agency with over 14 years of experience in the insurance industry, specializing in commercial and bond service.  In 2008, Joyce successfully attained her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation from the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research to communicate the experience, professionalism and commitment to those she serves.  Joyce is a past President and board member of the Hutchinson Area United Way.  Away from the office she enjoys hockey, the family sport of motocross, and traveling. 

“It is my mission to have an outstanding reputation for customer service.  I truly enjoy the ever changing world of insurance, and it is so exciting to be part of this knowledgeable team of insurance professionals here at Citizens Insurance Agency.  It is my goal to provide the people in our community with the best insurance products and service.” – Joyce Cripps

Chris Kaczmarek

Chris Kaczmarek is employed at Citizens Insurance Agency as an Office Assistant. Her tasks as an assistant are filing papers, answering phones, and other day to day office tasks.

Chris grew up in Silver Lake and graduated from Glencoe-Silver Lake High School. She attended Ridgewater College in Hutchinson to receive a Business AA Liberal Arts Degree and is currently attending St. Cloud State University where she is working on her bachelor of Science in Insurance. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and many outdoor activities.