Author: Kris Janisch

Join us for the SFM Foundation’s 2026 golf events

Posted on by Kris Janisch

Mark your calendars now for the SFM Foundation’s annual Iowa and Minnesota golf events.

The outings are the biggest fundraisers of the year for the foundation, which provides helps families affected by workplace injuries by providing scholarships to children of workers disabled or killed in work-related accidents. The SFM Foundation is an affiliate of Kids’ Chance of America in Iowa and Minnesota.

These events bring together agent partners, supporters and scholarship recipients for a meaningful day on the course, all while raising critical funds students.

“Our golf events are powerful reminders of what community support can accomplish. Every sponsorship and every golfer directly impact a student’s ability to pursue their educational goals after a family tragedy,” said Deb Zorn, the foundation’s Scholarship Director.

2026 golf events

The Iowa golf event will be held Monday, May 18, at Tournament Club of Iowa in Polk City. This is a new location for the fundraiser. Register now .

Minnesota’s golf fundraiser will be held Monday, June 8, at Prestwick Golf Club in Woodbury. Register now .

You can take part by sponsoring the event, enjoying a day of golf, or both. Sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels. Visit the links above for more information.

“We’re always so thankful of the support of our agent partners, clients and others who contribute to our mission. These golf events are not only a way to raise scholarship funds, but they also allow those involved to connect and build a community,” said Linda Williams, President of the SFM Foundation.

2025 highlights

The SFM Foundation had a successful year in 2025. Highlights include:

  • Nearly $600,000 in new scholarships, a record since the group was founded
  • Awarding the highest number of scholarships in the foundation’s history, 19
  • The Iowa governor proclaiming Oct. 13-17 as Kids’ Chance Week (the SFM Foundation is an affiliate of Kids’ Chance of America in Iowa and Minnesota)
  • Reaching Gold Level status from Kids’ Chance of America, recognizing top-tier excellence in nonprofit operations

About the SFM Foundation

The SFM Foundation was created in 2008 by SFM Companies. The nonprofit is dedicated to easing the burdens on families affected by workplace accidents. Scholarships are awarded regardless of which workers’ compensation insurer was involved in the claim. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded 266 scholarships totaling $4.7 million. For more information, visit sfmfoundation.com .

 

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Why policyholders choose SFM

Posted on by Kris Janisch

The results of a recent policyholder survey demonstrate the value our customers see in SFM and illustrate why we continue to have an exceptional client retention rate each year.

Each year, we send surveys to policyholders with over $25,000 in premium to get their thoughts about their workers’ compensation experiences with SFM. The latest survey was sent in October 2025 and the results were recently tabulated.

Among the key findings, most respondents, 92%, were “extremely” or “somewhat” satisfied with SFM. Regarding ease of doing business 93% said SFM was “very easy” or “easy” to do business with.

New to this year’s survey was a specific question about claim experiences. Again, we received high marks from policyholders – 90% reported that the experience was “excellent” or “very good” with SFM.

The premium audit experience, also a new survey question, received strong ratings, with 84% saying it was “excellent” or “very good.” 

“We’re always excited to hear back from folks about their experiences with SFM – we strive to provide top-shelf customer service,” said Steve Sandilla, Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer. “In fact, nearly two-thirds of respondents to one survey named at least one SFM employee who provided excellent customer service – that’s a 9-percentage point increase from 2024.”

Regarding positive comments from survey respondents, customer service was the topic most frequently cited.

Returning customers

The results of those surveys are reflected in two other clear metrics – a 93% customer retention rate.

“With our customer-focused service model, we see outstanding retention rates year after year compared to our competitors,” said Mike Happe, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Our value comes from maintaining excellent practices that always put policyholders first.”

We also had a record for returning clients in 2025. Last year, 374 employers that left us at some point in the last three years returned to SFM. That figure bested the previous record of 333 in 2024.

“We play a long game at SFM, and it’s so cool when we win former customers back with levels of service that our competitors cannot match,” Happe said. “That’s what I call proof in the pudding of the value of SFM’s consistent, industry-leading, high-quality service.”

 

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How SFM supports injured workers

Posted on by Kris Janisch

When a part-time high school hockey coach who was also a full-time law enforcement officer suffered a traumatic brain injury  after hitting his head on the ice in January 2025, SFM stepped up to help his recovery go as smoothly as possible.

“Early communication was key,” said Robin Breuer, Senior Nurse Case Manager with CompRehab, a subsidiary of SFM. “Heather (Lutterman, SFM Senior Claims Representative) was awesome right out of the gate here. She connected with the employer for not only the incident information but also family contact information and where the employee had been taken.”

From there, Breuer secured medical information from the hospital and Lutterman contacted the injured worker’s wife to provide initial information on the workers’ compensation process, benefits, etc. An SFM rehabilitation consultant was also assigned to the claim.

“After initial medicals and hospital contacts were made, a roundtable was scheduled with a number of disciplines,” Breuer said. “Having (SFM’s Dr. Andrew) Wilkins available to provide guidance for us was crucial, and we continued with frequent meetings so that all team members were up to date on his status and developing the best plan moving forward.”

That communication continued, as Lutterman scheduled meetings with the SFM medical team and kept in contact with the spouse and employers.

“Fortunately, this employee progressed quickly and moved to rehab,” Breuer said. “There were a few bumps in the road with rehab and setbacks, but adjustments and changes were made in the rehab plan and the employee received additional services necessary for a successful recovery.”

Breuer praised Lutterman for her role in keeping everyone on the same page.

“This was one of those cases that make you feel good about what you do,” Breuer said. “It took everyone working together – employer, family, providers, insurance company and rehab facilities – to have such a successful outcome.”

As for the injured worker, he’s now back on the ice.

How employers can support workers experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Posted on by Kris Janisch

When winter sets in and daylight fades, employees may begin to feel the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression triggered by reduced sunlight and shifting biological rhythms.

SAD can affect workplace morale, productivity, safety and overall employee well‑being. Fortunately, employers can play a proactive role in helping workers navigate this seasonal challenge with compassion and practical support.

What is SAD

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression tied to seasonal changes as daylight decreases. Symptoms can include persistent low mood, fatigue, oversleeping, difficulty concentrating, irritability, changes in appetite, and social withdrawal, according to the Mayo Clinic .

These symptoms can impact workplace performance, leading to decreased productivity, higher absenteeism, increased errors and strained team relationships.

How SAD affects the workplace

According to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries , there are several ways in which SAD can negatively affect the workplace, including:

  • Employee job performance and productivity
  • Overall engagement with work
  • Poor communication with coworkers
  • Reduced physical capability and daily functioning

The department encourages employers to exercise habits that can help prevent SAD, such as getting enough sleep, seeking sunlight (including a light-therapy lamp), maintaining strong relationships, eating well and asking for help.

While the Mayo Clinic says that there is no known way to prevent the onset of SAD, there are measures people can take to manage symptoms and prevent them from getting worse as winter wears on.

In addition to the items listed by Washington State officials above, Corporate Wellness Magazine reports other steps employers can take to combat SAD among employees:

  • Offer flexible hours or remote work options: Doing so can help workers manage their own exposure to natural light and reduce stress.
  • Encourage physical activity: Exercise can help reduce stress and boost energy levels.
  • Provide support for mental health: Giving employees access to mental health professionals can help workers deal with a variety of issues.

It should also be noted that symptoms of SAD are not compensable for work comp in SFM’s core states.

Why employer support matters

Supporting employees with SAD is not only compassionate, it’s also good for business. Addressing SAD reduces absenteeism, prevents burnout, improves collaboration and supports a more engaged and productive workforce.

Employers who proactively address mental health challenges build workplaces where people feel valued, supported and able to do their best work year‑round.

State of Wisconsin improves online work comp claims system

Posted on by Kris Janisch

Improvements to the State of Wisconsin online claims system were completed in August 2025, which the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation (WC) Division touted as a “major upgrade” for insurance carriers, employers and claims adjusters.

“The new claims system rolled out last year was a great improvement,” said Deb Kintop, SFM Claims Jurisdictional Specialist for Wisconsin Accounts.

In Wisconsin, insurance carriers and self-insured employers are required by law to submit injury claim reports to the WC Division. For more than two decades, many of these reports were submitted electronically through the pending reports internet application. Launched in 2001, the system needed upgrades to meet internet security needs and integrate the new security updates being made across Wisconsin government platforms.

The state’s modernized portal, which was rolled out to users starting in March 2025 and completed in late August, includes several enhancements:

  • Document upload capability
  • Claim processing status information
  • Payment updates
  • Improved site navigation
  • Migration to MyWisconsin ID single sign-on solution
  • Combined performance and assessment reports

“The new website will make it easier for our external stakeholders to provide us with the required claim updates and improve communication with the division,” WC Claims Management Section Chief Rodney Gennrich said in a November 2025 news release .

Approximately 1,200 insurers, employers, and other registered users access the portal regularly, and the upgrades to the work comp injury claim system were aimed at making it easier for all users to submit claims and access information, and for injured workers to receive the benefits they’re due.

SFM’s ongoing commitment to charitable giving

Posted on by Kris Janisch

Contributing to our communities is a core value for SFM.

From long‑standing philanthropic programs to hands‑on volunteerism and partnerships with nonprofit organizations, SFM’s charitable efforts continue to grow in both reach and impact, contributing to communities in all states in which our employees live and work.

Once again in 2026, SFM will continue its involvement in the Minnesota Keystone Program , which affirms the commitment to contributing 2% of pre‑tax profits to charity. In 2025, we contributed even more than anticipated.

“This pledge ensures consistent support for worthy organizations across our region and reinforces our philosophy of giving back to the communities where our employees and policyholders live and work,” said Sarah Hunter, Vice President of Operations. “These donations helped stock shelves, support families, and ensure that our neighbors have the resources they need during challenging times.”

Last year, SFM was also presented with a unique giving opportunity through a 16-year policyholder, Women’s Advocates . The organization’s capital campaign will expand housing for individuals escaping domestic violence and help in their goal of creating safe and supportive housing.

“We are honored to announce that, in recognition of this contribution, SFM will be naming the wellness room at the new facility, a lasting symbol of our commitment to healing and safety,” Hunter said.

SFM also continues to support Helping Paws , a nationally recognized nonprofit that breeds, trains and places assistance dogs. The organization places service dogs with individuals who have physical disabilities, service dogs with veterans and first responders living with service-related PTSD, and facility dogs with professionals in courthouse, educational and mental health settings.

“SFM’s charitable giving is driven by more than financial commitments – it’s fueled by employee enthusiasm, relationship‑building and a desire to make a genuine difference,” Hunter said. “As SFM moves into 2026, these efforts continue to reflect our values: compassion, community and a belief that ‘doing good is good business.’ SFM remains committed to inspiring positive change across the communities we serve.”

 

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Letter from the President: A solid year for SFM

Posted on by Kris Janisch

Terry Miller
SFM President and CEO Terry Miller

Despite continued pressure from other carriers and mixed claims results, SFM again had a successful year in 2025.

Being the leaders in workers’ compensation means striving to provide unparalleled service, working to keep employees safe and helping clients reduce their experience modification factor. We do that through our dedication to customer service – building and maintaining relationships with agencies and ensuring policyholders get everything they need from their work comp partner.

A few notable highlights from the past year include:

  • Surpassing $1 billion in assets
  • Upgrading our internal systems to better serve agents and policyholders
  • Developing enhanced systems for agents to get quotes faster
  • Improving claims handling in core and non-core states

Service excellence is the foundation that supports our success. That philosophy helps us retain policyholders, generate new business and build agency relationships now and in the future.

Additional highlights from 2025 include:

  • SFM’s policyholder retention level of 93%, demonstrating our industry-leading customer loyalty
  • Continued growth in our newer markets, particularly Indiana and Tennessee
  • A banner year for new premium in Wisconsin
  • Policyholder surplus growth larger than premium growth
  • Projects to enhance our online portals – the SFM Agency Manager (SAM) and MyPayroll premium audit process – to make our systems more intuitive and user-friendly

Another item I’d like to share from last year was the promotion of Amanda Aponte to Executive Vice President.

She has been an integral part of SFM’s growth during her two decades with us. She has helped guide our investment strategy, bolster our enterprise risk management processes, and perform insightful business intelligence analysis.

Amanda, who started as an intern at SFM, is a sterling example of what can happen when we give people the space to fulfill their potential. Her financial acumen and vision have been critical to SFM’s success, and her leadership will help position us for the future.

As we move into the new year, we want our agent partners to know how much we appreciate their trust. Let’s continue to write more business and build on the momentum we’ve generated over the years. When you select SFM for your policyholders’ work comp coverage, we understand you are choosing to resist pressure from package insurance lines and recognize the value of our dedication and service.

SFM realizes that strong financial results are necessary for the success of our stakeholders. We also know our staunch commitment to focusing on our customers is the backbone of what we do and how we will continue to grow moving forward together.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership! We look forward to sharing success with you and your clients for many years to come.

 

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2025 results: Success built on customer service

Posted on by Kris Janisch

Building on its status as the No. 1 workers’ compensation carrier in Minnesota, SFM had another strong year in 2025, with gains in newer markets, as well.

“About half of SFM’s business is now from states outside of Minnesota,” said Shawn Miner, VP of Regional Business. “In addition to maintaining the lead we’ve held in Minnesota for over 20 years, it’s fantastic to see strong growth coming from our other core states.”

Also of note, in 2025 SFM moved claims handling in-house in Indiana and Tennessee, which is expected to provide better service for policyholders and bolster SFM’s reputation in these states. This change allowed SFM to increase its appetite and write business for accounts larger than $25,000 in Indiana and Tennessee.

“We’re excited to add employees in our newer states as our footprint continues to grow,” said Cody Allen, SFM Territory Manager. “With claims handling coming in-house and our standing in new core states expanding, we are looking forward to increasing our presence and, in turn, our market share.”

Wisconsin, specifically, had an excellent 2025, with a record for new business premium.

“Our passion for providing the best work comp service is resonating with agents and policyholders,” said Rick Spaulding, a Wisconsin Team Business Leader. “They invest in a relationship built on trust.”

Highlights from 2025 include:

  • 93% policyholder retention rate
  • Total written premium of just over $253 million for 2025
  • New business premium of $28.4 million
  • Added 6,071 new business policyholders
  • Another year of an A- rating from AM Best
  • SFM Foundation awarded 19 new scholarships, bringing the total to $4.7 million
  • Ongoing member of Keystone Program, donating 2% of pre-tax profits to charity

SFM partners with thousands of independent agents and serves more than 50,000 policyholders. In addition, SFM’s portion of the Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Assigned Risk Plan is increasing from 20% to 25% this year.

“We have seen steady growth, despite rising claims and medical costs, and our overall trajectory is strong,” Steve Sandilla, Senior VP and Chief Business Officer. “While we have long been a work comp leader in the Midwest, the success of this latest round of expansion is a sign that we will continue to capture more market share in the years to come.”

 

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SFM continues to enhance claims handling

Posted on by Kris Janisch

It was a busy 2025 for SFM in terms of claims handling.

At the beginning of May, SFM began addressing Indiana claims internally rather than through a third-party administrator. The change did not impact how policyholders report injuries, but is aimed at improving the experience for injured workers by utilizing SFM’s claims expertise.

“SFM is known for its outstanding capability in claims handling. By taking on these claims in-house, we can provide a higher level of customer service and a better experience for policyholders and injured workers,” said Angie Andresen, Vice President of Claims.

That change coincided with expanding SFM’s book of business in Indiana and opened the door to write policies for accounts larger than $25,000 in annual premium.

A similar change was made in December for claims in Tennessee. SFM is now handling those claims directly and also began writing business with mid-market employers in the state.

“Our relationships with agency partners in our newer states continue to build with each passing year,” said Mike Happe, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “SFM’s standing as the work comp experts has helped us develop, retain and grow business in these markets, and we’re excited to handle claims ourselves and expand our book of business in these states.”

New claims handling in non-core states

SFM in 2025 also changed its third-party administrator (TPA) for claims handling in non-core states to CBCS .

The company began handling claims in SFM’s non-core states beginning in December 2025. CBCS’ approach is similar to SFM’s — a focus on customer service and doing right by both policyholders and injured workers. The company boasts a 99% client retention rate over the past decade and is committed to the client experience.

As a refresher, SFM’s core states include:

  • Minnesota
  • Wisconsin
  • Iowa
  • Nebraska
  • South Dakota
  • Indiana
  • Tennessee
  • Kansas

“We put a great deal of thought into making the decision to change our TPA for claims handling in non-core states,” said Sarah Hunter, VP Operations. “SFM conducted extensive research before landing on CBCS as the best claims partner for us moving forward.”

SFM alerted policyholders with legacy claims about the change, and CBCS reached out to injured workers on all applicable open claims and provide new claim and contact information.

“We’re excited to partner with a company that shares SFM’s commitment to service excellence,” Andresen said.

SFM territory map

 

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Remind policyholders: winter safety must continue

Posted on by Kris Janisch

It’s that time of year again…

With winter in full swing — and the upcoming thawing and refreezing cycles in the months ahead — workplace safety should be paramount.

Be sure to remind your policyholders that just because spring is on the horizon, it doesn’t mean they can be any less vigilant about workplace safety.

Slips, trips and falls – the bottom line

Slips, trips and falls are a leading cause of workplace injury. They can be severe, leading to fractures, head trauma or worse.

The costs of covering these claims gets expensive. Not only can it negatively influence the employer’s experience modification factor, but it also impacts agency and carrier results. SFM estimates the average winter slip-and-fall lost-time claim to be between $50,000 and $55,000.

Weather is a major factor in workers’ compensation. Slipping and falling because of snow and ice is one of the most common workplace injuries.

Resources for policyholders

With a few reminders and some common sense, policyholders can help employees stay safe and reduce the potential for claims.

A few basic tips for you to pass along include:

  • Properly maintain your parking lot and walking areas
  • Encourage employees to wear appropriate shoes for the weather
  • In the case of a snowstorm, let employees work from home or reschedule if possible
  • Manage snow piles near walkways to avoid melting snow refreezing to ice

Policyholders should educate their employees about other winter safety measures, such as walking like a penguin, salting slippery areas, avoiding shortcuts, and stepping down, not out, of vehicles.

If you are looking for additional resources to help in these efforts, check out what’s available on our website or contact your underwriter.

 

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