Our employees are professionals who live and work in the community.  They are active on various organizations and committees.  As an agency, we are members of Main Street Elkader, Elkader Chamber of Commerce, and Elkader Economic Development Corporation and are supporters of many other organizations.  Gifford Insurance is proud to call Elkader "home" and is committed to improving the quality of life for all of its citizens.

Tom Gifford, MBA, CPCU
Tom joined the agency in 1996 and became part-owner in 1999.  He holds the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation with an emphasis in commercial lines insurance.  He also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from the University of Missouri at Columbia.  Tom writes all types of property casualty insurance.

Tom is married to his wife, Michelle, and they have three daughters.  When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing the guitar and kayaking.  He is a past president of Main Street Elkader and has been active in Dollars for Scholars, Peace Church Council, Elkader Park Board, and the Motor Mill Foundation.
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Brian Gifford, PhD
Brian joined the agency in 1976 when he bought the agency from his father, Glenn Gifford.  He holds a PhD from the University of Missouri at Columbia and has over 30 years of experience in all types of insurance.

Brian is married to his wife, Florence, and they have three grown sons.  When not working, Brian enjoys watching his grandchildren grow up, reading and gardening.  He is a past president of the Central Community Hospital Foundation, Elkader Economic Development board member, and was involved in Boy Scouts of America for many years.
 

Kevin Lau, LUTCF
Kevin joined the agency in August 2004 after being an insurance agent for ten years with another company.  He holds the Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) designation and earned a degree from Iowa State University.  Kevin handles all lines of insurance including property casualty, life, health and crop insurance.

Kevin is married to his wife, Kim, and has a son and a daughter.  Kevin likes spending time with his family, working on his old truck and riding his motorcycle.  He has been a past member of Trees Forever, Elkader Park Board, Elkader Jaycees, Lions Club and Keystone Chorus.  He is currently a board member on the Central School Board of Education.
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Teri Keller, Licensed Agent
Teri joined the agency in January 2002 as a customer service representative.  She is a licensed agent and handles numerous insurance transactions including new applications, endorsements, and billing questions.  She is also responsible for claims administration.  She earned an associates degree in Business Administration from Kirkwood College.

Teri has a grown daughter.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, reading and being outdoors.
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Janeen Tiedt
Janeen joined the agency in July 2007 as a customer service representative and bookkeeper.  She is responsible for answering general questions and accounting.  She earned an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Hawkeye Community College.

Janeen is married to her husband, Mike, and has two children.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and loves Elkader!
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