Arnold Office

Joe Bob and Randi Atkins purchased Arnold Insurance Agency in Arnold, Nebraska, in 2000. Since then, the agency has grown to include two more Nebraska locations, one Colorado location, and covers insureds in the majority of Nebraska’s counties.

If you are new to our Arnold, Nebraska, office, we want to be on a first-name basis with you. Get to know the people who will help you with all of your insurance needs—from purchasing your policy to helping you with a claim. Read our bios below.

Joe Bob Atkins, CIC, CPIA, AAI, AIS

Owner of Arnold Insurance Agency

Works in Crop, Large Agriculture, and Commercial Accounts
Arnold Office

Licensed in Crop, Life Insurance & Annuities, Property & Casualty, Sickness Accident & Health, and Variable Contracts

Direct Line: 308.848.2301 • Email: joebob@arnoldins.com

Joe Bob started his insurance training in 1999 with Farm Bureau and lived in McCook, Nebraska, until December of 2000 when he and his wife Randi bought Arnold Insurance Agency. Joe Bob has striven to become one of the top agents. He has earned several designations: CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor), CPIA (Cerrtified Professional Insurance Agent), AAI (Accredited Adviser in Insurance), and AIS (Associate in Insurance Services). Joe Bob served on the Grange Mutual of Custer County Board of Directors, the Professional Insurance Agents of Nebraska Board of Directors, Legislative Committee Chairman, and Education Committee. In 2015 Joe Bob was nominated by agents in Nebraska and Iowa and elected by the insurance companies in Nebraska and Iowa as the AGENT OF THE YEAR.

Joe Bob has been proactive in the industry and has grown the business to other locations in Nebraska. He is on the cutting edge of technology that improves his agency efficiency as well as improves service to all his customers. Joe Bob is licensed in Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, and Arizona.

Joe Bob and his wife have been married since 1999 and have four children: Avery (Teven), Cooper, Macy, and Ryker, along with one granddaughter (Saige). He enjoys spending time with his family.

Sara Buchholz, CISR, CPIA

Works in Commercial Accounts
Arnold Office

Licensed in Property & Casualty and Title Insurance

Direct Line: 308.848.2303 • Email: sara@arnoldins.com

Sara is a seasoned professional in the property and casualty insurance sector, with a license acquired in 2006. She holds the designations of CISR and CPIA. With experience in crafting policies for home, auto, farm, and commercial entities, Sara is well-equipped to meet diverse client needs. Commited to professional development and the insurance industry, Sara serves on the board of the Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) of Nebraska. Her favorite part of being an insurance agent is helping customers find the coverage that they need for the best price. Beyond her professional life, Sara enjoys home improvement projects, photography, and reading. She is also a proud parent of one adult child. Her dedication to community service is highlighted by her previous roles as a board member for both the Arnold Economic Development Corporation and the Rialto Theater.

Rudy Vickers, CPIA

Works in Crop Insurance and Fire Departments
Arnold Office

Licensed in Property & Casualty, Crop, Life & Annuities, Sickness Accident & Health

Direct Line: 308.848.2304 • Email: rudy@arnoldins.com

Rudy obtained his insurance license and began working for Arnold Insurance Agency in October of 2011.

Rudy’s greatest hobby is following his three kids (Drew, Charli, and Hudson) with wife Trish around the state watching them play the sports they love while being in the presence of the great people in our community.

During the summer, Rudy likes to spend as much time as possible at the lake with family, whether it’s pulling them behind the boat or lounging around or playing games around the camper. Golfing, barbecues, and gatherings are also some other things he enjoys. During the winter, Rudy revels in the great outdoors—hunting pheasants, quail, and deer with his kids and friends.

Coaching and helping out with the kids in his community is a priority for Rudy, having coached little league baseball, basketball, football, and soccer for many years. Attending church and the fellowship within is also important to him.

Rudy also dedicates himself to his community by volunteering for the past 12 years as an EMT and firefighter for the Arnold Fire and Rescue. “It’s a tough job sometimes, but the great crew we have makes it easier to respond to those in need,” said Rudy.

When asked about his role at Arnold Insurance Agency, Rudy commented, “When I was younger, I came across a saying: Find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life. I found that in Arnold Insurance Agency. Being able to work for and with the people in our community and the surrounding area is something I love! I really enjoy working with all sorts of professionals weather it’s farmers, ranchers, contractors and drivers, fireman and EMTs or business owners. Being able to sit down and help people protect the things they have and love is the most rewarding thing I can imagine myself doing.”

Makenna Smith

Works in Personal Lines
Arnold Office

Licensed in Property & Casualty

Email: makenna@arnoldins.com

Joining Arnold Insurance Agency in 2023 marked a new chapter in Makenna’s career journey, as she navigates the nuances of the insurance industry with enthusiasm and dedication. Despite her budding status in the field, her passion for learning and growth shines through.

Makenna wears many hats with grace and skill. Beyond her role as a licensed Property & Casualty professional, she delved into the world of esthetics, earning her certification in 2021, and dazzles women with her bridal makeup artistry. Makenna’s blend of professionalism, creativity, and commitment help her tackle any challenge that comes her way.

Away from the office, Makenna lives with her pitbull Bane and dreams of escaping to the serene embrace of the mountains out West, where she envisions cozying up in a cabin retreat.