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.

Arnold Insurance Agency
102 Cedar Street
PO Box 9
Arnold, Nebraska 69120

Office: 308.848.2215
Toll Free: 800.658.0515
Fax: 308.848.2291

Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Joe Bob 2015 KdJoe 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: 308.848.2301Email: 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.

Randi AtkinsRandi Atkins

Owner/Human Resources/Administrator

Arnold Office

Direct Line: 308.530.3196Email: randi@arnoldins.com

Alongside her husband Joe Bob, Randi serves as the owner of Arnold Insurance Agency.

Randi holds her family with utmost importance, which includes her husband, four children, one son-in-law, and a cherished granddaughter.

Outside of the office, Randi finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. She revels in spending quality time with her loved ones, whether it’s lounging by the lake, enjoying the pool, or tending to her garden. Traveling and seeing new destinations are a highlight. But above all, Randi holds the title of mom closest to her heart, considering it her proudest and most fulfilling accomplishment. She has an unwavering dedication to her family and is their biggest fan in all they do.

Sara 2015 KdSara Buchholz, CISR, CPIA

Works in Commercial Accounts
Arnold Office

Licensed in Property & Casualty and Title Insurance

Direct Line: 308.848.2303Email: sara@arnoldins.com

Sara has been licensed in property & casualty insurance since 2006 and holds CISR and CPIA designations. She has experience in writing policies for homes, autos, farms, and commercial accounts. Sara has one son, Jarret, and enjoys traveling, photography, and reading. Her favorite part of her job is helping a customer find the coverage that they need for the best price.

Patti 2015 KdPatti Schwarz, CPIA, CPSR

Marketing Coordinator, Works in Personal Lines
Arnold Office

Licensed in Property & Casualty

Direct Line: 308.848.2305Email: patti@arnoldins.com

Patti joined Arnold Insurance Agency in 2014 as a part-time marketing coordinator. A year and a half later she became licensed in property and casualty and began helping customers with their home and auto policy needs.

Patti grew up in Arnold and graduated from Chadron State College with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education. Customers appreciate Patti’s teaching background as she displays patience and understanding plus has a kind personality to explain the different aspects of insurance. Believing that education is important, Patti took several classes and obtained her CPIA and CPSR designations in 2017.

Much of Patti’s time is spent taking care of her family and following her three kids around to watch their activities. Camping and boating each weekend during the summer and family vacations every year are Patti’s time to relax and enjoy her family.

Rudy 2015 KdRudy Vickers, CPIA

Works in Crop Insurance and Fire Departments
Arnold Office

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

Direct Line: 308.848.2304Email: 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.”

Cole Kinderknecht RszdCole Kinderknecht, CPIA

Works in Ag and Commercial Ag Operations, Loss Control, and Claims Handling
Arnold Office

Licensed in Property & Casualty

Direct Line: 308.848.2309Email: cole@arnoldins.com

Cole started with the agency in February of 2018 in the Arnold office and holds a Property & Casualty insurance license in Nebraska and Kansas. Prior to hire, Cole was a property and casualty adjuster from 2011-2018, giving a wealth of knowledge in policy language and claims handling.

Cole lives outside of Stapleton with his wife Lacy and son Conner where he enjoys being outdoors with his family as well as roping, hunting, and ranching.

“I love helping people or operations protect their investments in order to grow. Whether it be sitting down and going through inventory, talking about future business plans, or helping handle claims. I enjoy talking over policies to make sure coverage will be there if and when needed. I simply want to help protect your interests to help you succeed.”

Makenna Smith 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.

Jackie SchwanebeckJackie Schwanebeck

Works in Small Farms
Arnold Office

Licensed in Property & Casualty and Life & Health

Email: jackie@arnoldins.com

With past work experience in insurance and on the family ranch, Jackie has skills in both the corporate world and the agricultural industry. Her educational journey is impressive, having obtained an associate of science degree in agribusiness from Northeast Community College, where she also showcased her talent on the basketball court. Transitioning to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Jackie furthered her education, earning a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness with an emphasis in banking and finance. She then joined Arnold Insurance Agency in 2023.

Growing up on the family ranch, Jackie’s childhood dream was to become a rancher, a passion that still burns brightly within her. When not immersed in work, Jackie can be found indulging in her love for nature by visiting the river or lake during the summer months. She also cherishes the companionship of her loyal dog, Scout. Jackie’s unique blend of professional experience, academic achievements, and deep-rooted connection to the land give her the knowledge and passion for serving our farm and ranch customers.