North Risk’s Steve Tripp Named 2026 Agent of the Year by IIASD

October 23, 2026 - North Risk Partners is proud to announce that the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota (IIASD) named Steve Tripp the 2026 Agent of the Year. The organization recognized Tripp during its annual convention in October.

The award recognizes a career defined by leadership, service, and meaningful relationships. Throughout his career, Tripp has advocated for clients, mentored employees, and encouraged others to become involved in the insurance industry.

“Steve has built an exceptional career through his passion for serving clients, colleagues, and the insurance industry,” said Chris Meidt, President & CEO of North Risk Partners. “We’re happy to see his contributions recognized with this well-deserved honor.”

In addition to serving clients, Tripp has contributed to a culture rooted in professionalism, integrity, and service. His leadership and mentorship have shaped careers, built confidence, and set an example for others to follow.

“I’m grateful for this recognition and especially thankful for the people I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside throughout my career. I’ve been surrounded by great colleagues, clients, and industry partners who have made the experience incredibly rewarding,” Tripp said.

Tripp was nominated for the award by Brock Murphy, Personal Lines Risk Advisor at North Risk Partners. The nomination highlighted the relationships Tripp developed, the reputation he earned, and the many people he influenced throughout his career.

In his nomination of Tripp, Murphy wrote, “One challenge our industry faces is attracting young talent. Steve has spent years investing in the next generation, mentoring not only me, but many others who have come through our agency.” Adding, “he played a role in hiring many of us, but his impact went far beyond recruiting. He helped shape the values, relationships, and culture that continue to define our organization.”

The IIASD supports agents in South Dakota with the tools, training, market access, and advocacy they need to grow their businesses and serve their communities. From fighting for agents on Capitol Hill to offering top-tier education and E&O coverage. Each year, the IIASD recognizes agents and carrier partners who go above and beyond for their clients and the insurance industry. The organization’s annual awards include Agent of the Year and other categories representing different areas of the independent insurance profession.

North Risk Partners congratulates Tripp on this recognition and thanks him for his leadership, mentorship, and service to his clients, colleagues, community, and the insurance industry.

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North Risk Partners specializes in strategic insurance solutions for people and business. Our team helps clients Face Risk Head On with right-fit insurance coverage and loss prevention resources. For businesses, we offer commercial insurance, surety bonds and employee benefits, as well as programming and compliance support in the areas of human resources, health and safety, and more. Our firm has over 475 employees and 28 locations across our five-state footprint.

Media Contact:
Kiley Westby, Communications Specialist, North Risk Partners
kiley.westby@northriskpartners.com | (763) 746-0950