Chris Schneeman and Gloria Thompson Inducted into MN Insurance Hall of Fame

Gloria Thompson and Chris Schneeman were among eight Minnesota insurance professionals who were honored in October for their contributions to the insurance and risk management industry. They’ve demonstrated a tremendous commitment to serving their clients throughout their careers, and we are grateful for their contributions to the insurance industry and North Risk.

“Chris and Gloria exemplify what it means to be true insurance professionals. They serve with passion, and uplift everyone around them. Their legacy of mentorship and excellence continues to shape North Risk Partners and our industry in meaningful ways,” says Chris Meidt, President and CEO of North Risk Partners.

Both Chris and Gloria have nearly 50 years of experience in the insurance industry spanning a variety of roles and organizations. They’ve seen lots of changes throughout their careers from technology to new products, but one thing has remained consistent: Providing exceptional service and putting the client first.

Chris began his career in 1978. Fresh out of college during tough economic times, he decided he wanted to be an entrepreneur and a sole proprietor, which led him to selling life insurance. He eventually managed and owned his own insurance firm, SevenHills Benefits Partners, focusing on employee benefits before joining North Risk Partners in 2024.

Gloria started her career in 1976 at American Family Insurance in the claims department. After being invited to train at American Family headquarters, she eventually became a field underwriter. Making the switch to sales, she purchased her own book of business, which gave her the flexibility to further pursue her passion for education. From teaching insurance classes for The National Alliance and Big I Minnesota to helping develop North Risk’s internal training program, if you’ve taken an insurance class in Minnesota, Gloria may have been your instructor.

Read what Chris and Gloria have to say about being inducted and their careers in the insurance industry.

What does being inducted into the Insurance Hall of Fame mean to you?

Gloria

Being nominated and then inducted into the Hall of Fame means that at some point, when my occupation became my vocation, my work impacted others in a meaningful way. This honor has caused me to reflect and feel gratitude towards those who provided me with training, encouragement, and mentorship, along with opportunities.

Chris

I am honored and grateful for the recognition and appreciate our industry’s professional associations and the University of St. Thomas for taking the initiative to elevate our industry and show young people why insurance is a great career path.

 

What do you consider a defining moment in your career?

Gloria

Teaching. When insurance/credit scores were introduced as a component to insurance rating, a coworker encouraged me to write and teach my first insurance continuing education class. The teaching never ends, as we educate prospects and clients about the products available and how they can provide some form of financial protection is part of a successful sales process.

Chris

A defining moment for me was being new to the industry as a twenty-two-year-old, I was meeting with a business owner to try and sell him life insurance. He was adamant he would not buy life insurance but said he needed help with improving his group health insurance plan. This taught me to listen and respond to the needs of my clients and prospects first before trying to sell them anything. I’ve been able to help many small businesses with their enrollment, communications and COBRA administration over the years.

 

What has inspired your commitment to the insurance industry?

Gloria

I’m constantly learning from my clients. Sometimes we help them strategize risk management, listen to their concerns, or help them after a claim. We see firsthand how economic, social, and regulatory changes affect businesses.

Chris

People! Helping folks deal with constant change and seeing how they appreciate sincere and honest help is rewarding and professionally challenging.

---

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 property and casualty insurance, surety bonds, employee benefits, as well as programming and compliance support in the areas of human resources, health and safety, and more. Our firm has over 450 employees and 29 locations across our five-state footprint.

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