Our History

More Than a Century of People, Purpose, and Trust

Preferred Insurance Center was built on relationships long before insurance was common or easy. Our story began in 1912 in Coldwater, Ohio, when John H. Boeke and Aloysius Link opened a small agency in The Peoples Bank building. With a foundation of trust and a commitment to serving others, they began a legacy of continuous service to our community that has spanned over a century.

A Family Legacy Rooted in Trust

In the late 1920s, John H. Boeke became sole owner, renaming the firm Boeke Insurance Agency. In 1932, he constructed a small office on South Second Street that would serve clients for more than forty years.

John’s son, Werner Boeke, joined the agency in 1934 and quickly became known for his calm presence and deep care for clients. His ability to listen, empathize, and put people at ease shaped the agency’s client first culture. After briefly stepping away during World War II, Werner returned and continued building strong community relationships for decades.

A third generation joined in 1974 when Werner’s son, John Boeke, entered the business. John purchased the agency in 1980 and carried the family legacy forward, eventually relocating the office in 1991 to a historic Boeke family home on East Main Street. That building, filled with family stories and character, reflected what the business had always been about people, family, and community.

Another Legacy Joins the Story

Simultaneously, Olding, Gebele, and George Insurance was building its own reputation in Coldwater, with roots tracing back to 1914. Leaders like Bill Oberholzer, Denny Gebele, Lee Olding, and Dave George established a standard of personal service. In 1991, Roger Rindler purchased the agency, maintaining its tradition of integrity and client care.

The Birth of Preferred Insurance Center

In the early 1990s, thoughtful conversations began about bringing these two agencies together. After careful consideration and many family discussions, Boeke Insurance Agency and Olding, Gebele, and George Insurance officially merged on January 1, 1993, forming Preferred Insurance Center.

The name was chosen intentionally to reflect the kind of agency the team aspired to be, one clients preferred not because of size or flash, but because of trust, service, and relationships.

Mentorship That Shaped Our Culture

Preferred Insurance Center has always been shaped by mentors who believed in doing the right thing.

Werner Boeke taught the importance of empathy and seeing situations through the client’s eyes.

Dave George and educator Bob Cook instilled integrity, professionalism, and perspective.

Dan Muhlenkamp credits both his faith and mentor Dennis Piper for shaping his approach to leadership, service, and relationship building.

These lessons became foundational values that guided the agency through change and growth.

Innovation With Purpose

When Dan Muhlenkamp joined the agency in 1989, he brought an innovative mindset long before technology became standard in insurance. He developed an internal system that allowed the agency to quote multiple carriers and manage files digitally, helping create efficient workflows years ahead of industry norms.

His contributions were embraced, and he was eventually invited into ownership, reinforcing the agency’s belief in recognizing talent, collaboration, and shared vision.

Mentorship Passed Forward

Just as Dan Muhlenkamp and Roger Rindler were shaped by strong mentors, they became mentors themselves to the next generation of leaders at Preferred Insurance Center.

From the beginning of their careers with the agency, Andy Kremer and Gina Hess were intentionally developed, not just trained in insurance, but mentored in leadership, responsibility, and service. Dan and Roger fostered their growth by investing time, trust, and genuine responsibility, illustrating leadership defined by humility, integrity, and a people-first approach.

Dan’s visionary thinking and willingness to empower others combined with Roger’s steady confidence and trust in people created an environment where growth was expected and supported. Andy and Gina learned by working alongside them, absorbing values that were demonstrated daily rather than written in a manual.

This mentorship prepared them for the future and ensured that the leadership transition would be deliberate, stable, and consistent with the agency’s established culture.

Giving Back With Heart and Humor

Preferred Insurance Center marked its 100th anniversary in 2012 by launching a major community effort. Declaring it the Year of Giving Back, the team initiated a memorable pink flamingo fundraising campaign. This campaign successfully brought joy, laughter, and significant charitable impact to the community.

The playful concept evolved into a true symbol of our agency: we are professionals who take our work seriously but not ourselves, and we are genuinely committed to making a difference.

Building for the Future

In 2014, the agency moved into its current home on West Main Street, a remodeled building that reflects growth, stability, and long term commitment to Coldwater.

In 2021, Roger Rindler retired, formally passing leadership to the next generation. Today, Andy Kremer and Gina Hess serve as equal owners of Preferred Insurance Center, continuing a legacy built on trust, teamwork, and people first values.

Their leadership represents both continuity and growth honoring the past while preparing the agency for the future.

Our Legacy Today

Our legacy today is about insurance with purpose. It is about helping everyone we interact with clients, teammates, and our community through growth, dedication, and a commitment to always doing what is right. We strive to be the agency for people who believe integrity matters, relationships matter, and that doing the right thing is never optional. This purpose guides our decisions, shapes our culture, and defines how we serve every day.