Torey Schroeder was born and raised in Worthington, graduated from high school and college here and now is a business owner in the community.

Little more than a month ago, Schroeder opened the Torey Schroeder Insurance Agency under the American Family Insurance umbrella. His office is located at 1607 N. McMillan St., just a few doors down from where his brother operates Tan-U.

Schroeder shares an office and staff with American Family Insurance Agent Scott Langerud, and said he looks forward to serving people in his hometown and throughout the region.

"I'm excited to be a business owner," he said. "I've worked toward this and had an opportunity to join American Family."

Schroeder has worked in the insurance industry for the past nine years, getting his start with Kevin Lease and State Farm before moving on to manage the United Prairie Insurance Agency.

When the opportunity arose to own an agency, Schroeder eagerly took the chance. He started his training period with American Family on Aug. 1.

In his new role, Schroeder handles all lines of insurance -- just as the American Family slogan says, they have "all your protection under one roof."

In addition to auto, home, farm, life and health insurance, Schroeder offers business insurance and coverage for recreational vehicles including boats, motorcycles and ATV's.

"American Family prides itself on its service and how we treat our customers during a claim," said Schroeder, who is licensed in Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota.

"American Family also sells automobile insurance for Mexico," he added. "We do have quite a few people take advantage of that as well."

Schroeder said one of the things he likes about his work is that there are no boundaries.

"We're able to go where customers need us," he said.

After graduating from Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Schroeder and his wife moved away from the community for a year before being lured back to work in the insurance business.

"I enjoy meeting new people, helping people -- that's kind of what drives me," he said. "For me, to come here was just an opportunity to own my own business and do what I love.

"It's been very exciting for me to just come to work every day," he added. "One day is never the same as the next."

Torey Schroeder Insurance Agency is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and evenings and Saturdays by appointment. Schroeder can be reached at 372-4560 or toll-free at 877-372-4502.

"I want to thank my current customers and I look forward to serving the community for many years to come," he said.

Schroeder and his wife, Michelle, reside in Worthington with their two children, Morgan, 8, and Brooklyn, 4.