Home Find an Agent Contact Us Insurance Products Claims Member Services Branch Online Store Mortgagee Inquiry My Account/Log In About Us Brave Beginnings - 1890s That would forever be the trademark of a hard life on the black land prairie: people doing whatever was necessary, whenever it was necessary, to help each other help themselves, standing shoulder to shoulder with anyone and everyone who needed them. It became an honored tradition, one that was destined to change the future of those determined, strong-willed farmers who spent their days, their lifetime, gambling on the harvest of a prosperous land. Those early-day German pioneers were frugal, fiercely independent and very hard working individuals. They tilled the soil and gathered their crops while taking time to build several German language schools. Their children and their children's education were very important to them. One classroom serving its community was recognized as the Hochheim Prairie School. Settlers had grown accustomed to hardships and day-to-day living on the vast black land pastures was promising but sometimes troubling. The wayward journey to a new world had not been an easy one. Transplanting their families' roots to new soil in a new homeland had been precarious at best. However, they endured, even when tragedies struck their rural communities. Proud and Self-Reliant Fire raging on an isolated, unprotected prairie was the greatest fear and threat of all. It was virtually impossible for homes to survive the flames. The homeless, much to their disdain, were left to accept the goodwill of others throughout the community who brought clothing, money, food and furniture to the charred ruins. This ensured those who had been stricken with misfortune could gain a new, secure foothold upon the ashes that had once been their home. Neighbors were simply doing what they did best, being neighbors. No one minded giving. All shuddered at the thought of accepting anything that resembled charity, regardless of the problems or circumstances that might confront them. They were proud and self-reliant. Wanting to be in control of their own destiny, they preferred to stand firmly on their own feet. Some said what they really needed was a simple, effective plan to pay into a program that would reimburse them for devastating losses. Hochheim's Cornerstone - The Association Formed - 1892 Several of the black land prairie farmers sat down together in the Hochheim Prairie School House, on the Second Day of Pentecost in 1892, and decided to organize a mutual insurance association, electing J. Schwab as their president. While formulating ideas for the operation, the group wisely established underwriting guidelines for future members of the association. The association guidelines stated that only people of good character and moral reputation would be accepted. On the last Sunday in August of 1892, thirty progressive-minded individuals came to another meeting, insuring their homes for the total amount of $6,550. The first rate established was $1 per $100 of valuation, resulting in the collection of $65.50 in premiums. Thirty farm families collectively formed the cornerstone of Hochheim Prairie Farm Mutual Insurance Association. It was not long after that until a group from Shiner met with Adolph Hagens and agreed with his proposal to unite with the Hochheim Prairie organization. The mutual insurance association had taken its first bold step toward expansion. Before the initial premiums were collected in 1893, one house, insured for $150, was destroyed by fire. At this time, the association did not have sufficient funds to make a settlement, so members simply dug deep into their own pockets and loaned the organization $150. It was a statement that the farm mutual insurance association was determined to be around for a long, long time. J. Schwab remained as the first President until 1893 when George Von Haefen succeeded him as the second President, serving 21 years. Farm Mutuals in Texas - 1897 Those German farmers, who also served as directors of the newly founded association, had their land to worry about. They met as often as they could, usually at night or on rainy days when it was too wet to tend the soil. After composing a charter and mailing it to Austin, the directors watched their hard work become ensnared in the tentacles of bureaucracy. The application was promptly returned and it carried a notation that there was neither a law nor a chapter under which an association could be chartered. This was, after all, the 1890s, and Hochheim Prairie was apparently far ahead of its time. Austin simply suggested that the group disband and give all funds back to its members. However, back in Hochheim, Texas, those black land farmers knew what they wanted and were determined to get it, no matter how difficult the fight might be. They wasted no time contacting their State Representative, John Bailey. He believed in them and their cause. Bailey successfully introduced legislation that would grant approval of their charter application, although Governor Culberson did not sign the bill into law until 1897. At last, legislation made it possible for Farm Mutual Insurance Associations to finally exist in Texas. Critical Early Decades - 1912 In 1912, George Van Haefen handed the presidential reins to J.J. Kuck, the third President, who would preside over the organization for the next twenty-seven years. During those critical early decades, the association maintained its office in the home of Ernst Hagens, who had replaced his brother, Adolph, as secretary. Some have suggested, however, that in reality, the office was hauled around south central Texas in the back seat of Hagen's automobile. A century turned. A World War shattered the peace of a nation. The Great Depression left the country singing the blues as money dried up like cotton stalks in a dust bowl. Nevertheless, through it all, the Hochheim Prairie Mutual Fire and Storm Association survived and maintained its financial strength. Minert Rathkamp, the fourth President presided over the company in the year of 1939. The association grew and prospered. Innovative Years - 1940s Its members had confidence in themselves and their organization. They prevailed and their optimism pierced the dark clouds of economic crisis. By 1940, with Phil Lorfing serving as the fifth President, they were ready to take the corporate office out of the back seat of Ernst Hagens's automobile and construct a building at 413 Irving Street in Yoakum, Texas. The next two decades would become innovative years of development for Hochheim Prairie Farm Mutual Insurance Association. In the beginning, during the 1890s, only a member's dwelling could be insured. As time passed, the scope of coverage was broadened to include such items as farm buildings, furniture, grain, seed, feed, farm implements, churches and schoolhouses. In 1942, the association had its first real opportunity to exhibit financial strength and stability, paying $207,000 in claims resulting from a severe storm that hammered the Texas gulf coast. Association Growing and Participation in Community Events - 1945 Fritz Barre succeeded Lorfing as the sixth President in 1945, and, within a year, it was possible to cover houses and buildings under construction (Builders Risk). By 1947, dwellings used partially for business (with certain restrictions) also became insurable. Since its inception, Hochheim Prairie Farm Mutual had committed itself to be involved with the life of those towns it served. When a town needed help of any kind, Hochheim Prairie was dependable in taking part in some charity or participating in a community-wide activity. A decision was made in 1945 to build a float that could be used in parades throughout the State of Texas. The early floats were designed and built by association officers, directors and employees. Fritz Barre was the first to take the newly created float to a parade, and, later, Otto Remmers became the "keeper of the float." Today, the Hochheim Prairie float is still welcomed at many community parades in Texas. By the mid-1950s, the organization continued to grow. Its membership was expanding, and so were the number of cities, both large and small, that were being introduced to the farm mutual insurance association concept. Keeping in touch with members posed a problem. Opening a steady, effective line of communication became an important factor in guaranteeing the future success of both the organization and its members. "The Reporter" was Hochheim Prairie's solution. The first issue was dated July 15, 1954, and its masthead carried the slogan: "Bear Ye One Another's Burdens" Those few words eloquently described what farm mutual insurance was about. "The Reporter" continues to be a valuable communications tool, being distributed twice a year to over 100,000 households in Texas. Company's Vision Broadens - 1964 By 1964, it was obvious that the corporate office had become too small and cramped to keep pace with the vibrant growth of Hochheim Prairie Farm Mutual. A new building was constructed on Highway 77-A in Yoakum and it appeared that the association had settled into a permanent home. Growth and expansion continued to accelerate and after a decade, the new facility was outgrown and had to be remodeled and enlarged. In 1971, S. J. Sanfilippo, Jr., succeeded a retiring Fritz Barre as the Association's seventh President. Again, the vision of Hochheim Prairie began to dramatically broaden. For eighty-one years, the organization had been known as Hochheim Prairie Mutual Fire and Storm Association. However, in 1973, the name was changed to Hochheim Prairie Farm Mutual Insurance Association. A slogan -- a statement of policy -- was adopted to coincide with the initials of the organization: H - Honest P - Protection F - Fair M - Minded I - Individual A - Attention. In reality, the philosophy behind the slogan had always been the creed at Hochheim Prairie for its members. Hochheim Forms New Companies To Offer Broader Range of Coverages - 1978 The association continued to look for new, more effective ways to make life better for those who depended on its insurance. Therefore, in 1978, Hochheim Prairie Casualty Insurance Company was formed as a subsidiary to provide a broader range of coverage. On January 1, 1979, the company began writing personal liability insurance for farm mutual members. The ability to furnish a combination of both property insurance and liability coverage allowed Hochheim Prairie to successfully compete with other companies writing similar policies in the marketplace. Later, Hochheim Prairie Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary, was formed to offer additional service and markets to its membership. Texana Premium Finance Company was established to provide a premium financing facility. The parent company and its subsidiaries were now able to offer a complete insurance package to association members. Changing Times - 1980s Times were rapidly changing and Hochheim Prairie was changing with them. The corporate office, a leader in the utilization of modern technology, had become computerized. The association had extended its boundaries far beyond the regional concept, creating an organization that was effectively blanketing the entire state. The rugged prairies of West Texas were being linked with the tall piney woods of East Texas, all tied together with the royal palms that shadowed the Rio Grande Valley. The city dweller had now been united with the farmer, the banker, the rancher, the laborer, the secretary and the doctor. All were residing comfortably beneath the broad umbrella of Hochheim Prairie's "mutual" concept. As the eighties arrived on the black land prairies of south central Texas, a decision was made to replace the remodeled corporate office with a new 30,000-square-foot structure, also located on Highway 77-A. The dedication ceremonies were held on July 11-12, 1981 and this facility remains as the corporate office location today. Two years later, B. D. Krag was named as the eighth President and when he retired in 1985, Dorman Michaelsen assumed the presidency as Hochheim's ninth President. Celebrating A Century of Service - 1990s In 1990, John E. Trott, Jr., followed Michaelsen, becoming the tenth President. John's leadership reinforced that Hochheim has never lost sight of one vital, important fact. The members form the backbone of the organization. The members are the association. Buildings, furniture, state-of-the-art computers and technology have no meaning unless there is a resulting benefit to members. After celebrating a century of service in 1992, Hochheim endeavored to offer an even wider range of products to members. On October 1, 1997, Brushy Creek General Agency, Inc. d.b.a./Insurance Markets Unlimited (IMU) was formed. IMU, working in conjunction with other reputable insurance companies, gives members the opportunity to purchase a broad range of personal and commercial products that are not offered by the Hochheim companies. In January of 2007, Hochheim Prairie Casualty Insurance Company (HPCIC) introduced the Hochheim Businessowners Policy (BOP) as a new line of business. The BOP provides property and liability coverages for small, rural, main-street businesses. The addition of this policy allows members to look to Hochheim for both their personal and business insurance needs. Twenty years later, Dave E. Talbert succeeded John E. Trott, Jr. as the eleventh President in 2010. Throughout the years, the leadership of Hochheim Prairie Farm Mutual Insurance Association and its subsidiary companies has one goal: to faithfully follow the standards, the vision, the courage, the integrity and the energy exemplified by the founding fathers. At Hochheim Prairie, those qualities are presently being combined with modern expertise and technology, as well as innovative new concepts that together are making a difference for Hochheim members. Dave resigned in October 2013. Members Remain The Backbone - 2013 Linda M. Schmidt was named the first woman President of Hochheim Prairie Insurance in November 2013, becoming the twelfth President. Linda is no stranger to the company or its German heritage on which it was founded. Having grown up in Yoakum and spending much time on the "Prairie" as this is where her ancestors settled and made their home during the late 1800's. Linda's career with the company began in 1977 working in several accounting related positions, hence becoming the Secretary/Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer in 2002. As Linda states, "While many changes have occurred, the original intent remains the same. Hochheim Prairie Insurance exists by and for its members." Hochheim Prairie Farm Mutual continues to incorporate modern technology into its operations, always working diligently to provide professional and sophisticated solutions for the needs of the Texas insurance consumer. To achieve these goals, Hochheim Prairie Insurance companies are fully automated and utilizing the latest technology. Policies are issued, renewed or changed electronically and the corporate office's computer facilities are operational twenty-four hours a day. Through the Hochheim website (www.hpfm.com), members can make premium payments on-line and can inquire about detailed policy, premium and claims information. Prospective members can locate a Hochheim agent in their area and can receive a quote on-line. Claim Representatives are provided personal computers linked to the main system, which allows them to access real-time data. The claim representatives provide front-line support by delivering quick, personal and professional claim service to members. Hochheim Prairie's insurance products are marketed and serviced by over 200 independent agents located in all regions of the state. All agents have computers in their offices which are linked to Hochheim's database giving the agent immediate access to data. This provides the necessary tools for the agent to give members the personal, prompt service they deserve. Presently, Texas is divided into nine Hochheim Prairie districts whose members are organized into over 100 local branches. These branches are involved in community events. They provide fellowship for their members throughout the year, becoming the fraternal bond that makes the farm mutual concept of Hochheim Prairie so special. Continuing To Build a Strong Foundation The first hundred years have been great, substantial ones, and the hard work implemented during that revered century of service built a strong, solid foundation on which Hochheim Prairie Insurance Companies can continue to grow. What really matters is that Hochheim Prairie provides the best possible products, at the lowest possible rates while sustaining the financial strength to assure Hochheim members that it will be there if they have a loss. It all comes down to keeping promises, doing the right things in the right way, staying focused on service, and not compromising values. In the end, "Texans Serving Texans Since 1892" is the vision that binds long-standing relationships with generations of Texans and makes Hochheim Prairie Insurance the institution that it is today. The eyes of Hochheim Prairie are set firmly on the hope and promise of the future and the future has just begun. Hochheim's legacy is a proud one. 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