Welcome to The Accel Advantage podcast, where we discuss insurance and financial services! In you’ll meet Josh Budke, President of Benefits & Financial Services, and Corey Rekers, President of Property & Casualty. Their career stories remind us that even the most unexpected paths can lead to meaningful impact.
Meet Our Leaders
Josh’s career began with putting flyers with pull tabs on telephone poles across Iowa. Though he never envisioned a career in insurance, over 20 years later, he now helps lead a dynamic, independent agency. Corey took a few detours before returning to insurance. A pivotal internship and strong mentors helped him realize his true calling in the industry. Now, with over two decades of experience, Corey leads with the same passion he had when he first started.
In this episode, Josh and Corey share reasons why their careers are deeply personal. Josh shares a story about helping a client get critical treatment approved, while Corey recounts a diagnosis and some stories from his early days helping clients restore their lives after disaster.
“It’s a unique impact you can have, being there when clients are at their most vulnerable and helping them see hope again.” – Corey Rekers
The Accel Group: Rooted in Rich History, Focused on the Future
Accel’s story began with two long-standing agencies: Millhiser-Smith Agency (1928) and The Accel Group (1936). Despite our growth, our mission remains the same: to serve clients with care, build trusted relationships, and provide meaningful advice. Accel is proud to have a regional presence with deep local influence in multiple communities.
What Does It Mean to Be a Privately Held Independent Agency?
Corey and Josh also share that being privately held means more than financial ownership. To us, it also means community commitment and investment. We feel a heightened level of responsibility for our employees and the places we work. Being an independent agency gives our clients the power of choice. We partner with over 140 insurance carriers, tailoring policies based on real needs, not one-size-fits-all products.
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