ABOUT THE HCI TEAM

Founded by Max Lowry in Logan, Kansas, Heritage Crop Insurance has grown from humble beginnings into one of the premier providers in the state. Our mission is simple yet profound: to deliver the absolute best products and services to our valued clients while offering unwavering support to our dedicated crop insurance producers.

As a collective of crop agents, we prioritize two primary goals: first, to ensure that our clients receive the most comprehensive coverage and personalized attention possible, and second, to empower and uplift our crop insurance producers, recognizing their vital role in sustaining agricultural livelihoods.

Representing five AIPs (Approved Insurance Providers), Heritage Crop Insurance boasts the expertise and flexibility to match you with the insurance company that best suits your specific requirements. Whether you’re in need of MPCI, Crop Hail, PRF, LRP, or any other coverage for your crops or livestock, rest assured that our team will go above and beyond to safeguard your farm income.

We invite you to explore our agents’ page and connect with the agent nearest to you or with whom you feel a connection. Let’s start a conversation and embark on a journey to protect what matters most – your farm, your livelihood, and your legacy. At Heritage Crop Insurance, we’re more than just insurance – we’re your trusted partner in agriculture! 

Mark Lowry

Owner & Agent / 785-425-8028 / mark.lowry@hertiagecropins.com

Mark Lowry is the dedicated business manager behind the success of HCI. Raised in the rural Kansas in the community of Logan, Mark’s roots in agriculture run deep. A proud graduate of Kansas State University, he has amassed over three decades of experience in both the agriculture community and the insurance industry.

Mark’s unwavering commitment to excellence drives him to ensure that Heritage Crop Insurance delivers nothing but the highest quality products and services to protect the farm revenue that is vital to your operation’s success.

Married to Sally Lowry, he cherishes spending time with his family, including their four adult children and grandson. In his spare moments, Mark can be found indulging in his love for sports, relishing moments with family and friends, and passionately supporting his alma mater, Kansas State University.

Baylee Pfeifer

Owner & Agent / 785-656-3858 / baylee.pfeifer@heritagecropins.com

As a native of rural Trego County, Baylee found her roots in farming and ranching, which laid the foundation for her journey. Now settled in Hill City with her husband Kyle and their growing family, they run their own thriving cattle operation. 

While Baylee’s heart remains in agriculture, she transitioned into the insurance industry three years ago, specializing in Property and Casualty as well as crop insurance. Her passion lies in helping clients understand their coverage needs and ensuring they are adequately protected. Baylee excels in connecting with customers, explaining complex policies in a straightforward manner, and ensuring they have peace of mind.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Baylee cherishes quality time with her loved ones. Whether it’s soaking up the sun at the lake or cheering on her husband at the racetrack, she values the moments spent making memories with family and friends. 

Colleen Hardiek

Owner & Agent / 785-421-2127 / colleen.hardiek@heritagecropins.com

Colleen Hardiek brings a unique blend of experience and passion to the world of insurance and education. With 18 years immersed in Property & Casualty/Crop insurance, Colleen’s roots run deep in the agricultural heartland, having been raised on a farm in NW Kansas. This upbringing instilled in her a profound understanding of agriculture, which she continues to enrich through her work.

Before her transition to the insurance industry, Colleen spent 17 years as a dedicated educator. Her background in teaching has proven invaluable in her ability to educate clients about insurance coverages effectively.

Away from the office, Colleen finds solace and joy in the tranquility of Lake Wabaunsee, where her summers are spent at the family cabin. A true DIY enthusiast, she has embarked on numerous projects to enhance the cabin, infusing it with warmth and character. Boating, golfing, and scrapbooking are among her favorite pastimes, but nothing compares to the moments spent with loved ones.

Jeff Hardiek

Owner & Agent / 785-421-2127 / jeff.hardiek@heritagecropins.com

Jeff Hardiek is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry, specializing in Property and Casualty (P&C) as well as Crop insurance. Originally hailing from Norton County, Jeff’s career took a pivotal turn when a job transfer brought him to Graham County, where he has since thrived.

Before venturing into the insurance realm, Jeff dedicated 34 years of his life to Prairie Land Electric, where he served as a Lineman and later as the Director of Member Services. His tenure in the electric utility sector not only honed his leadership skills but also instilled in him a deep sense of commitment to serving the community.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Jeff finds solace and joy in the tranquil summers spent at his cabin on Lake Wabaunsee, where leisurely strolls around the lake on his pontoon boat provide moments of serenity. Living in proximity to Kansas State University in Manhattan allows him the opportunity to indulge in his passion for sports, often attending thrilling sporting events whenever his schedule permits.

Jane Harger

Agent / 785-421-9458 / jane.harger@heritagecropins.com

Jane Harger is a proud native of Phillips County, deeply rooted in the agricultural heritage of the region. Born and raised on a farm just north of Agra, her upbringing instilled in her a profound love for the land and a strong work ethic. After marrying her husband Robert, they settled on their own farm north of Phillipsburg, where they have dedicated themselves to the art and science of farming and ranching.

With over two decades of experience in the insurance industry, Jane has become a trusted advisor to the local farming community. Specializing in crop insurance, she finds immense joy in working with farmers, understanding the intricacies of their operations, and tailoring insurance solutions to meet their unique needs. Her expertise spans a range of policies, including crop multiperil, crop hail, livestock risk protection, and Pasture Rangland Forage products.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Jane finds fulfillment in her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother. With three married daughters and ten grandchildren, family is at the center of her life. In her spare time, she cherishes moments spent with loved ones, immersing herself in the warmth of family gatherings. Jane also finds solace in the quiet companionship of her beloved sheep and llamas, indulging her passion for animal husbandry and tending to her small menagerie.

Kim Ellenberger

Agent / 785-543-4848 / kim.ellenberger@heritagecropins.com

Kim Ellenberger is a seasoned Crop Agent with 15 years of experience in the agricultural industry. Born and raised on a farm in Phillips County, Kimhas deep roots in farming and a strong connection to the land. Alongside her husband Brady, she is currently raising their four children on their family farm, instilling in them the values of hard work and stewardship of the land.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Kim is actively involved in supporting her children’s pursuits both on and off the farm. Whether she’s cheering them on from the sidelines of the court or field, or guiding them in the show ring, Kim is dedicated to nurturing their talents and fostering their growth.

With a wealth of experience and a passion for farming and family, Kim Ellenberger is a respected figure in her community and a valuable asset to the agricultural industry.

Taylor Trogstad

Agent / 785-650-7963 / taylor.trogstad@heritagecropins.com

Taylor has had his insurance license 2005, crop since 2008.  With years of experience, he has a passion for being around agriculture from a young age. He spent lots of time on the farm/ranch with his Grandpa and Uncle.

The things he enjoys the most about selling MPCI/PRF/LRP is educating folks on their options for their risk management options.  Things are always changing and he understands that it is his job to keep them educated and informed. Now more than ever, a solid risk advisor in their corner is an absolute must. 

Taylor and wife Melinda have a son where outside work they enjoy camping and boating/fishing at Wilson Lake, hunting, watching sports, and traveling when time allows. 

Tammy Malinowsky

Processor / tammy.malinowsky@heritagecropins.com

BIO COMING SOON

Rob & Shelby Schamberger

Agents / 785-675-1349 (Rob) & 785-657-7489 (Shelby) rob.schamberger@heritagecropins.com or shelby.schamberger@heritagecropins.com

Rob grew up on a family farm just south of Hoxie where they ran a cow-calf operation as well as raised row crops and wheat. After graduating high school in 2006, he stuck around the farm and began his farming career. Agriculture has always been a huge part of his life, and after the family got out of farming in 2022, he wanted to continue his path in agriculture by doing something where he could help people. In November 2022, they started Scham Ag Services, selling seed corn. Rob enjoys the farm life and providing people with solutions to improve their operations. Rob takes pride in his work and is dedicated to helping farmers succeed in their agricultural endeavors.

Shelby grew up and graduated from Norton, Kansas where she excelled in school academics and athletics. In 2015 she moved to Hoxie with Rob and quickly fell in love with Agriculture.

With their diverse background and passion for agriculture, Shelby and Rob decided in 2023 to start their adventure in crop insurance specializing in farm and crop insurance.