ABOUT US
As your nationally recognized Best Practices Agency, the Insurance Center of Buffalo team is committed to excellence and passionate about their work!
Culture is one of the top priorities for Insurance Center of Buffalo, making up a team of driven, service-oriented, ethical individuals. Our specialists in each department are experienced, highly-knowledgeable, and excited to build relationships with our clients.
MEET OUR TEAM
gary@insurancecenterofbuffalo.com
GARY TROGSTAD
Agent – Commercial Insurance
Gary has been in the insurance industry since 1979. In 2001, he joined the Insurance Center of Buffalo, and in 2011, he purchased the agency from Ken Ogden.
Gary specializes in commercial and business insurance, providing coverage for property, liability, auto, and workers’ compensation. He works closely with each client to tailor insurance plans that meet their specific needs, maximizing their coverage and offering quality products at competitive prices. Providing excellent customer service after the sale is crucial to giving clients “peace of mind.”
A Buffalo resident since 1990, Gary is committed to supporting his local community through involvement in the Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce and other civic activities. In his free time, he enjoys motorcycling and watching sports, as well as spending time with his wife, kids, and 9 grandchildren.
Kailee Mastel
Agent – Benefits
Kailee has been with the Insurance Center of Buffalo since 2012 and became a partner in 2022. She specializes in Medicare, life insurance, disability income, and health insurance for individuals and families. Kailee also works with business owners to provide employee benefit packages.
Kailee values building long-lasting relationships with clients and educating them on the ever-evolving world of health insurance. She is passionate about helping people select personalized medical and life insurance coverage that allows them to confidently and comfortably pursue their passions and dreams.
A Buffalo Senior High School graduate, Kailee holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Business from McNally Smith College of Music. In her free time, she enjoys participating in community events, exercising, and spending time on the lake with her husband and two sons.
kailee@insurancecenterofbuffalo.com
kelly@insurancecenterofbuffalo.com
Kelly Bruggeman
With over 36 years of experience in the insurance industry, Kelly can assist you with a variety of personal insurance needs, including coverage for your home, automobile, motorcycle, boats, ATVs, and travel trailers.
Kelly takes great pride in the Insurance Center’s strong commitment to quality customer service, attention to detail, and accurately understanding client needs. Focusing on the details and gathering the right information is key to building successful relationships with clients and finding the appropriate insurance protection to fit their individual lifestyles.
“It’s very gratifying that I’m now helping the second generation of some of my long-time clients,” shares Kelly. She has often expressed, “I’ve been in the insurance field for over 36 years, and I can say with certainty that I not only like what I do, but I truly love it. I love working with people.”
A lifelong resident of the Maple Lake area, Kelly has lived in Annandale with her husband, Steve Bruggeman, for over 35 years. She is an enthusiast of both motorcycles and classic cars. Kelly’s greatest accomplishments are her two grown sons, and her greatest joy is spending time and traveling with her growing family.
Alex Trogstad
Alex, a Buffalo native, joined the Insurance Center of Buffalo in 2020 and now leads the team’s business development efforts. Driven by a passion for protecting his local community, he is committed to ensuring residents are covered during their most challenging times.
When not at the office, Alex enjoys tending to the family’s hobby farm, hitting the gym, or spending time on the water with his wife, Devane, and their three young sons.
alex@insurancecenterofbuffalo.com
sydnee@insurancecenterofbuffalo.com
Sydnee Kauppi
Sydnee joined the Insurance Center of Buffalo team in 2021, bringing five years of experience in the insurance industry. She is licensed in Property, Casualty, Life, and Health, and primarily focuses on the Benefits Department, though she assists with new business and customer service across all departments. Sydnee is passionate about helping others and looks forward to building strong relationships with clients.
Outside the office, Sydnee enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, friends, and family. You might find her curled up with a good book or soaking up the sun by the lake.
Mikayla Peterson
Account Manager – Personal Insurance
Mikayla joined the Insurance Center of Buffalo team in 2022. Mikayla is eager to assist customers with their Personal Insurance needs, and to support the Personal Lines department. Mikayla’s main focus is client reviews, aiming to ensure clients are adequately covered with competitive insurance pricing and coverages.
Outside of the office, Mikayla enjoys spending time with her family, playing Monopoly, and reading. In the Winter, you will find her hibernating with the latest binge-worth TV show; in the summer, you can find her exploring our beautiful state or by the pool. She loves to travel with her family, with her favorite destination being Mexico.
mikayla@insurancecenterofbuffalo.com
nikki@insurancecenterofbuffalo.com
Nikki Pederson
Nikki joined Insurance Center of Buffalo in 2025, and has a heart for helping businesses feel supported, understood, and confidently covered.
She believes insurance is more than policies and paperwork—it’s about people. Nikki’s role is to be your day-to-day partner, ensuring your coverage stays aligned with your evolving business needs. With two years of experience in the commercial insurance field, she brings both industry knowledge and a calm, compassionate approach to every client interaction.
From renewals and policy changes to answering questions big or small, Nikki strives to make the process smooth, clear, and stress-free. Her goal is simple: for every client to feel heard, valued, and protected.
Outside the office, Nikki enjoys quality time with her family, reading a good book, and relaxing at the cabin on Fiske Lake.
Chase Mastel
Chase rejoined Insurance Center of Buffalo in September 2024 as a Support Specialist. He previously worked with the agency in Commercial Insurance from 2016-2019, so he is well-versed in the company’s culture and best practices. With over 20 years of customer service experience, Chase is adept at prioritizing clients’ insurance needs.
In his free time, Chase enjoys spending time with his wife, Kailee, and their two sons. An avid outdoor enthusiast, he is a past semi-pro wakeboarder and snowboarder. During the summer months, you can find him boating, while in the winter he hits the slopes. Chase also loves camping, hunting, and fishing.
service@insurancecenterofbuffalo.com
Business Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Office Phone:
763-682-4890
Location:
310 10th Ave S, Buffalo, MN 55313
2025 Holidays (office closed):
New Years Day – Wednesday, January 1st
President’s Day – Monday, February 17th
Good Friday – Friday, April 18th
Memorial Day – Monday, May 26th
Juneteenth – Thursday, June 19th
Independence Day – Friday, July 4th
Labor Day – Monday, September 1st
Thanksgiving – Thursday, November 27th & Friday, November 28th
Christmas Holiday – Wednesday, December 24th, Thursday, December 25th, Friday, December 26th
Services
