Ieuter Insurance Group presents our Team Awesome Awards at the close of the year, celebrating the contributions of our amazing team members throughout the year. These awards are incredibly meaningful to their recipients because they are a peer-nominated recognition.
Today, we introduce you to Raylene Rice, recipient of the 2025 Michele Nieves Award, named in honor of Ieuter Insurance Group’s incredibly dedicated Chief Financial Officer, who is an inspiration to all of Your Friends In The Insurance Business each and every day. The Michele Nieves Award honors our MVP of the year, a team member who is deeply invested in Ieuter Insurance Group and goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Here's what a few of Raylene's peers had to say when they nominated her for this recognition:
-Approachable and supportive, Raylene creates an environment where questions, comments, and concerns are welcomed and addressed thoughtfully.
-She demonstrates strong knowledge and a passion for teaching others the correct way.
-Raylene performs exceptionally well, stepping up whenever needed and excelling in every responsibility.
-Raylene is a true team player and leader, committed to the success of the office and its people.
-She has taken on additional responsibilities and duties with confidence, while continuing to provide excellent client care and technical support.
-Raylene played a key role in improving department culture and maintaining stability—an invaluable contributor.
-Always ready to help, regardless of the topic, Raylene brings extensive knowledge of personal lines and technology tips. She offers guidance with patience and positivity, turning every interaction into a learning opportunity for others.
We asked her what it meant to hear these commendations from her colleagues, what she loves about her work, what she wishes more people knew about insurance, and what she loves to do when she's not at work. Here's what she had to say:
Q: What does it mean to you that your colleagues voted you MVP of the team in 2025?
Being voted MVP by my colleagues in 2025 is incredibly meaningful to me. It tells me that the people who see my work up close every day recognize not just the results I deliver, but the way I show up for the team. Having their trust and support is something I don’t take lightly.
It also reinforces that the effort I put into collaboration, communication, and consistency truly makes a difference. I’m proud of what we accomplished together, and this recognition motivates me to keep raising the bar and contributing at an even higher level.
Q: What do you admire about Michele, and what does it mean to you to earn an award named after her?
What I admire most about Michele is the way she leads with a balance of professionalism, compassion, and genuine care for people. As our HR manager, she has a unique ability to support others while also holding high standards, and she does it in a way that makes everyone feel valued and understood. Her consistency, her integrity, and the way she shows up for our team every day are qualities I truly respect.
Earning an award named after her means a great deal to me. It’s not just recognition — it’s a reflection of the values she represents and the positive influence she’s had on our agency. To receive something tied to her name feels like an honor and a reminder to continue showing up with the same dedication, empathy, and commitment that she models so well.
Q: Tell us about your history in the insurance industry?
I started my career in the insurance industry nine years ago in the Welcome Center, which gave me a strong foundation in customer service, policy knowledge, and problem‑solving. From there, I moved up quickly by taking on new responsibilities, learning every aspect of the business I could, and consistently looking for ways to support both our customers and my team.
Each role I’ve held has helped me build a deeper understanding of our processes, our products, and the needs of the people we serve. That progression has shaped me into someone who can adapt, collaborate, and contribute at a higher level, and it’s a journey I’m proud of.
Q: What do you love most about your work?
What I love most about my work is the opportunity to make a real difference for people every day. Whether I’m helping someone understand their coverage, solving a problem, or supporting a teammate, I enjoy knowing that what I do brings clarity and peace of mind to others.
I also appreciate the constant learning and collaboration. Insurance is always evolving, and being part of a team where we share knowledge, adapt together, and celebrate each other’s strengths keeps me motivated and engaged. It’s the combination of meaningful impact and a supportive team environment that makes this work so fulfilling for me.
Q: What do you love most about being a part of #TeamIeuter?
What I love most about being a part of #TeamIeuter is the genuine sense of family and support that runs through everything we do. It’s a place where people show up for each other, celebrate each other’s strengths, and work together with a shared commitment to doing right by our clients and our community.
There’s also a pride in the way we operate — the consistency, the communication, the willingness to help, and the drive to keep learning and improving. Being part of a team that values both excellence and compassion makes the work meaningful and the environment inspiring. It feels good to be surrounded by people who care as much as you do.
Q: What things do you wish more people realized about insurance?
One thing I wish more people realized is how much peace of mind comes from understanding the details of their coverage before something happens and that insurance is not one-size-fits-all. So many of the toughest situations we see could be avoided with just a little more awareness up front.
For example, sewer and drain backup is one of the most common and costly losses, yet many people don’t realize it isn’t automatically included in a standard homeowners policy. The same goes for seasonally stored vehicles — forgetting to turn coverage back on before driving can lead to serious financial consequences.
I also wish more people understood the value of securing life insurance early. It’s not just about protecting loved ones; it’s about locking in lower rates and ensuring coverage is there when it’s needed most.
Overall, the biggest takeaway is that insurance works best when it’s proactive, not reactive. Taking a few minutes to review coverage, ask questions, and make small adjustments can make all the difference when life throws the unexpected your way
Q: What brings you the most joy when you're not at work?
What brings me the most joy when I’m not at work is spending quality time with the people I love and doing the things that help me recharge. Whether it’s being with family, getting outside, or enjoying the simple moments that make life feel full, those are the things that ground me.
I also really enjoy having the space to slow down, reset, and come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to give my best.
Raylene and her teammates are proud to work hard for our clients, ensuring you always talk to a devoted and knowledgeable independent insurance agent when you call our office.
For all your insurance needs, visit us at https://www.ieuter.com
Ieuter Insurance Group - 414 Townsend St Midland MI 48640
(989) 487-1758
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