About Us
Our Mission
At Fortress Insurance, our mission is to protect the people and things that are most important to you as you build your life and construct your dreams.
In order to fulfill our mission, we believe in doing things a little differently:
- We’ve hand-picked a select group of insurance companies that provide only the best coverage and claims service.
- You deserve to know what you’re getting – and why. We’re happy to go over your risk assessment and explain the coverage we’ve recommended.
- Your life is constantly changing – your insurance needs to change too. We strive to create personal relationships with our clients so we can adjust their protection plan as needed.
- Finally, we promise to recommend an insurance plan equal to or better than one we’d recommend to our own family.
Get To Know Fortress
Our Team
Mark Westerman / Owner
Mark was born in Green Bay, WI, and relocated to St Paul to obtain his BA in Accounting at the University of St. Thomas. Mark has three children — Andrew, Alex and Kayla. As a family man, Mark understands the importance of protecting his assets, and is committed to helping others do so by providing comprehensive, customized insurance solutions for their home, auto and family. Mark also understands what it’s like to be on the other side of the insurance equation. Click here to listen to the story of the tornado.
Email: mark@buildmyfortress.com
Tabatha Hollund / CSR
Tabatha grew up in Rochester, however lived in a handful of towns in southern Minnesota before making her way back. Prior to joining Fortress, she spent 15 years in the insurance field working with commercial clients in an insurance company setting as well as the agency setting. When she’s not in the office serving clients, she spends much of her time with her daughter, Peyton. Their favorite thing to do is get out and enjoy a good concert. She is also very close with her family, spending a lot of time with her nieces and nephew.
Email: tabatha@buildmyfortress.com
Barb Duckett / Customer Care
Barb Duckett grew up in Zumbrota, MN and earned her associate’s degree in applied science from Inver Grove Community College. Prior to joining Fortress, she spent the past 8 years working for a biotechnology start up and the previous 20 years owning and operating large retail furniture stores that included locations in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Outside of work, Barb’s favorite pastime includes spending time with her little dog Gracie and husband of over 40 years, Kevin. She is also very close with her family and loves spending time with and watching her three granddaughters participate in sporting events.
Email: barb@buildmyfortress.com
Kallista Mathias / Customer Care
Kallista grew up in Sycamore, IL and first moved to Minnesota in 2019. Prior to entering the insurance industry, she spent 4 years working at and managing cafes in Winona, and one year adventuring in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She is happy to have found her home and a career in insurance here in Rochester, and loves being able to help clients. Outside of work, Kallista enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and their two cats, going on hikes, and baking sweet treats.
Email: kallista@buildmyfortress.com
Lauren Peterson / Customer Care
Lauren was born in Rochester and raised in Byron, MN. Prior to joining Fortress, she has spent the last six and a half years working at and managing in the dental field. Outside of work, Lauren’s favorite things to do involve spending time with her son (Cruze) and husband (Devon), hanging out with her extended family, hiking and occasionally celebrating the Vikings’ wins. She looks forward to getting to know everyone and servicing Rochester and the surrounding areas!
Email: lauren@buildmyfortress.com
Sammie Grobe / Customer Care
Sammie grew up in Rochester, living for a short time in the Northfield area before wandering back to be closer to family. Before stepping into the insurance world, she spent the last 10 years working in healthcare. She is beyond excited to be starting this new career with Fortress. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband (Dairek) riding their motorcycles or playing board games. She also loves spending time with their 3 dogs and chickens.
Email: sammie@buildmyfortress.com
