Culture & Careers

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Life at Bender

Where people come first—and careers are built to last.
50+
Employees
happy to have you as their team member
13+
Million
in annual revenue
Our Identity & Values
At Bender Insurance Solutions, our purpose is rooted in protection, service, and education. For nearly 90 years, we’ve existed to help businesses and families navigate risk with confidence—so they can focus on what matters most. As a family-led, employee-owned insurance brokerage, our values guide everything we do. We believe in building long-term relationships, doing what’s right (even when it’s not easy), and showing up for our clients, our teammates, and our community with integrity and care.
Flexibility
We understand that life isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our approach to flexibility supports evolving needs while maintaining strong collaboration and connection.
What Matters Most to Us:

  • Putting people first

  • Acting with accountability and transparency

  • Being proactive, not reactive

  • Educating, not just advising

  • Growing together—professionally and personally

Career Growth & Pathways

We’re committed to helping our team members build meaningful, long-term careers—not just jobs. At Bender, growth looks different for everyone, and we support that journey with hands-on experience, mentorship, and ongoing development.

Whether your focus is sales, service, leadership, or specialization, we help define clear career paths aligned with your strengths and goals

Cross-Team & Stretch Opportunities

Expand your perspective and skills by collaborating across departments or stepping into new responsibilities as your career evolves.

Professional Development

We support continued learning through training, licensing, certifications, and professional designations. Eligible education and licensing expenses may be reimbursed.

Benefits That Support the Whole You

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support our employees and their families—physically, emotionally, financially, and professionally.

Physical Well-Being

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Short- and long-term disability
  • Life insurance for employees and dependents
  • Health savings and flexible spending options

Emotional Well-Being

  • Unlimited paid time off, holidays, and flexible scheduling
  • Supportive team environment and leadership access
  • Wellness-focused culture that values balance and sustainability

Financial Well-Being

  • Competitive compensation
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
  • Employee ownership (ESOP)—you share in the success you help create
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Why You’ll Thrive at Bender

With a people-first culture, employee ownership, flexibility, and room to grow, we’re committed to setting our team up for long-term success. Hear directly from our team members about what it’s like to work at Bender and how they’ve built lasting careers here.
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Our Purpose & Community Impact

Giving back is a core part of who we are.

Through volunteerism, charitable giving, and community partnerships, we actively support organizations that strengthen the places where we live and work. Each year, our Gift of Giving Back initiative allows employees and clients to help guide where our charitable support is directed—ensuring our impact reflects shared values. We believe the work we do outside our office is just as important as the work we do inside it.

 

Causes We Support

Our ties to the region run deep. We’re not just a local employer. We’re an active sponsor and donor to numerous charitable causes. We’ve helped to raise funds for organizations from the Salvation Army to the SPCA, as well as numerous local nonprofits. We’re the proud co-founders of the Annual Charity Fall Classic, a golf tournament that has raised more than $150,000 for local charities. We’ve also helped promising young students achieve their goals through the Warren G. Bender Memorial Scholarship.

And we hold a special place in our hearts for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, supporting its work to find a cure for a disease that strikes close to home for far too many people. We’re proud to support the annual Light The Night Walk, and have been named the event’s Top Corporate Fundraiser of the year on two separate occasions.

All told, Bender Insurance Solutions has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to help others. And we’ll keep doing so, year after year.

Employee Testimonials
See what some of our team members are saying
  • I’ve been with Bender for 17 years, and what has stayed consistent is the culture. The work is always challenging, but the people are what make it special—you really feel like family. There’s a level of respect, collaboration, and support here that I haven’t experienced anywhere else.
    Lisa Santiago, New Business Account Manager
  • I’ve been with Bender Insurance Solutions for 23 years, and what I enjoy most is working with our clients day in and day out—helping them navigate both insurance and broader business challenges. Being part of an ESOP, alongside colleagues who are also owners, creates a unique environment where we’re all aligned in that purpose. That level of partnership, collaboration, and problem-solving is what makes the work truly meaningful.
    Edward Johnson, Vice President Construction Risk
  • “Bender is unlike anywhere I’ve ever worked. The culture is intentional, supportive, and something the organization actively invests in every day.”
    Erin Ocheltree, Director of Benefits
  • Working at Bender Insurance Solutions has been such a meaningful experience for me. The culture here is truly something special—there’s a genuine sense of openness, collaboration, and respect for each individual’s perspective. What stands out most is how much Bender cares—not just about clients, but about the broader community as well. There’s a real commitment to doing the right thing, building relationships, and making a positive impact beyond the business itself.
    Aimee Leigh, Head of Marketing
  • "I truly enjoy working for Bender Insurance Solutions. Having experienced a variety of work environments, I can confidently say I have never felt as valued, respected, or supported as I do here. The leadership is encouraging, motivating, and genuinely invested in my professional growth. Our team works seamlessly together and is always willing to lend a helping hand, creating a positive and uplifting workplace. I am proud to be part of this organization and excited to continue growing my career here. It is easy to see why Bender Insurance Solutions is recognized as one of the best companies to work for."
    Gina Ovalle, Commercial Lines Account Technician
Awards
  • Best Places to Work 2025 Award

    • Sacramento Business Journal 2025 Best Places to Work

  • Sacramento Business Journal Most Admired CEO

    • 2022 Stephen Bender named Most Admired CEO

  • Eskaton Foundation

  • Sacramento Business Journal A+ Employer Award

    • 2007 Finalist
    • 2008 Finalist
    • 2009 Finalist

  • Sacramento Business Journal 40 Under 40 Awards

    • 2019 Maggie Bender-Johnson named “40 Under 40” honoree

  • Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce

    • 1989 – Small Businessperson of the Year – Stephen D. Bender
    • 2005 – Inducted into the Business Hall of Fame

  • Commercial Insurance Department Awards

    • 1993 to 2009 CNA High Performing Agency
    • 2008 – CNA Small Business Gold Agent
    • 2009 – CNA Small Business Gold Agent

  • Personal Insurance Department Awards

    • 2011 – Kemper Inner Circle Agent
    • 2012 – Kemper Inner Circle Agent
    • 2013 – Kemper Inner Circle Agent
    • 2014 – Kemper Inner Circle Agent
    • 2004 – Travelers Elite Personal Lines Agency
    • 2005 – Travelers Personal Lines Agency of the Year
    • 2005 – Travelers Elite Personal Lines Agency
    • 2006 – Travelers Elite Personal Lines Agency
    • 2007 – Travelers Elite Personal Lines Agency
    • 2008 – Travelers Elite Personal Lines & Select Business Agency
    • 2009 – Travelers Elite Personal Lines & Select Business Agency

  • Benefits Department Awards

    • 2014 – AFLAC “4th Quarter 2014 Top Broker Account Developer
    • 2014 – SAHU Stephen J. Lindsay Legislative Excellence Award

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Career Opportunities

Bender Insurance Solutions is always looking for insurance professionals who share our sense of customer focus and professionalism.

Click below to learn more about becoming a part of the Bender Insurance Solutions Team.

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