Third generation to lead independent, family-owned insurance agency through next phase of growth
SACRAMENTO, CA — Warren G. Bender Co., one of the largest independent and family-owned insurance brokerages in the Sacramento region, announced today that Maggie Bender-Johnson, Vice President of Operations, was selected by the Board of Directors to assume the role of President, effective immediately. Bender-Johnson has been a part of Warren G. Bender since 2005 and has played an active role in helping guide the Company’s succession plan over the past seven years. Her father, Stephen Bender, who formerly was president and CEO, will remain the company’s CEO.
Bender-Johnson is the third generation of her family to serve as president of the company, founded in 1938 by Warren G. Bender. The company has carefully followed a succession plan for continued success and growth and Bender-Johnson has been an essential part of it in preparation for her role as president.
Stephen Bender said it was a good time to make the transition. “Maggie’s appointment and this transition are exciting milestones in a succession plan that we have been working on for seven years,” said Stephen Bender, CEO of Warren G. Bender. “Maggie has been an integral part of the company since she joined the firm in 2005, and there’s no one more qualified than she is to preserve the reputation, culture and values of the company – not only for today but for generations to come.”
Bender-Johnson graduated from the University of San Francisco and later earned an MBA from California State University, Sacramento. She has worked in a wide range of positions within the company, learning all of its business practices from the ground up. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Operations and is a partner in the company.
“I’m eager and excited to lead Warren G. Bender into its next 80 years and I’m honored to have this opportunity to further grow the company,” Bender-Johnson said. “Under the leadership of my father and grandfather, the company has experienced tremendous growth and success, and I am focused on continuing that legacy for years to come.”
“I can assure our clients that they will continue to enjoy the Bender experience,” Bender-Johnson continued. “We will build on the best; continue to preserve our culture and values; and embrace change and technology like never before.”
With only about 12 percent of family businesses surviving into the third generation under family leadership, Warren G. Bender has proven itself as a thriving, professionally-run family business that’s poised to succeed for many years to come.
Bender-Johnson is active in several community organizations, including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Roseville Chamber of Commerce, the Capital Region Family Business Center, Soroptimists of Sacramento, Toastmasters, and the Placer County SPCA. She is an avid hiker and lives in Nevada County with her husband, Fergus – a Sacramento city firefighter – and their four dogs: Fonzie, Chewbacca, Lando and Worf.
ABOUT WARREN G. BENDER COMPANY
Founded in 1938, Warren G. Bender Company is one of Northern California’s largest independent insurance brokerages. Headquartered in the Sacramento region and serving clients throughout the Western United States, the company focuses on enhancing and influencing strategies to support the growth and success of its clients. Warren G. Bender offers a comprehensive suite of business and personal insurance products such as commercial insurance, surety bonds, homeowners insurance and auto insurance; specializing in an array of industries including construction, commercial real estate, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, agriculture and much more. Family-owned for 80 years, the company’s mission is to provide protection, superior service and education to those who matter most, their clients. For additional information, please visit www.wgmybendersolutions.com or call (916) 380-5300.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Jillian Bender-Cormier jbender@wgmybendersolutions.com
Warren G. Bender Co. (916)380-5385