Bender Insurance Solutions is celebrating 85 years, three generations of family, and being a woman-led business. It’s the largest and only employee-owned commercial insurance and surety brokerage in the Sacramento region, with a mission to provide protection, superior service, and education. Their expertise includes a comprehensive suite of business and personal risk solutions to support their clients with their goals and dreams.

CEO Maggie Bender-Johnson, the granddaughter of founder Warren Bender, is passionate and excited about the Bender Insurance Solutions legacy. Bender-Johnson has been with the company for nearly two decades, starting as an intern and working her way up to CEO in 2022. 

“We are so fortunate to be able to build upon the foundations set by founders Warren and Steve, and the legacy that we will lead together can be something we can all be proud of.” – CEO Maggie Bender-Johnson’s email to staff on the company’s Jan. 29, 2023 Founders’ Day celebration

Bender-Johnson has been determined to be future-focused and to create diversity and opportunities in a setting that has been “historically male,” she says. Ten women now lead the organization, ranging from CEO and CFO to department Directors and client-facing Brokers, all with diverse backgrounds and education. She has also championed more robust work-life balance opportunities for employee-owners, including unlimited paid time off and flexible positions for employees transitioning through life stages. 

“My philosophy is to lead by example, to be humble and as authentic as possible,” she says.

As their ties and commitment to the region run deep, Bender Insurance Solutions has been an active supporter in local fundraising, including support for the PSPCA, the annual LLS Light the Night Walk, and young students in the form of the Warren G. Bender Memorial Scholarship. 

Looking forward, Bender-Johnson hopes to create a community foundation to expand their giving back to the community, ensuring that the employee-owners have a personal connection to the causes they support. 

“The legacy that we lead is long-term,” Bender-Johnson says. “I intend for us to soar far beyond our 100th year. I want this organization to live well past me and to continue to do incredible things for the community and our clients.”