Don Griffin Joins Bank of Sun Prairie as AVP Residential Mortgage Lender

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2023

Contact: Jimmy Kauffman, President and CEO,
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Bank of Sun Prairie
608.837.4511 ● jimmy.kauffman@bankofsunprairie.com
www.bankofsunprairie.com

Don Griffin Joins Bank of Sun Prairie as AVP Residential Mortgage Lender
Lender provides customers with expert experience working with specific home goals

Sun Prairie, Wis.— Bank of Sun Prairie welcomes Don Griffin, a 29-year experienced financial services veteran as their new assistant vice president, residential mortgage lender. Since 1994, Griffin has made significant contributions to the banking and mortgage fields.

Griffin graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a bachelor’s degree in finance. Since then, he gained experience managing retail banks and mortgage teams, along with taking the role as a residential mortgage lender since 2012. Now, he has joined Bank of Sun Prairie to further his ability to provide a full financial picture approach for their customers.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Don Griffin to Bank of Sun Prairie’s mortgage team. He is a great addition, bringing in his extensive residential lending experience and strong connections across Dane County.” shared Gabrielle Loeffler, Bank of Sun Prairie’s vice president, residential lending manager. “Don offers customers a personalized experience to match each of their specific home-buying needs.”

Don Griffin is based in the bank’s Grand Avenue branch in Sun Prairie. Bank of Sun Prairie is a locally owned, full-service community bank with $677 million in assets and five branches in Sun Prairie and Cottage Grove, Wis. Its mission is to be trusted advisor for families, businesses and communities offering a complete range of services, while delivering fair returns for stockholders. Member FDIC. Equal Opportunity Lender.

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National Guardian Life: Jennifer Kaset and Judy Olson Promoted to Vice President, Sales and Business Development

Madison, Wis. (May 26, 2023) – National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is pleased to announce that Jennifer Kaset and Judy Olson have been promoted to Vice President, Sales and Business Development. These promotions will further strengthen strategic partnerships and deepen relationships to enhance sales growth potential in the insurance marketplace.

“Jennifer and Judy have been instrumental in helping NGL continue to grow our sales, drive new opportunities and deepen our relationships with our Marketing Partners. They are knowledgeable and dependable leaders in the insurance industry. I look forward to seeing what they can achieve in their newly expanded roles as they lead their teams,” said Jeremy Ragsdale, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.

Kaset has nearly 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. She joined NGL in December 2019 as Regional Vice President, Sales, focusing on developing and nurturing Preneed partnerships with NGL’s marketing organizations, independent agents and agencies. She also oversees partners’ service needs as they strive to achieve their marketing goals.

“My passion for the funeral profession aligns with NGL’s core values of integrity, dependability, collaboration, compassion and growth. These values are always top of mind and demonstrated with each interaction. I’m proud to offer valuable products to the funeral homes we serve and to represent one of the best Preneed providers in the industry,” shares Kaset. “I am grateful to work with amazing colleagues and look forward to being a part of NGL’s future growth in Preneed distribution as we grow our market share and value of new business.”

Olson has more than 15 years of experience in the insurance industry. In her new role, se will continue to work with NGL’s Preneed and AssetGuard Marketing Partners to support their growth and business development opportunities. Olson joined NGL in January 2008 and has served in roles including Regional Vice President, Sales; Assistant Vice President and Director of Partner Support at NGL, where she led a team dedicated to supporting key business relationships with NGL’s marketing organizations.

“I’m fortunate to be able to combine my background in both marketing and sales with my dedication to building collaborative relationships, providing excellent customer support, and providing all of our partners with resources for business development,” shared Olson. “NGL has been providing families with valuable insurance coverage for over a century. Reliability, quality and stability are attributes partners and policyholders can expect from NGL. We are dedicated to helping families face life’s financial challenges with confidence, dignity and grace.”

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

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Designer Claire Johnson Joins The Creative Company’s Culture of Story-Driven Experiences

FMI: Laura Gallagher
608.442.6336
laura@thecreativecompany.com

Designer Claire Johnson Joins The Creative Company’s Culture of Story-Driven Experiences

Madison, WI – The Creative Company is pleased to announce that Claire Johnson has joined the firm as a graphic designer.

Claire Johnson arrived at her current position by way of school and stage. Johnson began her career as a special education teacher. She first noticed her visual-communication skills while accommodating curriculum for students in special education programs – a talent for which she was tapped to train her industry peers. Johnson also brings a decade of leadership creating, designing, and developing stage costuming as she helped bring characters to life for the Verona Area Community Theatre where her family plays an active part.

Now, she brings her talent for engaging visuals and creating meaningful human connections to benefit The Creative Company’s clients. 

“We are thrilled Claire is joining our firm,” said Laura Gallagher, President and Founder of The Creative Company, “She’s a creative force whose leadership and expertise will be of tremendous value to everyone we work with. I’ve known Claire Johnson for 20 years and have seen the thoughtfulness she puts into all her creative endeavors. Her portfolio stands head and shoulders above her peers. We’re excited to share her talent with our clients.”

Claire’s new role at The Creative Company allows her to design story-driven experiences, including branding, websites, marketing templates, product design, wayfinding and experiential design.

“Knowing Laura and the team as I have, I was able to see firsthand the innovative and creative culture The Creative Company brings to our community and our state,” explained Claire Johnson. “When I began my search for a new role, I knew I wanted to work with a visionary company that would allow me to create unique visual experiences with a diversity of creative voices. The Creative Company was my first call and I’m so glad to be on the team.” 

Claire received her associate’s degree in Graphic Design from Madison Area Technical College. She also holds a bachelor of science from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in Special Education and Teaching.

The Creative Company is a leading PR and marketing firm representing top nonprofits, businesses, and cooperatives, helping them evolve, promote, and protect their brands and reputations. The Creative Company is certified as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise by the State of Wisconsin and won 2022 Dane County Small Business of the Year.

Visit thecreativecompany.com for more information. To schedule a meeting with Claire Johnson, please email her at claire@thecreativecompany.com or call 608-442-6336 to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.

StartingBlock Marketing and Events Internship

If you like building communities and are passionate about working with entrepreneurs, and enjoy using your writing and social media, then this internship is a great fit for you!

StartingBlock seeks a Marketing, Communication and Events intern. This position will work on the monthly newsletter, events and social media. We are looking for someone who gets excited about event planning and coordination. Students who are energetic, self-starter and excited about entrepreneurship.

Apply here.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company: Jessi Booker promoted to Regional Vice President, Sales

Jessi Booker has been promoted to Regional Vice President, Sales at National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL). Booker joined NGL in 2006 as a New Business Representative and during her tenure with NGL has held various roles, advancing her way to Regional Vice President.

In her new role as Regional Vice President, Sales Booker will focus on developing and enhancing Preneed business development opportunities with NGL’s marketing organizations, independent agents and agencies. She will work closely with Judy Olson, Regional Vice President, Sales as she assists NGL’s Marketing Partners in growing their Preneed sales.

“Jessi is an extremely knowledgeable and valuable resource for everyone she works with both in the field and at NGL,” shared Olson. “I have been fortunate to work closely with her for over 15 years. I look forward to continuing to work with her in her new role as Regional Vice President on the Sales Team as we help support our customers’ goals through connection, collaboration and compassion.

“I look forward to moving into my new role as Regional Vice President and strengthening existing and building new relationships. I believe in providing our customers with reliability, trust and success as they serve families. Working in various departments at NGL throughout my career, including new business, customer service and agent support has uniquely positioned me to understand the multifaceted needs of policyholders, agents and Marketing Partners,” said Booker. “The Preneed industry is important because it gives families peace of mind and helps to alleviate some of the stress during one of life’s most challenging moments. I am passionate about preplanning because I’ve witnessed the benefits to families who know what to expect when their loved one passes away.”

Booker is married with three adult children and two grandchildren. She enjoys spending her weekends boating on the lakes in Madison with her family and friends.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

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