Our Team
Gregg Sigurdson, Partner
Financial Security Advisor/Retirement Benefits Specialist
B. Comm. (Honours) 2003, University of Manitoba
Gregg has more than 20 years of experience in the financial and insurance services industry. He began his career in university while working with Nesbitt Burns stock brokerage house, serving as President of the U of M Investment Group, and eventually working as an advisor for the Sigurdson, McFadden & Associates group benefits consulting firm.
After graduating from the University of Manitoba in 2003 with his B. Comm. in Finance and Marketing, Gregg joined the Sigurdson Financial Group and formed Sigurdson Vagianos & Company (SV Benefits).
Gregg’s hobbies include playing sports, travelling with his family and taking in Jets or Bombers games.
Perry Vagianos, Partner
Health Benefits Specialist
B. Comm. (Honours) 2003, University of Manitoba
Upon graduation from the University of Manitoba in 2003, where he received his Bachelors of Commerce degree, Perry entered the insurance industry with HED Insurance and Risk Services. He specialized in group insurance and gained valuable experience that would guide his vision of pursuing a more independent path in the insurance industry.
Perry left HED in 2006 to develop that independence. Focusing on the ability to service clients on a more personal level, and provide custom-tailored programs designed to match specific customer needs, this independent role resulted in the creation of SV Benefits.
Perry is the son of first generation Greek immigrant parents. He is proud of the restaurant his family established and learned by example the value of hard work and humility. Perry enjoys the hectic, but rewarding, life that comes with having two daughters. When he’s not immersed in family life, Perry is an avid sports enthusiast and proudly supports the local sports scene (Jets and Bombers).
Adam Speirs, Account Executive
Health Benefits Specialist
B. Sc. Business Administration (2001), Miami University (OH)
Adam recently joined SV Benefits in an accounts and sales role in 2022. Prior to insurance, Adam spent 10 years in the advertising industry at McKim Communications Group as an Account Manager where he honed his relationship management skills with clients such as University of Manitoba, Exchange Income Corp, Lacoste Garden Centre and Little Brown Jug.
Before entering the business world, Adam was a professional golfer for 9 years – which included a victory on PGA Tour Canada and two appearances in the U.S. Open (2002 and 2007).
Adam, or ‘Speirsy’ as most know him, is the proud father of two girls. Besides camping with his wife and daughters, Adam is an avid gardener and enjoys exercising regularly. He longs for the day when the Jets win the Stanley Cup.
Catalina Yanez
Account Manager
B. Arts, University of Manitoba (2006)
Catalina joined SV Benefits as an Account Manager in 2014 and is an integral part of the service side of the business. Upon graduation from the University of Manitoba in 2006, Catalina began her career with TD Canada Trust. Having been in the service industry for over 15 years, she brings a wealth of experience to the SV team. Her welcoming and pleasant demeanour is contagious in the office.
Catalina’s parents immigrated from Chile in 1974 and provided her with the ability to speak and think both in Spanish and English fluently – a trait that she strives to provide her two boys.
Catalina loves spending the summers outdoors with her husband and two boys. But, she enjoys the warmth and comfort of her passionately decorated home during the cold winter months.
Marie Branconnier
Account Manager
Marie became an integral member of the SV Benefits team in April 2023. Marie’s client services have been sharpened by over 20 years in the banking and financial services industry. She takes great pride in her work because she loves helping people.
Marie combined her work with her passion for animals in Yorkton, SK while working at a small animal veterinary clinic.
Family is the most important thing to Marie, spending any down time with her family. Her pastimes are sight-seeing and quadding throughout the Parkland Region.
Teige Forbes
Account Executive
Teige joined SV Benefits in May of 2023 as an Account Executive. He graduated from Assiniboine Community College in 2021 with a degree in Business Administration, and a specialty in Financial Services.
Prior to SV Benefits, Teige learned the insurance industry through a Financial Advisor and mentor in Dauphin and Brandon. He credits his strong work ethic from growing up on the family farm where he and his brother and sister would do the daily chores. These were times he cherished; as the hard work has stayed with him, but the games and jokes siblings often play on each other were treasured moments.
Besides truly enjoying his work with clients in the group insurance world, Teige stays connected to his family on yearly vacations. But his primary passion is in music; playing guitar and bass until his fingers go numb, and attending many concerts anywhere they take him.
Manitoba, we are at your service.