Our Team
Gregg Sigurdson, Partner
Financial Security Advisor/Retirement Benefits SpecialistB. 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 SpecialistB. 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
Senior Group Benefits AdvisorB. 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
Senior Account ManagerB. Arts, University of Manitoba (2006)
After graduating from the University of Manitoba in 2006, Catalina began her career with TD Canada Trust, where she developed a strong foundation in customer service. With over 15 years in the service industry, she brings a wealth of experience to the SV team. Her welcoming and pleasant demeanour is contagious in the office, creating a warm and professional environment for colleagues and clients alike.
Catalina is also a certified residential decorator and brings her passion for design into both her professional and personal life. She enjoys everything about summer and loves spending time outdoors with her husband and two sons. She’s also a dedicated fan of Winnipeg’s local sports teams and loves cheering on the Jets and Blue Bombers throughout the season.
Teige Forbes
Group Benefits Advisor
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.
Jeff Gagne
Senior Group Benefits AdvisorB. Comm (Hons.) 2010, University of ManitobaCertified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), 2019, Dalhousie University
Jeff brings over 15 years of experience in the group benefits industry to SV Benefits and joined the firm in 2024. Since starting his insurance career in 2010, he has held a variety of roles at both carriers (Manitoba Blue Cross) and third-party administrators (Western Financial Group, People Corporation), gaining a comprehensive understanding of group insurance. His experience on both the client and carrier side allows him to offer valuable insights and strategies for designing and managing benefit programs that meet clients’ needs.
Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids and has a passion for music, having played live music for over twenty years. He believes that maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal interests is key to staying effective and energized in his role.
Amanda Bouchard
Account Manager
Amanda joined SV Benefits as Account Manager in 2024. Originally from Laurier, MB, she completed high school in Dauphin, MB, and went on to study Graphic Design at Red River College in Winnipeg, MB. Amanda began her career as a Junior Graphic Designer at the Canadian Wheat Board, later spending nearly a decade at FWS Group of Companies in various creative and administrative roles, including Front Desk Coordinator and Graphic Designer. After relocating back to her roots, Amanda joined Norwex Canada Inc. as an Administrative Coordinator where she continued to grow her expertise in customer service and operations.
Now living on a small acreage near Ste. Rose du Lac, MB, Amanda enjoys life with her husband and three children. Outside of work, she loves camping, gardening, baking, and all things creative — especially spending time with her family.
Manitoba, we are at your service.