NewsStories Of Opportunity: What Employee Ownership Means To Me

This article was originally published on March 7, 2025, as part of the full release of the 2024 Stories Of Opportunity. The Stories Of Opportunity is VGM Group’s annual report, showcasing the successes of VGM and its employee owners.    

Employee ownership isn’t just one benefit. It’s a multitude of benefits—as varied as the more than 1,600 people who make up the company we call VGM. Here’s what a few of our employee owners in different phases of their careers had to say. 

Trey Germain VGM Insurance, Employee Owner Since 2024  

“Working at VGM is special. I enjoy coming to work and that is largely due to the culture. People at VGM like to work hard and Find The Fun In Their Day, doing it while fully embracing their ownership. Being a 100% employee-owned company makes VGM different from all the others. As a recent college graduate starting my career, VGM has provided me with a unique opportunity not found anywhere else. I’m thankful to be a part of such a great company.” 

Brandi Miller VGM Insurance Employee, Owner Since 2023 

“In my nearly two years at VGM, I’ve come to understand the true essence of employee ownership and the importance of building meaningful relationships. Beyond feeling valued by my coworkers within my department, VGM Insurance, various clubs—such as our DEI Committee and Young Professionals Group—have enabled me to develop relationships and learn from coworkers throughout VGM. They have shown me how individuals can Make A Difference to VGM and our community. I’m incredibly grateful to work at VGM, where inclusion and opportunity are at the forefront, creating an environment that fosters growth, diversity, and a sense of belonging for everyone.”  

Jackson Cahill HOMELINK, Employee Owner Since 2019 

“I’ve been with VGM for just short of 6 years, and through that, I’ve been able to witness firsthand the compassion, time, and effort people put in each day. That drive of helping people is in the nature of our staff. Any time I’m walking to get coffee or making my way to chat with a peer, I overhear empathy and understanding on the phones, folks taking their time to get to the bottom of what’s needed and making sure we deliver with integrity and honesty. Being able to go home and know that I made a difference for somebody is invaluable.” 

Sherry Buck HOMELINK, Employee Owner Since 1994 

“In my 30+ years of employment with VGM, I have had the honor of working with some awesome people who I now call my friends. I am truly grateful to be part of HOMELINK, and this company has allowed me to not only grow as a person but also as an integral part of this great organization. The tremendous growth and changes I have witnessed are a true testament of the great work and commitment of its employee owners. Without the successes of VGM, I would not be where I am today—succeeding in my career goals and beyond in my future retirement goals.” 

Matt Flaherty VGM & Associates, Employee Owner Since 2010 

“Working at VGM has been more than a career opportunity—it’s been a chance to grow both personally and professionally. From starting as a picker in the warehouse to where I am now within the company, I feel like living proof that you can truly Create Your Future here at VGM. I didn’t know VGM was employee owned when I started in 2010, but the moment I realized I was a part of an ESOP and an employee owner, I knew I didn’t want to be anywhere else. VGM has empowered me to evolve, push boundaries, and continuously discover new potential within myself.” 

To read the 2024 Stories Of Opportunity in full, click here.