For Josslin Insurance, supporting the community isn’t about recognition – it’s about responsibility. For Partner Scott Wagler, who joined the family-owned business in 1990 and has led its operations for over a decade, that commitment to community is deeply rooted in both family history and personal conviction.
“My parents bought Josslin in 1975,” Scott shares. “We’ve been operating it as a family ever since.” This year marks the 50th anniversary of family ownership and the company’s 145th year in the New Hamburg community.
That kind of longevity speaks to intentional choices. “We could live elsewhere – we have offices in other towns,” Scott says. “But New Hamburg is home. It’s where we grew up. My wife’s family is from here, and I’m from here.”
Josslin’s head office has always remained in New Hamburg – even as the company expanded to other communities through acquisitions and structured growth. “Home is still here,” Scott says simply. “And when you live where you do business, it’s different. You see the real impact – in sports, schools, community initiatives – all the things that make up a rural Ontario community.”
That grassroots involvement is more than just tradition – it’s baked into how Josslin operates. “Community is one of the pillars in our value set,” Scott explains. “We support the communities where our people live and work, whether that’s through sponsorships or hands-on participation.”
That same lens led Josslin to support LYNC. “It’s a need,” Scott says plainly. “We understand the need. There’s a housing crisis, full stop. We’ve had employees caught in renoviction, some having to move back in with family. You start hearing stories, and you realize – this is close to home.”
While Josslin has supported many community causes, LYNC’s alignment with their core values stood out. “We use our values like a filter,” Scott explains. “If something lines up – or at least doesn’t contradict them – we find a way to support it. And we had the ability to help.”
To celebrate their 50th year of family leadership, Josslin is giving back across every community in which they operate – not only financially, but through volunteering. “This kind of issue doesn’t change quickly,” Scott says. “It’s not simple. It’s long, labourious, and deliberate. But that’s exactly why it matters.”
Scott sums it up with a mantra he lives by: “You either tell your story or you have someone make one up for you.” For Josslin Insurance, their story is one of quiet consistency, deep community roots, and a willingness to act when the need is clear.
Thank you to Josslin Insurance for your thoughtful partnership. Your values-driven leadership is helping shape a stronger, more caring New Hamburg.