902-847-3274

Meet Our Team: RIGL – Horsnell Insurance

James Russell   BBA, FCIP, CCIB (NS), CAIB

Chairman

James began his insurance career in the early 1970’s, when bell bottoms and polyester were still in fashion, after he returned to the Valley from attending the Royal Military College in Victoria, BC. He spent 21 years with a local brokerage before deciding that he needed to be his own boss, he purchased H.A. Horsnell Insurance in 1994, followed by 4 more brokerages. James is a firm believer in education, he has obtained various accreditations over the years and completed his BBA at Acadia, and he encourages his staff to push themselves for more by furthering their education as well. James has a passion for learning new things and discovering new technology, he has recently obtained his pilot’s license. James enjoys cruising around with his wife while she shops for quilt fabric, flying and spending time with his grandchildren.

Email: j.russell@rigl.ca
Phone: 902-847-3274

Tara Blenus   BSc, FCIP, CRM

President

As a little girl, Tara once professed she wanted to be an insurance broker just like her father and as years went by, her idea of what she wanted to be when she grew up changed many times. After completing a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Acadia University in 1999, Tara was at a loss as to what she wanted to pursue next. A position opened up in her father’s brokerage and he offered it to her. She decided to give it a try and hasn’t looked back since. Tara enjoys watching her daughter figure skate and cheering her son on at his football games. Tara developed a deep love for yoga attending weekly classes and becoming a certified yoga instructor.

Email: t.blenus@rigl.ca
Direct Line: 902-341-3502
Phone: 902-847-3274

Charlene Harding   CAIB, CRM

Commercial Account Manager

Charlene started her insurance career in 2002 and joined our team in 2006; with many years in a customer service role, she handles our commercial clients, even the rowdy ones. Though not from the area originally one would never know with the great connection she has with her clients. But if you need anything done in late February of most years you’ll need to ask for James because she’ll be laying on the beach somewhere tropical. The rest of her spare time is spent taxiing her kids and Jeeping with her husband.

Email: c.harding@rigl.ca
Direct Line: 902-341-3503
Phone: 902-847-3274

Nikki Gray

After 25 years in retail management, Nikki felt it was time for a change.  She started applying for receptionist/admin positions, figuring her experience would get her the interview. But, her personality, her extensive background within customer service & years of experience, she ended up being offered the opportunity to become a Commercial Broker. She felt this was exactly what she needed to change her life.  To Nikki, nothing is more important than building relationships with clients, and she comes with a proven track record of doing so, all based on being genuine, honest, trustworthy, knowledgable and of course a lot of laughs.  As she would say “People Are My Superpower”. When Nikki is not behind her desk, you’ll likely find her doing the things she loves with her family & friends, singing with her band, acting or singing in a musical or play, face painting or teaching paint nights.  She is proud and excited to be a Commercial Lines Account Manager with RIGL family. 

Email: n.gray@rigl.ca
Direct Line: 902-363-3039
Phone: 902-847-3274

Patricia Alders

Personal Lines Manager

After working in the fitness industry for 10 years as a personal trainer and gym manager Patricia (Pat) decided to make a career change and began working for State Farm Insurance in Calgary, Alberta in 2008. After moving back to the Valley in 2011, she began working for RIGL in May of 2013 as a personal lines customer service representative. She still continues to work in the fitness industry as well, where her passion for fitness led her to competing in bodybuilding/figure competitions.

Email: p.alders@rigl.ca
Direct Line: 902-341-3509
Phone: 902-847-3274

Lindsay Balsor   CIP

Personal Lines Broker

Lindsay completed business administration with a concentration in financial services at NSCC, after working for a short time at a financial institution, she became a property underwriter for a local insurance company in 2007. While working Lindsay took courses to further her knowledge in the insurance industry and in 2012 obtained her Chartered Insurance Professional Designation. In 2018 Lindsay joined the RIGL team as a personal lines account manager. When not at work Lindsay can be found enjoying time with her husband, Chris & their two children.

Email: l.balsor@rigl.ca
Direct Line: 902-375-5605
Office: 902-847-3274

Trish Lowe

Personal Lines Broker

Trish joined our team in 2020 as a personal lines insurance broker after many years with a major bank.  She is currently working towards her CAIB designation. She enjoys helping clients with their insurance needs. Trish is always brightening her co-workers’ day by sharing her “Fun Facts” and her sunny disposition. When not at work, Trish enjoys spending time with her daughter and their animals.

Email: t.lowe@rigl.ca
Direct Line: 902-341-3506
Office: 902-847-3274

Gar MacDonald

Following decades of diverse career choices that took him across Canada and the world, Gar returned home to Nova Scotia. Originally from Port Hawkesbury, the Valley drew him in with the rural lifestyle he craved coupled with sufficient population to drive a unique and diverse culture. A decade overseas was enough to convince him there truly is no place like home even as he learned how difficult it can be to new ways, an empathy Gar extends to newcomers. As a St FX business grad Gar puts his diverse life experience to work for our clients, maximizing coverage while minimizing expense. In a world of increasing uncertainty, it’s hard to know how to protect yourself. Gar will work with you to identify where future dangers may lie, helping you to shield you and your family. When not in office, Gar can be found on stage, home with his wife and cats, or out enjoying our beautiful Valley!

Email: g.macdonald@rigl.ca
Office: 902-375-5602

Sydney Nichols

Sydney joined the RIGL team in January 2023 as an Administrative Assistant, when offered a position as a personal lines broker she eagerly accepted and is now working towards her CAIB designation. She enjoys helping clients with everything she can. Sydney also enjoys spending time with her 2 horses and 2 dogs on her time off, along with family and friends.

Email: s.nichols@rigl.ca
Office: 902-847-3274

Brenda Lowe

Receptionist

Brenda joined the company in November 2000 as the receptionist in the Horsnell office, bringing with her over twelve years of customer service experience in the retail industry. She has made many friends over the years, many of whom are customers. She ensures that customers will be greeted with a smile and taken care of as soon as they walk through the door. In her spare time she loves to garden, bake, sew and spend time at the cottage with family and friends.

Email: b.lowe@rigl.ca
Office: 902-847-3274

Emmalee Hennigar

Receptionist

Emmalee joined the RIGL team in May 2023, after being a stay-at-home mom of two for the last few years. Before starting a family, Emmalee worked in health care as a CCA, and when it became time to reenter the work field decided to branch out in a different direction. While working at the front desk, Emmalee is working towards getting her CAIB designation. She is looking forward to what the insurance world has to offer; and meeting new people along the way. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two children, and hanging out with friends and family.

Email: e.hennigar@rigl.ca
Office: 902-847-3274