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
Commercial Lines Broker
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, knowledgeable 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
Jodi Spicer
Personal Lines Broker
Jodi joined our team in 2020 as a personal lines insurance broker. She is currently working towards her CAIB designation. With her cheerful disposition and infectious laugh, she looks forward to helping clients with their insurance needs. When not at work, Jodi enjoys spending time with her family, her many animals and can often be found fishing at the lake. She also enjoys photography and has an addiction to indoor plants specifically Hoyas.
Email: j.spicer@rigl.ca
Direct Line: 902-375-5604
Office: 902-538-3141
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
Sydney Nichols
Personal Lines Broker
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
Direct Line: 902-341-0520
Office: 902-847-3274
Emmalee Burns
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. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two children, and hanging out with friends and family.
Email: e.burns@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
