Who we are
Our dedication to fulfilling promises spans generations, fueled by a collaborative spirit and compassionate approach.
Who we are
Our dedication to fulfilling promises spans generations, fueled by a collaborative spirit and compassionate approach.
Built on a foundation of financial strength
Our dedication to fulfilling promises spans generations, fueled by a collaborative spirit and compassionate approach. Combining our heritage with willingness to evolve demonstrates our commitment to being there in the long-term for our policyholders, agents and partners.
Our Values
Understanding that no great work is achieved without help, NGL is a partner-focused collaborator and serves employees and partners as a faithful companion, showing just as much dedication to them as it does to the end policyholder. NGL is intentional about growth, seeking not only to build a business meant to evolve and flourish, but to build relationships that do the same and choosing actions that nurture feelings of reliability, trust and success.
Integrity
Trust and respect are essential. Honesty is at the heart of our relationships and decision making.
Dependability
Committed to keeping our promises. We approach our relationships with a caring posture and resolve to deliver value over the long term.
Collaboration
Doing it alone isn't our way. We are inclusive, communicate openly and count on each other.
Compassion
To treat our employees, partners, and customers with care and kindness. We provide support during times when it is needed most.
Growth
We are all dedicated to maintaining a culture of growth and prudent risk taking.
Our Leadership
Corporate Officers
Board of Directors
Our History
JAN
1909
NGL's First Office
NGL's first office was located at the Washington Building (now known as U.S. Bank) from 1909 to 1918.
APR
1910
First Life Insurance Policy
The company's first life insurance policy was issued for $5,000.
FEB
1913
NGL Appoints George A. Boissard as President
George A. Boissard is appointed President. Boissard started working for the company in 1910 with a salary of $4,000 per year.
JUL
1917
NGL Employees Gather by the Wisconsin State Capitol
Employees assembled together for a picture by the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, Wis.
APR
1918
NGL Moves to a Larger Office
By 1918, business was growing and it was time to move into a larger space. NGL moved into the Bank of Wisconsin Building (now known as BMO Harris).
APR
1918
NGL Renames the Company
"National" was added to the company name when Germania Life Insurance
Company became the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America in 1918.
APR
1933
NGL Moves to a Larger Office
Continued company growth required a move to larger quarters in the
Wisconsin Power and Light Building (now known as the Hovde Building).
JUL
1936
NGL Transitions to a Mutual Company
NGL transitioned from a stock company to a mutual company upon agreement of the Board of Directors. As a mutual company, NGL's first priority is our policyholders and all decisions are made to positively impact their financial security for the long-term.
JUN
1938
NGL Celebrates with a company picnic
The company picnic took place at Camp Indianola (now Governor Nelson State Park) on Lake Mendota.
JUN
1941
NGL Changes Office Locations
NGL moved to 152 East Gilman Street (now known as Verex Plaza).
MAR
1944
NGL Appoints Richard S. Boissard as President
Richard S. Boissard appointed President.
SEP
1948
NGL Reaches $100 Million of Insurance Force
$100 million of insurance in force is reached. NGL celebrated the milestone with 250 guests at Hotel Loraine. Awards and prizes were given to outstanding members for service, production and other achievements.
May
1957
NGL Appoints Lawrence J. Larson President
Lawrence J. Larson appointed President
SEP
1959
NGL Introduces Sales Kits for Agents
New audio-visual "sales kits" are used by agents. The cutting-edge technology was implemented to help increase sales.
APR
1964
NGL Begins Construction of a new building
Constructing the new NGL building located at Two East Gilman Street.
AUG
1964
NGL Develops a new logo
A new logo was developed - it is an icon of NGL's ideals.
JUL
1965
NGL Moves to new office
Moved into present corporate headquarters at Two East Gilman Street. This is the fifth office location since the company was founded.
APR
1967
NGL installed its first computer system
NGL installed its first computer system shortly after launch of new headquarters in Madison, Wis.
APR
1969
NGL Appoints New Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
President Lawrence J. Larson appointed Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer. J. Clayton Howdle appointed President.
APR
1974
NGL Appoints New Vice Chairman and President
President J. Clayton Howdle appointed Vice Chairman of the Board and John D. Larson appointed President.
MAR
1988
NGL Introduces New Technology for Employees
New laptop computers are introduced to employees.
NGL employee, Leonard Lane demonstrates how to use one of the high-tech computers.
JAN
1988
NGL Celebrates 75th Anniversary
National Guardian Life Insurance Company celebrated 75 years of business.
APR
1997
NGL joins the preneed market
NGL entered the Preneed market in Michigan and Wisconsin by purchasing Guarantee American Life Insurance Company. It was redomesticated to Wisconsin and renamed NGL American Life Insurance Company. Preneed life insurance helps to cover the expenses of a funeral or cremation.
AUG
1999
NGL purchases Settlers Life Insurance Company
NGL purchased Settlers Life Insurance Company (Bristol, Va.) adding more than 350,000 policies and certificates. With this transaction, NGL has consolidated statutory assets of $1 billion and policyholder surplus of $100 million.
DEC
2004
NGL Sets Personal Record
Sales of life products, as measured by premium, set a record at $120 million.
APR
2009
Recipient of the Outstanding Business Award
NGL received the Outstanding Business Award for National Philanthropy Day from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Madison Chapter. The award demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and motivation of others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement.
JAN
2009
Subsidiary Settlers Life Insurance Company Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Settlers Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of National Guardian Life Insurance Company celebrated 25 years.
AUG
2010
NGL Celebrates 100th Anniversary
NGL celebrated its 100th anniversary. The year-long celebration included a $100,000 donation to Madison College. The gift created an endowment for scholarships to Madison College.
May
2011
1 Million Policyholders
NGL reached the tremendous milestone of 1 Million Policyholders.
NOV
2013
Mark L. Solverud is appointed President & Chief Executive Officer.
The Board of Directors for NGL selected Mark L. Solverud as its next President and CEO.
JUL
2015
NGL Acquires Madison National Life Insurance Company
Effective July 31, 2015, National Guardian Life Insurance Company acquires the individual life and annuity business of Madison National Life Insurance Company. The acquired business consists primarily of ordinary life, universal life, and annuities totaling approximately $260 million of reserves and representing 280,000 policyholders.
May
2017
David G. Walsh Appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors
David G. Walsh, longtime NGL Board member, and former Vice Chairman, replaced John D. Larson as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
DEC
2018
Knut A. Olson chosen as new President & Chief Executive Officer
The Board of Directors for NGL selected Knut A. Olson as its next President and CEO, succeeding Mark L. Solverud.
May
2024
Joe Celentano selected as President and CEO
The Board of Directors for NGL selected Joe Celentano as its next President and CEO, succeeding Knut A. Olson.
Selected: NGL Appoints George A. Boissard as President, 3 of 34