Supporting Students Through Real-World Learning: UFG Insurance

Author: Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Published: Monday, 09 Feb 2026

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Image caption: The 2024 UFG Insurance team brought strategy, teamwork, and energy to the JA Stock Market Challenge®, supporting hands-on financial learning for students across Eastern Iowa.

When teamwork, strategy, and community support come together, the result is an experience that’s both meaningful and memorable, something UFG Insurance knows well through its continued participation in the JA Stock Market Challenge®.

Justin Krogmann, Principal Data Engineer at UFG Insurance, brings a passion for problem-solving to his role—making complex data accessible and helping teams answer important questions through analysis and insight. That same analytical mindset, paired with a sense of fun, is what drew Justin and his colleagues to the JA Stock Market Challenge®.

“The first time I heard about the event, it sounded like a great way to spend time with coworkers outside of our normal office setting,” Justin shares. “And every time we participate, the energy in the room is incredible.”

Fast-paced and unpredictable, the JA Stock Market Challenge® simulates the highs and lows of real-world investing. For Justin, one of the biggest surprises is just how quickly each “day” of trading moves, requiring teams to stay sharp and adapt on the fly. And while the wins are exciting, some of the most memorable moments come when a stock you believed in suddenly takes a dive.

When it comes to strategy, Justin’s team keeps things simple. “We go with the flow,” he says. “If someone has a good feeling about a move, we go for it.” That mix of collaboration and instinct mirrors the teamwork that defines UFG’s culture.

Beyond the competition, Justin sees real value in the learning behind the simulation—especially for students. “It’s important for young people to understand how the stock market works and just how volatile it can be,” he explains. Experiences like this help build financial awareness and confidence that extend far beyond the event itself.

Supporting opportunities like the JA Stock Market Challenge® also aligns closely with UFG Insurance’s mission. “At UFG, part of our mission is a promise of support to our communities,” Justin notes. “This event is a prime example of how we want to support local organizations that make our community a better place.”

Asked whether he’d recommend the JA Stock Market Challenge® to other businesses, Justin doesn’t hesitate. “Absolutely. It’s a great way to boost team morale, show support for the community, and it’s just fun in general.”

We’re grateful to UFG Insurance and team members like Justin for investing their time, talent, and enthusiasm in Junior Achievement. Their involvement helps make hands-on learning experiences possible for students—and brings the excitement of financial decision-making to life for participants of all ages.

Ready to join the action?
The JA Stock Market Challenge® is a high-energy, team-based experience that brings financial decision-making to life, while supporting critical learning opportunities for students across Eastern Iowa.

🔹 Learn more or register for the Corridor JA Stock Market Challenge®:
https://easterniowa.ja.org/events/corridor-2026-ja-stock-market-challenge-registration-now-open

🔹 Learn more or register for the Cedar Valley JA Stock Market Challenge®:
https://easterniowa.ja.org/events/-new-2026-cedar-valley-ja-stock-market-challenge-registration-now-open

Whether you’re looking to build team camaraderie, engage employees in a fun competition, or demonstrate your company’s commitment to the community, the JA Stock Market Challenge® is an experience you won’t want to miss.