Petsinger receives 2024 community impact award

Waseca business owner Matthew Petsinger received American Family Insurance’s Minnesota Community Impact Award during an April ceremony held in Chaska. Petsinger, 47, has operated his Matthew Petsinger Agency in Waseca since 2018.

Matthew, a 1997 graduate of NRHEG and 2001 graduate of MSU Mankato, has been married to Becky, 40, since 2008. The two were united in marriage at Sacred Heart Church in Waseca. They have four children together, Michael, 10; Mitchell, 8; Matilyn, 5; and Markus, 2. Well known for having been a wrestler, Matthew is a National Division II champion named to both the Division II and MSU Mankato Athletics Halls of Fame.

As the community impact award was announced, Petsinger’s non-profit gym, contributions to the local wrestling club, church leadership and Knights of Columbus membership were all mentioned, as well as classroom volunteerism and having served on the Sacred Heart school board. A major element of Petsinger’s community impact is “Christmas Time at the Mill,” a free annual event since 2021 that invites area families to spend time together taking part in holiday-related activities, making crafts, and enjoying treats.

“The thought here is you may not always have a lot of money, but you have time,” Matthew said of the event. “And time is what is needed to help make things happen… to get things done. The part of just giving back, throughout my short life…the biggest impacts have been the people who have given back to their communities. I’m in a position where I’m able to do it. And I think it’s the right thing to do.”

The award came as a bit of a surprise to Matthew, who didn’t know his Office Manager, Jen Losen, nominated him in December.

“Matthew does a lot for his community that is not expected of him,” Jen stated. “He doesn’t do it for recognition and he does a lot in the background.”

“I knew something was up when Becky and Jen were nudging me and insisting we attend this year’s program,” Matthew shared. As the presenter at the banquet began to provide information about the chosen candidate, Matthew said he realized the award winner was from the same district as he is, however, “I knew there were a lot of awesome people from our district. I didn’t think it was actually me until they put my picture up on screen.”

The Impact Award Matthew received celebrates commitment to customers and community.

“Imagine a community where every individual regardless of age has the opportunity to thrive and excel,” Jennifer Barlage, district manager, read as she announced him as the honoree. “Our community impact winner is doing just that.

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” Becky said when describing Matthew, quoting Teddy Roosevelt. “Matt cares. He has a big heart and does a lot for his community that is not expected of him… He doesn’t do it for the recognition.”

Matthew credited those behind the scenes.

When asked about community involvement, he responded, “Who? The team. My supportive wife, excellent staff, and amazing volunteers. There’s a team that puts these events on.”

What are Matthew's goals for future community involvement?

“Hopefully to continue the progress we made, what we’re doing now,” Matthew concluded. “Continue and build upon and if the opportunity arises, to add, add, add.”