Nick Giovenco Brings Energy
and Service to Every USA Event
How family legacy ignites a lifelong commitment to service and the outdoors
If you’ve ever been to a Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) sporting clays shoot or youth fishing event, you may have noticed a bearded, ball-capped volunteer hauling ammunition, baiting hooks, or even running the microphone—all while sporting a grin from ear to ear. That’s Nick Giovenco. His day job is a commercial insurance broker at Union Insurance Group (UIG), and any free time he might have is spent volunteering at USA events.
Nick traces his connection to USA back to family ties. His uncle, Chris DeCaigny, helped establish UIG, which is a founding partner of the USA. Nick began his involvement as an intern with UIG, where supporting events was part of his role.
Giovenco takes a photo with Gig Ritenour and Bill Alexander at the 2024 IUEC Local 21 Dallas Ft. Worth Sporting Clays Shoot.
His first USA event was a shoot in Illinois. He remembers it not for any grand achievement but for the USA’s welcoming spirit and being given the nickname “Hollywood” by Walt Ingram, CEO and executive director of the USA.
“It’s a statement to the confidence and obvious promise of a young person,” says Ingram. “If you ask Nick to get up in a room to speak or ask him to sweep the floor, he’d do both with the same energy and enthusiasm.”
Nick’s dedication is clear to everyone around him.
“Nick is non-stop on the road for work, but that never stops him from using his own time to volunteer at a USA event,” says Chris Piltz, events manager at USA. “Even if Nick is in town for just a day or two, he finds time to help out. He does because of his passion for the USA’s mission.”
Nick is always in the middle of whatever is going on.
“I will go through an entire shoot with Nick, and he will do anything I ask him,” Piltz says. “If I called him at any moment and asked him to come, he would be there.”
More than just tasks, Nick’s passion shines brightest when working with kids. He grew up fishing with his grandfather, learning patience and the value of time spent outdoors.
“Working at the youth fishing events allows me the opportunity to pass along what was taught to me,” Giovenco says. “One vivid memory is teaching over 50 children to fish at an event in Beaumont, Texas. A little girl came up to me looking discouraged and told me her brothers said she could never catch a fish. I got down on one knee and said to her, ‘Don’t you worry, you’re going to catch a fish before them.’ Not three casts later, we had one on the line. You couldn’t get the smile off her face if you tried. She didn’t brag. She just asked if she could get a picture with the fish and me for the memory. I think we made a new angler that day.”
Giovenco, shown with USA event coordinator Eric Bakken at the 2020 Roofers Twin Cities Sporting Clays Shoot, values relationships, whether networking for UIG or lending a hand to USA staff.
There is a method to Nick’s madness as his involvement with USA benefits his role at UIG as well.
“It’s a fantastic talking point and an excellent way to see clients and meet new people outside of the normal conferences and events,” he says.
USA’s Ingram agrees.
“He’s that rare individual who truly understands both sales and service, and he brings it all together, showing how the partnership with USA creates real value for UIG.”
Among his USA colleagues, Nick is known as an easy-going, albeit energetic, guy.
“He’s one of the most approachable people I know,” says Piltz.
Nick’s take: “You can learn something new from anyone you meet, and you’ve got two ears and one mouth for a reason. When people feel they’ve been heard, that’s when you can build a relationship.”
USA Director of Conservation Sam Phipps calls Nick “the life of the party” who never hesitates to help.
“At every event, Nick is the first person to volunteer to do what needs to be done,” Phipps says.
Cody Campbell, USA conservation manager, says Nick dives into every activity, whether baiting hooks or helping at shooting stations.
Giovenco assists a youth angler at the 2024 Provost Umphrey Get Youth Outdoors Day. His passion shines brightest when working with kids.
“He’s like the rest of our partners. He’s all in with USA,” Campbell says.
There are times when Nick’s commitment goes well beyond events. Colleagues recall him checking in during tough times and always looking for ways to help. He values real relationships, whether networking for UIG or lending a hand to USA staff and their families. These actions have earned him not just respect but genuine friendships.
For young professionals, Nick’s advice is straightforward.
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” he said. “And if you’ve got both, you are in great shape. Always give 110 percent. There is no secret ingredient, and eventually, as long as you’re in the right group of people, it will pay off.”
“I’ve loved the outdoors since I was a kid, and this organization helps get kids outdoors,” Nick adds. “That’s enough reason for me to give 110% every time I show up.”
