Connecticut native Nick Wagner lives in South Windsor, a short distance from where he grew up in Vernon. After attending the University of Connecticut, he began a career at Cigna in information technology.

In 2006, he left Cigna to pursue the dream of starting his own company: North American Motorsports, a successful automotive part retailer that he ultimately sold in 2010. Wagner then returned to Cigna supporting information technology before making a career change to HR, where he managed an IT Leadership Development program. While building his career at Cigna, Wagner and his wife also created a nonprofit that seeks to make a difference in the state.