Stephen Jones, Ace state manager – VIC/TAS – talks about broker/insurer communication, the close call in banking that led him to insurance and dreams of being Will Ferrell's sidekick.
Why insurance?
I always wanted to work in business. The first option was to start in the banking world as a teller, but when the bank in question had an armed robbery the day after my interview, I then turned to the recruiter and asked if there was any other options….insurance it was.
How would you sum up insurance brokers in three words?
Four? Individuals of high integrity.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
If you want something in life, there is only one person that can make it happen – you!
What’s the most important thing a broker can do to develop their business?
Understand why their client stands out from other companies in that industry. It is then of vital importance that the broker articulates this viewpoint to insurer/s. Otherwise the broker is not representing their client in the light that would and should be expected.
If you were Prime Minister for one day, what would you do?
I would introduce legislation to ensure that if someone is caught using a mobile phone while driving, they receive an automatic 30 day license suspension and substantial fines. Too many people are using phones whilst driving and putting lives at risk.
What’s the biggest challenge facing the industry today?
Following natural catastrophes, there is far too much negative press about under-insurance. To alleviate this we need to find a way to guarantee that our customers act upon the advice they receive every time.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever arranged cover for?
I was once asked by a hobby farmer to see if I could arrange cover against water evaporation from his dams. Very odd!
NRL, AFL, Soccer or other?
My beloved Collingwood Magpies over Liverpool FC only just!
If you could invite three people to dinner, dead or alive, and excluding family and friends, who would they be and why?
Sir Richard Branson – I just love the way he displays such a positive demeanour despite experiencing numerous setbacks throughout his career.
Will Ferrell – he just makes me laugh out loud and I am sure I could contribute to the script for his next big movie!
Lance Armstrong – just so he could explain in his own words “why”.
Complete this sentence: If I wasn’t in insurance, I would be…Will Ferrell’s sidekick in all his comedy movies!
