Why did you get into insurance?
The year 2011 started an incredibly tough financial season for our family. I began looking for a stable income to supplement our struggling business. The job market was difficult with many applicants for only a few jobs. My brother is part of the claims team at State Insurance and told me about a claims role which had come available. Figured I had nothing to lose by having a conversation and wound up being recommended for a Business Consultant role instead. Six months later I bumped into a friend that works for
Rothbury Insurance Brokers and was excited to hear I had entered the industry. Shortly thereafter an opportunity rose to join their Tailored Solutions team working with Franchised SME’S. I’ve been here ever since, it’s a great place to work!
How would you sum up insurance brokers in three words?
Professional advice and people.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever arranged cover for?
Business cover for newly introduced solar power generators on the roof of a client’s garage as they generated income!
How would you change the industry?
More education for brokers and clients. In my view, regulations don’t always produce the behaviours we want to see in our industry. They tend to encourage “avoid the stick” mentality by insurers and brokers which don’t benefit the clients and add layers of protection. Conversely, clients don’t really understand insurance and approach it with suspicion, which can hinder an open and honest discussion about their risks and the solutions that need careful consideration.
What’s the most important thing a broker can do to develop their business?
Focus on their segment and serve it well.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Bank the learnings.”
If you were Prime Minister for one day, what would you do?
Upgrade Mount Smart Stadium and make it the permanent home of the Warriors.
What has been the highlight of your career?
Topping new business for schemes in my first year with Rothbury.
What’s your favoured style of coffee?
Mochaccino/Caramel Latte.
Union, league, soccer or other?
League of course.
If you could invite three people to dinner, dead or alive, and excluding family and friends, who would they be and why?
Martin Luther King Junior – incredible man of faith and vision.
John Candy – Uncle Buck, need I say more?
Jesus – A: He’s my Lord, B: With John and I eating he’ll need to do a few miracles to multiply the portions.
Complete this sentence: If I wasn’t in insurance, I would be…
A travelling preacher and teacher.
