Top broker hails industry’s "endless satisfaction and challenges"
Top broker hails industry’s “endless satisfaction and challenges” | Insurance Business Canada
Insurance News
Top broker hails industry’s “endless satisfaction and challenges”
Commercial lines expert has not looked back since career shift
Insurance News
By
Terry Gangcuangco
Unlike many, Terence D. Cairns (pictured) of Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services (Alberta) did not fall into insurance as his first job. Already a seasoned sales and operations leader when he made his career shift in 2015, Cairns has not looked back since.
Insurance Business recently caught up with the award-winning broker, who holds the position of senior vice president for commercial lines, and here he shares what he loves about the industry and his role.
How did you get into insurance?
I met an amazing mentor named Douglas MacIntosh; he pursued me from another industry and was adamant that I would be perfect for the insurance industry. He brought me on, and I started at the beginning of insurance and he helped expedite me. Lucky!
What do you specialize in, and what trends are you seeing in this space?
I specialize in more complex, harder to place risks, and global and foreign operations. My focus remains energy, construction, and hospitality.
What do you consider the best part of your role?
Solving challenging issues for clients with limited time to complete, and helping others win!
What do you think will be your biggest challenge this year?
A very aggressive market whereas insurers are offering the moon to risks they had declined the prior year. This brings many challenges, however always part of the hard versus soft versus moderate market status. Clearly softened now.
What industry issues, if any, do you believe need addressing?
Retention. With a soft market comes securing and retaining talent.
What would be your pitch to attract new people to the industry?
If you are looking for a career with no ceiling and maximum rewards, this is the business for you. Endless satisfaction and challenges for as far as you can see and ever-evolving! The learning and excitement never stops.
If you weren’t in insurance, where do you think you would be?
Starting centre fielder for the New York Yankees!
What do you think about this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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