In this episode of Profiles in Risk, I spoke with Abel Travis, host of his own insurance related podcast called Insurance Innovators Unscripted. We discussed how he fell into insurance, the path his career took and why he got into podcasting. Abel's podcast is a must listen for anyone who is interesting in hearing about insurance innovation, insurtech and the thought leaders in this space who are actively innovating and improving the entire insurance ecosystem.

In this episode of Profiles in Risk, Tony and I spoke with Zach Finn head of the Butler University's Risk Management & Insurance Department. Zach discusses his risk management career, his decision for leaving industry for academia and how he is differentiating the Butler insurance program. We dive deep into their unique concept of a student run captive. Butler is generating a new breed of young insurance professional who are arriving already familiar with the machinations of insurance. They design programs, craft policy language, write coverage and handle claims. A Butler grad likely has the experience of a 2-3 year insurance trainee at many companies. Zach is figuring out ways to eliminate the talent gap in insurance. His excitement is contagious.

On this episode I will be discussing the life of Cuthbert Heath. Most of you will have never heard of Cuthbert Heath. He is barely known in the US. But ask anyone who is highly familiar with the Lloyds market or London markets and they are sure to know him. Mr. Heath is the man who is often called the Maker of Modern Lloyds.

In this episode of Profiles in Risk, I catchup with Will Kastroll of Harbour Insurance based in Naples Florida. Naples was ground-zero for a second Florida landfall (Key West being the first). Will's office was significantly damaged. In our face to face, we discussed finding his quest to find temporary office space, the status of his main office space and we took a tour of Naples to see properties still reeling from the aftermath of Irma. We bumped into John Cosgrove from Radon & Model Pro, responsible for measuring mold build up and we discussed all of the issues with mold after a major hurricane event in a humid climate such as Florida. If you haven't done so, please listen to the first interview (which is now Episode 42) to get a sense of how bad the situation was and how far Southern Florida has come.

This is a previously recorded episode of The Attachment Point, immediately following Hurricane Irma. Even this episode is several weeks old, I decided to re-post it here for listeners to hear what Will had to say immediately following Irma versus Episode 43 (also broadcast on the same day) where Will and I discuss the post-Irma cleanup and reconstruction face to face.

John Bachmann wrote an article at InsNerds that really registered with me. When I found out that he lives in the city I grew up in I decided to make John my first full live interview for Profiles in Risk. In this episode, John and I discuss his career in claims, how it got started (being a Patriot fan has its disadvantages), how he was fortunate enough to have the right mentorship to transition to other lines and advice for newbie and seasoned adjusters. John has a passion for what he does and you can really hear that in both the article and this interview.

Blooper brain-fart at minute 30:30

The Private Risk Management Association (PRMA) is an organization dedicated to improving the advice, coverage, and service provided to the high net worth insurance consumer through education and increased awareness. I attended their annual Summit conference as a participant in their sessions dealing with how we all can improve flood risk awareness and more importantly, flood risk communication. As I was there I was impressed with the level of commitment these professionals had for their craft and their eagerness to consistently improve. I decided to pull out my phone and interview some of these very interesting people. If you are not aware of the PRMA, you should check them out. Membership is inexpensive and the perks are fantastic, with timely webinars & educational courses and certification programs for those people wanting to improve their skillset and expertise for exposures surrounding the high-net worth market. Thank you to Lisa Lindsey and Azeema Hartley for inviting me to participate.

In this episode, I speak with Wes Todd, CEO of Caseglide, who has been on the show twice before and is shooting to become the first member of Profile in Risk's Five-Timers Club (or as I mistakenly referred to as the Fivers Club) We discussed Assignment of Benefits in insurance and how this legal concept is causing havoc in the Florida insurance market adding an additional $1 billion dollars of claims into the system. We discuss the tactics used by lawyers and contractors to harass claims victims and bully insurers. According to Wes, the solution to this problem is more technology (the ecosystems ability to incorporate new and better technology to adjust claims quicker) and education (our responsibility to inform the public on the assignment of benefits and the harm it can cause the policyholder). Links to the articles discussed in the podcast are listed below.

In this episode of Profiles in Risk, we look at the risks of Active Shooter. In the wake of the Vegas Shooting, which claimed the lives of more than 50 innocent people, Ryan Welsh, a former officer Active Shooter, potential causes and some risk mitigative steps that might be taken by managers in corporations, schools and elsewhere. Unfortunately, it seems impossible to prevent these horrific events, but it does not mean we are helpless. There are things we can do and one of them is to become more educated in what Active Shooter is, events of the past and lessons learned.

In this episode of Profiles in Risk, we look at the risks of Active Shooter.