This week in Insurance town the Mayor sits down with  Sarah Koolhof, a dynamic insurance professional whose journey spans theater, rugby, and underwriting. Discover how embracing discomfort and versatility has shaped her career and passion for relationship-driven insurance work. She has been with Commonwealth Undewriters for a dozen years and not going anywhere any time soon, She loves her team and her clients. I loved this conversation and I think you will too.

In this episode:

• Sarah's unexpected transition from theater major to insurance underwriter
• How rugby taught her resilience and the value of teamwork
• The importance of building trust in E&S and surplus lines markets
• Navigating industry changes over 12 years, especially in ENS
• Strategies for agency and carrier partnerships rooted in responsiveness
• Insights on managing industry burnout and maintaining mental health
• Practical tips for agents choosing E&S brokers and understanding underwriting authority
• The culture of collaboration and relationship building at Commonwealth Underwriters

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview
00:30 - Sarah's background: from theater to insurance
02:00 - The role of rugby in building resilience and confidence
04:30 - How her diverse experiences shape her industry perspective
08:00 - Navigating industry changes and the evolution of E&S markets
12:00 - Building trust in surplus lines and the importance of partnerships
16:00 - Commonwealth Underwriters: location, services, and company culture
20:00 - Response times, setting expectations, and fostering client relationships
24:00 - Managing industry burnout and mental health awareness
28:00 - Tips for agents on selecting E&S brokers and understanding underwriting terms
33:00 - Partnering in the insurance ecosystem and the value of relationships
36:00 - Final thoughts: embracing versatility, teamwork, and continuous learning

Resources & Links:

• Commonwealth Underwriters
• Sarah Kulhoff - LinkedIn
• Canopy Connect
• MAV Insurance Platform

Connect with Sarah:

• LinkedIn
• Email