ExtraMileIssue9

In your own words, can you tell me what you do?
I am responsible for all legal and regulatory affairs of the fourteen
companies that are in our group of companies. Our companies
generally work in all fifty states, plus D.C. and the Cayman Islands,
and it is imperative that we get things right and do it in a thoughtful
but swift manner.
What are the most important decisions you make
as a leader?
The most important decisions I make are ones I know will make a
meaningful impact on a major part of our businesses and the many
good people who work so hard at National Interstate to make us a
success.
In what ways have you seen National Interstate
change during your time here?
In the 8+ years I have been with the company, we have had
tremendous but controlled growth of our companies. During that
time, we have nearly doubled our gross written premiums (GWP),
the number of employees and built our company infrastructure while
still maintaining a disciplined approach to our business. The other
big change is that we went from being a publicly-held company to a
privately-held company with the Great American Insurance Company
merger transaction that closed in November 2016.
Can you name a person who has had a tremendous
impact on your career? Why and how did this person
impact your life?
Yes, there were four people. The first two were my mother and
father. They were great people that did things right and always
supported me in my career goals. The third was the Honorable
Thomas F. Bryant, (Ret.) of the Ohio Third District Court of Appeals
and the fourth was a former General Counsel. I worked for both for a
number of years and learned so much from them. They were strong
mentors and attorneys who behaved ethically and showed me the
right way to do things as an attorney.
What advice would you give to someone who aspires
to become a senior leader like you?
Educate yourself, keep learning, have a strong work ethic and
persevere.
What are you most proud of?
On a personal basis, my wonderful wife, Jacki and our three
daughters. I am blessed having them in my life. On a professional
basis, graduating law school, passing the bar and having a
meaningful legal career as an attorney for the past 26 years. I have
been fortunate to have such a great run.
What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
The responsibility I have to my family, the company and my legal
and regulatory teams. I eagerly look forward to the challenge each
day brings; it energizes me.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re
not working?
Spending time with my family doing any number of things. And
hiking, anywhere, in any weather and just about any time.
What three words would your co-workers use to
describe you?
Dedicated, thorough and passionate.
What have you been listening to in your car to and
from work?
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.
If you could trade places with any other person
for a week, famous or not, living or dead, real or
fictional, with whom would it be?
Thomas Jefferson.
If you could mass-market a t-shirt with a message
on it, what would that message be?
“So many books, so little time.”
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