NAME: Jennifer M. Schirtz
NEW JOB TITLE: Woodland Hills, California-based vice president, insurance placement, Poms & Associates Insurance Brokers Inc.
PREVIOUS POSITION: Westlake Village, California-based account executive, Hub International Ltd.
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: The insurance industry overall, while strong, has continued to see some unprecedented changes. The marketplace remains robust and most insurers are well-positioned to retain a stable rate structure with only a moderate upward trend.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: My short-term goal is to provide resources for our teams to successfully place new business and retain existing clients. I have been challenged with the opportunity to create a centralized marketing division within Poms & Associates. I look forward to building a team that manages our insurer relations, expands and creates program business and provides a streamlined process for marketing.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: The California marketplace has had its issues as, oftentimes, the state has restrictive and specific regulations requiring some insurers to offer limited products, higher rates or pull out of our area altogether. Many regional brokers find it necessary to overcome the perception that their smaller operations cannot compete with the large national brokerages. We are challenged to communicate our capabilities and market offerings in order to secure and maintain our clients.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: While in college, I was in need of a part-time job and found one as a customer service representative in a very small agency.
ADVICE: Education. Insurance is a complex and everchanging industry. The best start is a solid foundation in the background, products and underwriting philosophy of insurance. There are many online courses and webinars available that provide newcomers a much simpler approach to securing the knowledge needed to succeed.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: I would love to be a chef.
COLLEGE MAJOR: Science, specifically kinesiology, the study of the mechanics of body movements.
LOOKING FORWARD TO: It is refreshing to face new challenges and experiences. I have been in the industry over 30 years and my last position over 12 years, so this is a new and exciting opportunity.
FAVOURITE MEAL: Anything Italian.
BOOK: I am an avid reader and have too many to list.
HOBBIES: Camping, boating, hiking, gardening and cooking.
TV SHOW: NCIS
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: If I need to unwind after a long week, lay in the backyard by the pool and read a good book or Food Network magazine.
