NAME: Lisa Ebos
NEW JOB TITLE: Las Vegas-based senior vice president, underwriter, contractors programs, Blue River Underwriters, a Breckenridge Insurance Group company
PREVIOUS POSITION: Las Vegas-based senior vice president, partner of delegated authorities, Denali Specialty Group
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: As the industry continues to harden and insurers come and go, I believe slow and steady will win the race. The market will turn again and insurers that focus on writing long-term and profitable business, as opposed to knee-jerk reactions to trends, will see this cycle through and be ahead of the curve. Building and growing trusted relationships are key in the industry.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: To develop and grow relationships nationally with select retail partners and write long-term, profitable business with sound insurer partners.
CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY: Markets are tightening up for construction risks, which results in premium increases. Agents need to seek information out from experienced specialists in order to help best present options. Being able to articulate unique construction exposures and the costs of claims or value of service expectations is a true differentiator. No one wants to spend more on insurance, but having a knowledgeable agent and top-rated, responsive program insurer partner such as Blue River Underwriters delivers peace of mind if and when needed.
FIRST EXPERIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY JOB MARKET: I started out in Hawaii with Island Insurance Co. as an entry-level, log clerk position. I moved to First Insurance Co. of Hawaii, where I became a property/casualty rater that eventually led me to the underwriting field.
ADVICE: Find the joy in anything you do. Although insurance is not labeled as a glamorous industry, you have the ability to meet all types of interesting people. There are so many different areas you can work in. If you dont like what youre doing, try something else in the industry.
OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: Travel destination journalist. I love to travel and believe this would be a great experience and way to earn a living.
COLLEGE MAJOR:
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Insurance is a very social industry. I am looking forward to rekindling relationships and forming new ones. The insurance arena is very small. Its great to be welcomed back to a company with open arms.
FAVOURITE MEAL: Being from Hawaii, my favorite comfort food is Spam. I pretty much will eat Spam with anything. It makes me happy just thinking about it. Reminds me of home.
BOOK: How to Win Friends and Influence People. Second favorite is Who Moved My Cheese.
HOBBIES: Dancing hula, binge watching movies, traveling
TV SHOW: Criminal Minds, NCIS New Orleans
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Listen to Hawaiian music, shop for shoes, hang out with friends
