THE MOST PROMINENT LEADERS IN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY, 2024

LEADERS

Co-Founders of PEO Advisors & Peak HR

Evan Collart Eric Chakirelis

Charting New Heights as Pioneers in Tailored Workers’ Comp Programs

EDITOR’S LETTER

Securing the Wealth Loss!

Dearreaders,

Inaneradefinedbyvolatility,uncertainty,andrapidtechnologicaladvancement,theinsurance industryplaysapivotalroleinsafeguardingindividuals,businesses,andcommunitiesagainst unforeseenrisksandchallenges.

Asthelandscapeofinsurancecontinuestoevolve,drivenbyemergingtrends,regulatorychanges, andshiftingconsumerdemands,theleadershipwithinthissectorbecomesincreasinglyinstrumental insteeringthecoursetowardinnovation,sustainability,andresilience.Againstthisbackdrop,The USALeadersisproudtopresentaspecialeditiondedicatedto“TheMostProminentLeadersin InsuranceIndustry,2024.”

OurcoverstoryfeaturesEvanCollartandEricChakirelis,Co-foundersofPEOAdvisors,whose visionaryleadershipandinnovativeapproachhavepositionedtheiragencyasatrailblazerinthe fieldofworkers’compensationcoverage.

PEOAdvisorsisaleadingmono-lineagencythatspecializesinworkers’compensationcoverage. Theycollaboratewithotherinsuranceagentsandagenciestohelpat-riskclientssecureaffordable worker’scompensationcoverage,regardlessofexcessiveclaims,higher-riskindustries,highexperiencemods,non-renewals,etc.Asoneofthelargestagenciesofitskindinthecountry,PEO Advisorshascarvedanicheinthisfield.CollartandChakirelis’dedicationtoprovidingaccessible andcomprehensiveinsurancesolutionsunderscoresthetransformativeimpactofeffective leadershipinaddressingtheevolvingneedsofbusinessesandworkersalike.

Theprofilesshowcasedinthiseditionofferaglimpseintothediversetalentsandvisionary leadershipdrivingtheinsuranceindustryforward.FromJaceyNorberg’sinnovativestrategiesto DaxCraig’sadvocacyforinsurtechinnovation,eachleaderisattheforefrontofpushingthe boundariesofwhat’spossibleininsurance.

CurtisBarton’scommitmenttosustainableandethicalinsurancepracticesandUpasanaUnni’s effortstopromotediversityandinclusionwithintheindustryfurtherunderscorethemultifaceted impactofinsuranceleadershiponbusinesses,communities,andsocietyatlarge.

Weassureyouthatyouwillgainvaluableknowledgefromthisedition!

Happyreading!

Parag Ahire Project Editor

PROJECT

PARAG

GRAPHIC

OMKAR

Con ten t 10

C o v e r S t o r y

Evan Collart Eric Chakirelis

Charting New Heights as Pioneers in Tailored Workers’ Comp Programs

EEvanCollart,Co-founderofPEOAdvisors&PeakHR isaleaderintheProfessionalEmployerOrganization (PEO)industry,withanimpressivecareerspanningover20 years.Hestartedhisprofessionaljourneyinasmall brokerageinDelrayBeach,FL,wherehelearnedevery aspectofthePEOprocessthroughahands-onapproach. Thisearlyexposuregavehimauniqueandcomprehensive understandingofthecomplexitiesofthePEOindustryand allthatcomeswithit.

Evanwasnotsatisfiedwithjustbeingaparticipant.Hecofoundedandsoldmultiple,seven-figurePEObrokerages, makinghimaseasonedentrepreneurandvisionaryinthe industry.Hisentrepreneurialskillsarenotlimitedto businessventures.Healsohostsaweeklyradioshow, “EverythingPEO!”onMoneyTalk1010am,wherehe shareshisinsightsandopinionsontheindustry.

EvanCollart’sexpertisegoesbeyondtheairwavesand boardrooms.Heauthored“Workers’CompMadeEasy,”a comprehensiveguidethatshowshiscommitmentto simplifyingcomplexPEO&Workers’Comptopicsfor businessesthatneedPEOservices.

WhatmakesEvanstandoutishisdedicationtomakinga positivedifferenceforbusinesses.HisexperienceasaMTG Brokerinspiredhimduringthepost-9/11refi-boom,where hesawthevalueofhelpingat-riskclients.Hemovedtothe PEOspacewithadeepsenseoftheimportanceof providingaffordablecoveragetosavebusinessesfrom closingdown.Heispassionateabouthelpingentrepreneurs succeedandensuringthesurvivalandgrowthoftheir companies.

PartnerinVision:EricChakirelis

EricChakirelisisaco-founderofPEOAdvisors,a leadingcompanyinthePEOindustrythatprovides professionalemployerservicestocompaniesofallsizes. Withover13yearsofexperienceinthePEOindustry,Eric hasdevelopedinnovativemethodstostreamlinesales processesandgrowthebusiness.Inaddition,heisalsothe co-creatorandproducerofEverythingPEO!,aweekly radioshowairingonMoneyTalk1010am.

Eric’sentrepreneurialspiritwasevidentfromanearlyage whenhestartedinvestinginrealestateandestablisheda

realestateappraisalfirm.Aftertherealestatecrashin2008, herelocatedtoFloridaandworkedinthehealthinsurance industryfortwoyears,wherehewasfascinatedbythe residualpaystructure.However,hesoonrealizedthatthe PEOindustrysuitedhisskillsandinterestsbetter,andhe teamedupwithEvantolaunchPEOAdvisorsin2010. Sincethen,Erichasbeenadrivingforcebehindthesuccess andgrowthofPEOAdvisorsandavisionarypartnerinthe PEOindustry.

MultifacetedLeadershipJourneyatPEOAdvisors

EvanplaysapivotalroleatPEOAdvisors,leadingthe company’ssalesandrevenuegeneration.Heoverseesa teamofeightsalesrepresentatives,ensuringtheirefficiency andeffectivenessingrowingthecompany.Hiscommitment toexcellenceisevidentinthecompany’sachievementin 2012,whenPEOAdvisorswontheprestigioustitleof “InsuranceOfficeoftheYear”inDunedin,FL.

Evanalsohosts“EverythingPEO!”—aweeklyradioshow thatcoversthelatesttrendsandtopicsinthePEOindustry. TheshowairseveryWednesdayat6pmonthreeradio

stationsintheTampaBayareaandlivestreamsonvarious socialmediaplatforms.Throughthisshow,Evanshowcases hisindustryknowledgeandinsightsandeducatesand engagestheaudienceonthebenefitsandchallengesofPEO services.

Eric,ontheotherhand,leadstheoperationalaspectsofthe business,suchascontracting,commissions,andIT.He ensuresthattheteamhasallthetoolsandresourcesneeded torunthebusinessefficientlyandeffectively.Healso supportsandguidestheteaminanysituationandmakes day-to-daydecisionswithEvantoensurethesmooth runningofthecompany

EricandEvanhaveabalancedandeffectiveleadership dynamic,wheretheyleveragetheirrespectivestrengthsand collaborateonthestrategicdirectionofthecompany.Their teamworkanddedicationhavehelpedthecompanyachieve impressivemilestones,suchasbeingthelargestbrokerat threeofthePEOsthatthecompanyrepresents,since2020.

In2022,ManageHRMagazinerecognizedEvanandEric’s outstandingleadershipandperformancebyawardingPEO

Advisorsasthe‘2022Top10PEOServiceProvider.’This accoladereflectstheirabilitytosteerPEOAdvisorstothe forefrontofindustryexcellenceandinnovation.

AcceleratingWorkers’CompensationCoveragewith UnrivaledSpeedandExpertise

PEOAdvisorsisaleadingmono-lineagencythat specializesinworkers’compensationcoverage.They collaboratewithotherinsuranceagentsandagenciestohelp at-riskclientssecureaffordableworkers’compcoverage, regardlessofexcessiveclaims,higher-riskindustries,highexperiencemods,non-renewals,etc.Asoneofthelargest agenciesofitskindinthecountry,PEOAdvisorshas carvedanicheinthisfield.

PEOAdvisorshasanedgeoverthecompetitionbecauseof itsknowledgeofthePEOindustryanditsefficiencyin paperwork.Itsattentiontodetailenablesittocomplete dealsfasterthananyoneelse.InthePEOindustry,speedis essentialforplacingcoverageforclients.Timekillsdeals, soPEOAdvisorsfollowsastreamlinedapproachthatrelies onproperprocessesandprocedures.Everyoneontheteam knowstheirpartandcaneffectivelycompletetheirtasks andkeepthedealsmovingatafastpace.

PEOAdvisorsstandsoutforitscommitmenttospeedin placingcoverageforat-riskclients.Itconsistentlyplaces coveragewithin24hours,unliketheindustryaverageof 1–2weeks.Itachievesthisbyusingitsextensivepreferred PEOnetwork,whichprovidesefficientandreliable solutions.ThisagilityiscrucialwhenPEOAdvisorsstepin tohelpinsuranceagentswhoarestuckintheunderwriting processwithworkers’compcarriers,reducingtheriskof last-minutedeclinations.

Thecompany’sexpertiseshowsinitsabilitytointervene quickly,especiallywhenclientsare48hoursawayfrom losingcoverageorfacingacoveragegap—asituationthat theindustrydislikes.PEOAdvisorsnotonlyprevents coveragegapsbutalsounderstandstheindustry complexitiesandthepotentialchallengesthatacoverage gapcancreateforfutureinsuranceneeds.

TailoredSolutionsAcrossIndustries

PEOAdvisorsprimarilyfocusesonheavyblue-collar industriessuchasconstructiontrades,truckingand transport,manufacturing,agriculture,andlandscaping. Theyalsoservethehospitalitysector,includinghotels, restaurants,eventplanning,staffing,andmore.Thisbroad

spectrumshowsPEOAdvisors’commitmentto providingtailoredsolutionsforvariousindustries.

Tocatertoitsdiverseclientbase,PEOAdvisorsaligns itselfwithPEOsthatcanaddresstheneedsofwhitecollar,blue-collar,andgray-collarcompanies.This partnershipensuresthattheycanoffercomprehensive solutionstotheiragencypartnersacrossthecountry

Thecompany’sdedicationtoclientsatisfactionshows initsstreamlinedonboardingprocess.Feedbackfocuses onthiscrucialphase,whereownerssignservice agreementsandemployeescompletedocumentation, oftenusingapaperlessandefficientsystem.PEO Advisorshasplayedakeyroleinmodernizingthese processes,workingwithPEOstoimplemente-hire packetsandDocuSignsolutions.Thisforward-thinking approachhasimprovedtheirclients'operationsand experience.

StrategicTrainingInitiatives:PEOAdvisors’s SolutiontoWorkforceChallenges

Evan&Ericfacedasignificantchallengethatmany businessownersandentrepreneursshare—thedifficult taskoffindingskilledanddedicatedstaff.They implementedastrategybasedonacrucialelement: training.Knowingtheimportanceofinvestinginskill development,bothEvan&Ericprioritizedongoing traininginitiativestocultivateahigh-performingteam.

PEOAdvisorsadoptedadistinctiveapproachthat involvedanextendedshadowingprocessfortheir representativesinthefield,exceedingindustry averages.Thiscommitmenttoalongandhands-on trainingperiodshowedEvan&Eric’sdedicationto overcomingthehurdlesinthePEOindustry,whichhas ahigh90%failurerateonaverage.PEOAdvisors activelyassistedrepresentativesinthefieldand providedsupportthroughouttheaccount-closing process.Evan&EricpositionedPEOAdvisorsto achieveconsistentsuccessinanindustryknownforits complexitiesandpitfalls.

TransformativeShiftsandChallengesinFlorida’s Workers’CompMarket

PEOAdvisorshasobservedatransformativeshiftinthe workers’compmarket,especiallyinFlorida,where rateshavedecreasedby78%overthepast18years.The expecteddropofanother15.4%in2024willmarksome

ofthelowestWorkers’Compratesinthestate'shistory Thiscreatesoptimismamongbusinessownersforcheaper premiums,butthemarketisalsoverychallenging.

Theratereductionshavecausedseveralinsurancecarriers toleavethestate,creatingashortageofaffordablesolutions intheStandardMarket.Thecarriersthatremainhave stricterunderwritingguidelines,moreConsenttoRates (CTR)assessmentsandhighercasedeclinationrates.This situationhaspushedmanybusinessesintothePEOspaceas astrategicmovetosecureworkers’compcoveragein2024 andbeyond.TheshifttoPEOsreflectsapragmaticresponse frombusinessesthatneedviableandstablesolutionsinthe changinglandscapeofworkers’compinsuranceinFlorida.

StrategicMilestonewithPeakHRLaunch

In2024,bothEvanCollart&EricChakireliswillposition PEOAdvisorsforagroundbreakingmilestonebylaunching theirownPEO,PeakHR.Thisdevelopmentwillstrengthen theserviceofferingofPEOAdvisorsandmarkapivotal momentintheircareer-longdreams.

PeakHRwillenhancePEOAdvisors’capabilities,allowing themtobrokerPEOservicesnationallyandplacestrong andmoderate-riskaccountsintotheirproprietaryPEO.This movewillempowerPEOAdvisorstocontrolthepricingfor clientsandincreasethespeedandefficiencyofservice delivery.

PeakHRwillrepresenttherealizationofavisionthatEvan &Ericnurturedovertheir16-yearpartnershipinbrokering PEOservices.HavingaproprietaryPEOwillalignwith theircommitmenttoinnovationandadaptabilityinthe ever-evolvingPEOlandscape.Withdoorsopeningin February2024,Evan&Eric’splansforthecompanywill revolvearoundusingtheadvantagesofPeakHRtoprovide enhancedandtailoredsolutionstoclientsandmaintaina stronglocalpresence.Thisexpansionwillsignifyanew chapterforthecompanyandreinforceitscommitmentto excellence,innovation,andmeetingtheneedsofbusinesses acrossdiverseindustries.

UniqueApproachtoWork,Family,andBusiness

EvanandEricshareacommonvisionofwork,life,and familythattranscendstheconventionalnotionofwork-life balance.Theycallitaholisticwork-life-familybalance. Theyemphasizetheimportanceofmakingtimeforfamily andhavecreatedauniquefamilialatmosphereatPEO Advisors.Severalfamilymembersworkforthe

organization,strengtheningthefamilialconnection withintheorganization.

EvanandEricunderstandtheimportanceofaselfsufficientbusinessmodelthatenablesthecompany tofunctionautonomously Thisoperational maturityhelpsthecompanyscaleandgivesthem theflexibilitytoprioritizefamilycommitments. Evanisafathertoa17-year-oldsonandaNational HonorSocietymemberwhoispreparingfora careerinthePEObusiness.Evanteacheshimthe valueofastrongworkethicandsupportshis family’saspirations.Ericfindshisbalancewithhis family,whokeephimworkinghardandalsogive himthereliefandtimeawayfromtheofficehe needs.

Outsidework,EvanandEricliketostayactiveand enjoyvariousactivitieswiththeirfamilies.Evan andhissonexerciseatthegym,bikeoncounty trails,andattendTampaBayBuccaneersand Lightninggames.Ericandhispartnerbike,swim, walk,anddootherthingstogetthemoutdoors. Theylovespendingtimewiththeirdogstoo,who lovethepool.Thisintentionalblendingoffamily timeandsharedinterestsshowstheircommitment tomaintainingabalancedandfulfillinglife.

ElevatingSuccessinInsuranceSales

EvanandErichavevaluableadviceforaspiring leaderswhowanttoentertheinsurancesector Theysharetheirinsightsandtipsbasedontheir experienceandsuccessintheindustry.

Evanemphasizestheimportanceoflovingthesales processandbeingpersistentandtenacious.He explainsthatthesesalesoftenrequireseven,eight, orninephonecalls,orsometimesevenmore. However,theaveragesalesprofessionalstops callingaftertwoorthreeattempts.Hesays, “Get ready to grind, but if you do get over that hump, it is the most rewarding industry in the world!”

Ontheotherhand,Ericstressestheimportanceof networkingandlearningfromindustryleaders.He says, “It’s not only what you know, but also who you know. Find ways to connect with the industry leaders. You can learn so much from these successful people. They may open opportunities for you to set your business apart from the rest!”

Often sales are made on 7th, 8th or 9th phone calls and sometimes even 10+…

The reality is the average sales professional stops calling after 2-3 attempts

From Unexpected Beginnings to Industry Leader

Curtis Barton Founder and CEO ALKEME Insurance

urtisBarton’s(FounderandCEO, ALKEMEInsurance)journeyinthe insuranceindustryisafascinating exampleofhowfollowinganunexpected pathcanleadtoremarkablesuccess.In 1996,freshoutofcollege,Bartonfound himselfenteringafieldhedidn’tnecessarilychoosefor himself.Perhapsitwasadesiretopleasehisfather,a respectedinsuranceexecutive,orsimplyawillingness toexplorenewopportunities.Whatevertheinitial motivation,Barton'sdecisiontoentertheinsurance industrysethimonacoursethatwouldnotonlyshape hisowncareerbutalsoleavealastingimpactonthe industryasawhole.

Overthenexttwodecades,Bartonwoulddevelopa deepunderstandingoftheinsurancelandscape,honing hisskillsinleadership,finance,andstrategicplanning. Thisunexpectedbeginningwouldultimatelyblossom intoafulfilling24-yearcareerthatcontinuestothisday

BuildinganInsurancePowerhouse:The FormationofALKEME

Bartonplayedakeyroleinthecreationof ALKEMEInsuranceServices.Hisstrategic thinkingshonethroughasheorchestratedthe mergerofsevendifferententitiestoform ALKEME.Thiscomplexprocessrequirednot onlyexceptionalleadershipbutalsotheabilityto securethenecessarycapitaltobringthedealto fruition.Barton'sfinancialacumenensured ALKEMEhadasolidfoundationforfuture growth.

ConsolidationandGrowth:AStrategic Mastermind

TheestablishmentofALKEMEwasn’tjustabout mergingentities;itwasaboutcreatinga powerhouse.Bartonledtheconsolidationofsix

independentinsurancebrokeragesanda wealthmanagementfirm.Thisstrategic movepropelledALKEMEintothetop 100insurancebrokeragesinSouthern California.Barton'sabilitytonavigate mergersandpartnershipseffectively showcasedhisstrongleadershipskills andhistalentforbuildingasuccessful organization.

BeyondMergers:SecuringFinancial Stability

Barton’svisionextendedbeyondsimply mergingcompanies.Heunderstoodthe importanceofsecuringastrongfinancial foundationforALKEME’slong-term success.Hediligentlypursued institutionalbackingforthecompany, demonstratinghiscommitmenttoits future.Additionally,hefacilitatedthe establishmentofadebtfacility,ensuring ALKEMEhadthefinancialresources necessaryforcontinuedgrowthand stability

APeople-PoweredFuture: ChampioningInnovation

CurtisBarton’sjourneyisastoryofnot onlyresilienceandstrategicthinkingbut alsoofadaptation.Herecognizedthe changinglandscapeoftheinsurance industryandembracedinnovation. DuringhistimeasCEO,Barton championedarevolutionaryapproach:a people-powered,tech-enabledbusiness model.Thisforward-thinkingvision placedALKEMEattheforefrontofthe industry,pavingthewayforafuturethat leveragestechnologytoenhance customerserviceandexperience.

AchievementsandLegacy

UnderBarton’sleadership,ALKEMEhas experiencedremarkablegrowth.The companyboastsover600employeeswith locationsin19states,atestamentto Barton'sabilitytoscaleoperations

effectively.Furthermore,hiscommitment tostrategicacquisitionsandfostering organicgrowthhasresultedinafivefold increaseintop-linerevenuewithinjust36 months.

CurtisBarton’sstoryisaninspirationfor aspiringentrepreneursandleaderswithin theinsuranceindustry.Hehas demonstratedthepowerofvision,strategic thinking,andacommitmenttobuildinga strongfinancialfoundation.Byembracing innovationandapeople-poweredapproach, BartonhaspositionedALKEMEfor continuedsuccessandalastinglegacy withintheever-evolvinginsurance landscape.

Financialprotectionisthemost essentialelementwhendealing withunprecedentedevents. Whetheryoutalkaboutyourproperty, vehicle,orhealth,there’salwaysariskof facingafinancialcrunch.Therefore, havinginsuranceisthemostbrilliant movetoreducethechanceoflosses.The insuranceindustryintheUShasrecorded steadygrowthforthelastdecade.In 2021,insurancepremiumsworth$1.36 trillionwerewritten.Thenumberfellin 2020duetothecovid19pandemic.The industryisdominatedbythreemain sectors:lifeinsurance,propertyand casualtyinsurance,andhealthinsurance. Let'sdigdeepandunderstandthemarket sizeofthesedominatinginsurance industrysectors.

HealthandMedicalInsurance

ThepopulationoftheUSisconcerned aboutitshealth.Hence,theyhave preferredtohavehealthinsuranceasa prioritytokeeptheirmedicalbillslow. Healthandmedicalinsurancereachedthe $1.3trillion markin2022.Itrecorded 0.7%growthwhilebeingatthetopspot inthefinanceandinsuranceindustriesby marketsize.Thedemandforhealth insuranceisinfluenceddirectlyby employer-sponsoredgroupcoverageand indirectlybyindividualplanpurchasesas theworkforcegrows.Astheforce increases,sodoesthedemandfor personalhealthinsurance,sincealarger populationoftencorrespondstohigher disposableincomelevels.In2023,more peopleareanticipatedtowork,which mightgivethesectorachance.

LifeInsuranceandAnnuities

Everyindividualisconcernedaboutthe uncertaineventsthatdestabilizethe family.Hence,alargergroupofthe populationchosetohavelifeinsurance.It isalsoviewedasasecuresourceof savings,whichintroducesannuities. Together,lifeinsuranceandannuitiesheld

amarketvalueof$1.1trillionin2022. Itaccountedfor8.8%ofgrowth,taking thesecondspotinthefinanceand insuranceindustriesbymarketsize. Consideringthatlifeinsuranceand annuitiesarelargelyusedfor retirement,estateplanning,andtaxfavoredpurposes,theindustrytendsto catertoamoreaffluentandolder consumer.Asmorepeoplemoveinto higherincomebrackets,demand grows.

Property,CasualtyandDirect Insurance

Unexpectedeventsareoccurringona largerscale.Hence,itisimportantto havepropertyandcasualtyinsurance, whetheryouarelivinginyourown houseorrentingone.Thisindustry evencoversautomobileownership. Themarketsizeoftheproperty, casualtyanddirectinsuranceindustry was$896.9billionin2022.The growthwasrecordedat4.1%, concedingthefifthspotinthefinance andinsuranceindustriesbymarket size.Sincenewautomobilesaremore expensivetoinsure,peoplearekeeping theircarsforalongerperioddueto improvedqualitystandardsandmore long-termfinancingchoices.The requirementforinsuranceisincreased byariseinthenumberofregistered automobiles;hence,thesepatternsare significantpredictorsofpolicypricing.

Theunprecedentedeventsaregetting morefrequent.Thus,theinsecurityof financiallossiscreatingawareness amongthelargerpartoftheuninsured population.Thepredictedgrowthrates arebasedonpreviousnumbers. However,thechangingeconomic scenariosaremakingittoughtolead withthesamenumbers.Tounderstand theexactsituationoftheindustry,there needstobeathoroughstudyofthe economicsituation,asitcontributesto theGDPonalargescale.

DaxCraig,theCo-founderandPresidentofPie InsuranceServices,boastsanimpressive educationalbackgroundwithanM.B.A.fromthe UniversityofColoradoBoulder.HealsoholdsaB.S. degreefromTheUniversityofTulsaCollinsCollegeof Business.Beyondhisacademicachievements,Daxactively participatesontheAdvisoryBoardofhisalmamater.His leadershiprolesextendtotheYoungPresidents’ OrganizationandtheBoardofDirectorsatIMIDEX,an Israeli-basedtechfirm.

In2020,DaxbecameapivotalfigureintheColorado InclusiveEconomy.Thisinitiativestrivestocultivatea morediverse,equitable,andinclusivebusinessenvironment acrossthestate.

TheGenesisofPieInsurance

Dax’sventureintotheinsuranceindustrybeganwithValen Analytics.AsCEO,heprovideddatasciencesolutionsto traditionalinsurancecarriers.However,heencountered resistanceasclientsfailedtograspthebenefitsofdata science.ThischallengeignitedhisambitiontoestablishPie InsurancewithJohnSwigartin2017.Theirmissionwas clear:toaddresstheunfairtreatmentandoverpricingof smallbusinessesintheinsurancemarket.

DAXCRAIG

A Trailblazer in the Insurtech Industry

ADayintoDax’sHelmsmanSeat

AsPresident,DaxCraig’sresponsibilitiesarevast.He overseesanalytics,businessdevelopment,customerservice, directsales,marketing,payrolloperations,premiumaudit, andunderwriting.Hisdailyactivitiesinvolvestrategic oversightandhands-onteamleadership.Hededicatestime tobothimmediatetasksandlong-termstrategicthinking.

PieInsurance'sExponentialSuccess

UnderDax’sleadership,PieInsurancehasbecomethe fastest-growingworkers'compensationinsurerintheU.S., withoperationsin38statesandWashington,D.C.The company'srecentachievementsinclude:

● Anearly30%expansionofitspartneragent network.

● Securinga$315-millionSeriesDfundinground.

● CollaboratingwithFordMotorCreditCompanyto introduceFordProInsure.

PieInsurance:ADeepDiveintoItsSuccess

PieInsuranceoffersworkers’compensationinsuranceto smallbusinesseswithfewerthan500employees.The companyleveragesadvancedalgorithmsanddataanalytics topricepoliciesbasedoneachbusiness'sspecificrisks.

TheapplicationprocessforPieInsuranceisentirelyonline andcanbecompletedinminutes.Thecompany’s technologyenablesittoprovideinstantquotestomost businessesthatapply Additionally,Piecollaborateswith agentstoprovidecoveragetotheirsmallbusinessclients.

It’s vital to ensure that agents are equipped with the tools and education they need to succeed and be a trusted partner “

PieInsurance’spoliciesareunderwrittenbySirius AmericaInsuranceCompany,asubsidiaryofSirius Group.Recently,Pietransitionedtoafullstackcarrier andisratedA-(Excellent)byAMBest,reflectingits reliability

Thecompany’stechnologyplatformallowsbusinesses tomanagetheirpolicies,reportclaims,andaccessother insurance-relatedservicesonline.Thismakesthe processmoreconvenientandefficientforcustomers.

Sinceitsfounding,PieInsurancehasraised approximatelyUS$615millioninfundingfrom investors,includingGreycroft,SVBCapital,andAspect Ventures.Thecompanyhasexpandeditsoperationsto cover38statesandWashingtonDCintheUS.Ithas receivedpositivereviewsforitseasy-to-useplatform andaffordablepricing.InSeptember2022,Pieraised $300millioninaSeriesDround,doublingitstotal capitalraised.Thiswasthelargestroundoffinancing foranyUS-basedP&Cinsurtechcompanyin2022.

DaxCraig’sInsights:LeadingintheNewNormal

DaxCraigbelievesthemostimportantthingforleaders todayistolistenmore.Hehaslearnedtostepbackand listentohisemployees,customers,andpartners.This

approachbuildstrustandloyalty.Thepandemic hasreshapedhisperspectiveonleadership.Hehas realizedthateffectiveinfluencemanagement requiresengagingwithteammembersatalllevels.

AtPie,thefastpaceofgrowthnecessitatesmore listeningandlesstalkingtopreservetheirculture. They’reassemblingworld-classteamsofexperts. Dax'sroleistobolstertheirhardworkand advocateforthecustomertodelivertop-notch productsandexperiences.

Moreover,Daxsuggestsleadersembraceremote workiftheyhaven'talready Thepandemichas alteredoperationsatPie.Byhiringbeyond physicalofficelocations,they’veenhanced retention,boostedhiringrates,andsignificantly expandedtheircandidatepool.They’veachieved thiswhilemaintainingarobust,values-driven culture.

Flexibleworkisheretostay,andindustryleaders mustadapttosafeguardandgrowtheirbusinesses. Today'stalentwillcontinuetodemandthe flexibilitytoworkfromanywhere.Business leadersaimingforgrowthmustwelcomeremote worktoattractthebestcandidates.

Theimportanceofhealthinsuranceis thatitprovidesyouandyourfamily withfinancialprotectionintheevent ofamedicalemergency.Itactsasaprotective barrierbetweenyouandtherisingexpenseof healthcare.Mostindividualsdon’trealizehow importantitistoinvestinituntiltheyare suddenlyillorinjured.Bythattime,theyare leftstrugglingtocomeupwithfundstopay formedicalexpenses.Hospitalbills,serious diseases,andotherexpendituresareall coveredbyhealthinsurance.Knowingthatyou canreceivemedicaltreatmentwithout worryingaboutthecostgivesyoupeaceof mind.Thesedays,generalhealthissuescan resultinsignificantfinancialoutlaysfor hospitalization,consultations,andaplethoraof tests,makinghealthinsuranceanecessary purchase.

TheRoleofHealthInsuranceforRising Disease

Healthinsuranceservesasasafetynet,giving youaccesstohigh-qualitymedicaltreatment whileprotectingyoufromthedebilitating effectsofexcessivemedicalexpenses.You gainfinancialsecurityandpeaceofmindwhen youhavehealthinsurancebecauseyouknow thatyourinsurancewillhelppaythecostof anynecessarymedicalcare.Healthinsurance alsopromotespreventativecarebyfacilitating earlyidentificationandintervention,whichcan ultimatelysavelivesandmoney

Thereasonforhavinghealthinsuranceisthe risingnumberofdiseases.Heartdisease, cancer,stroke,respiratorydisease,injuries, diabetes,Alzheimer’sdisease,influenzaand pneumonia,kidneydisease,andsepticemiaare thetoptendiseases inAmericaimpactingthe pocketsoftheAmericanpublicandeconomy

UnderstandingtheHealthcareLandscape

Thecostofhealthcareisskyrocketing,leaving manyindividualsburdenedwithoverwhelming medicalexpenses.Theimportanceofhealth insurancebecomesevenmoreevidentinlight oftheseescalatingcosts.Unexpectedillnesses oraccidentscanresultinexorbitantbillsthat

cancrippleyourfinances.Medicalcostsareunpredictable, andwithoutthevitalprotectionofhealthinsurance,youare leftvulnerabletothesefinancialshocks.

ConsiderthestoryofSarah,whofacedastaggering $50,000billforemergencysurgery—aburdenshecould nothavemanagedalone.Thisisnotanisolatedincident; theaveragecostofcancertreatmentintheUSisaround $150,000,whichisfourtimesmorethanothermedical treatments.Furthermore,chronicconditionslikediabetes canhaveasignificantfinancialimpact.Accordingto calculationsbytheAmericanDiabetesAssociation, individualscanexpecttospend$16,752 peryearontheir medicalexpenses,with$9,601dedicatedtodiabetes treatmentannually.Thesenumbershighlightthevital importanceofhealthinsuranceasashieldagainstthese exorbitanthealthcarecosts.

TheDangersofBeingUninsured

Itisimportanttorecognizetheserioushazardsassociated withgoingwithoutinsurance.Peoplewithouthealth insurancefrequentlyhavefewalternativeswhentryingto getmedicalcare.Lackofcoveragemayresultin insufficientordelayedcare,endangeringtheirhealthand well-being.Additionally,thosewholackinsuranceare subjecttotheentireburdenofmedicalcosts,puttingthem atriskofoverwhelmingdebtandunstablefinances.

HealthInsuranceOptionsandConsiderations:

It’scrucialtoconsiderallavailablealternativeswhen choosinghealthinsurancecoverage.Governmentprograms, privateinsurance,andemployer-sponsoredpoliciesareall options.Costs(premiums,deductibles,andco-pays), networkcoverage,andtheadvantagesanddisadvantagesof eachplanareafewthingstotakeintoaccount.Youmay makeaneducatedchoicebyinvestigatingthesepossibilities andtakingintoaccountyourownrequirements.

Healthinsuranceisnotaluxury;rather,itservesasacrucial barrierbetweenyouandtheskyrocketingpricesofmedical expenses.Theimportanceofhealthinsurancecannotbe overstated,asitprovidesnotonlyaccesstohigh-quality healthcareservicesbutalsoessentialfinancialsecurity.By prioritizinghealthinsurancecoveragenow,youproactively shieldyourselffromthedevastatingimpactofunexpected medicalemergencieswhilesafeguardingyourfinancial future.Keepinmindthatprotectingyourhealthalsoentails protectingyourfinancialwell-beingfromthecrippling effectsofmedicalbills.

Jacey Norberg

A Leader Forged Through Experience From Receptionist to Area President

JaceyNorberg AreaPresidentatRiskPlacement ,the Services(RPS),hascarvedherpathtoleadershipthrough aseriesofunexpectedturns.Herjourneybeganduringher collegedaysattheUniversityofWisconsin-Stout,where shebalancedherbusinessadministrationandHRstudies withwaitressing.Achanceencounterwithawomanledto anintriguingopportunity:workingasareceptionistfora wholesaleoperationbasedinSeattle,WA.Norbergseized thechance,andhercareertrajectorytookoff.

FromReceptionisttoAreaPresident

JaceycurrentlyoverseesRPSofficesinEauClaire, Waukesha,andOmaha.Interestingly,herpathtoleadership beganunexpectedly Whilewaitressing,shemetawoman whoofferedherareceptionistpositionatawholesale insurancecompany.Further,itwasagreatkickstartfor Jacey'scareerassheservedasaMarketingRepresentative atAlexanderMorford&Woo,Inc.Sheservedtherefrom 2001to2010.Thismarkedthebeginningofherjourney, whichsawherrisethroughtheranksoveradecade: receptionist,associatebroker,sales/marketingprofessional, andunderwriter/broker

In2010,JaceysawanopportunityatRPSinMinneapolis asanunderwriter/broker.ShethentransferredtotheEau Claireofficeasasalesmanagerbeforebeingpromotedto AreaPresidentin2019.

ImpressiveGrowthUnderHerLeadership

Jacey’sleadershiphasledtoimpressivegrowthintheRPS officessheoversees:EauClaire,WI;Waukesha,WI;and Omaha,NE.Injustoneyear,theseofficessawa19% revenueincrease,26%premiumgrowth,anda15% expansioninnewbusiness.Overfouryears,theresultsare evenmoreremarkable:47%revenuegrowth,70%increase inpremiums,andastaggering223%surgeinnew business.

ACommitmenttoServiceExcellencebyLeadinga SpecializedTeam

Jacey’sapproachfocusesonempoweringherdiverseteam. SheemphasizesthevalueofRPSresourcesandencourages stafftoshadowherclientinteractions.Thiscommitmentto serviceexcellencehasdemonstrablypaidoff.

Jacey’steampossessesexpertiseinvariousareas,including brokerage,bindingP&C,transportation,personallines,and agribusiness.

TurningAroundtheEauClaireOffice

Jacey’sleadershiphasbeeninstrumentalintransforming thepreviouslyunderperformingEauClaireoffice.Her focusliesinsupportingandmentoringherteam, empoweringthemtoexcel.

EmpathyandExperience:KeystoSuccess

Jaceyemphasizestheimportanceofempathy. “Having worked in every position imaginable on the wholesale side of insurance, I understand the challenges each role presents. This experience allows me to effectively mentor our talent,” sheexplains.

Jacey’sextensiveexperiencealsoallowshertoguideher teameffectively. “We have young professionals entering a unique market, seasoned veterans navigating non-renewals,

and clients needing more support than ever. I strive to be a steady presence, helping navigate these challenges,” shesays.

ABrightFutureatRPS

RPSrecognizesJacey’stalentandplanstoexpandheroversighttoinclude additionaloffices.

“Positivity is key,” Jaceystates. “I always seek solutions and avoid getting bogged down by problems. This approach has been pivotal in my success.”

JaceyNorberg’sstoryisaninspiringtestamenttothepowerofseizing opportunitiesandembracingapositiveoutlook.Herleadershipapproach,builton empathyandexperience,issuretopropelherandherteamtowardscontinued success.

JaceyNorberg’sjourneyremindsusthatleadershipisn'tjustabouttitles—it’s aboutempathy,resilience,andapositiveoutlook.

ChiefOperatingOfficer|Sayata

UPASANA UNNI

A Dynamic Leader Crossing the Roads of Innovation and Growth

UpasanaUnni(ChiefOperatingOfficer

Sayata)isanextraordinaryleaderwitha visionofperfection.Upasana’seducation andpassionforexploringnewthingshaveearned heraccoladesinhercareer.Herexperienceasan AssociatePartnerforadecadeprovidedthebaseto reachthepointwhereshestandstoday

EducationalExcellence:AFoundationfor Success

Upasana’sjourneytowardleadershipbeganwitha solidfoundationineducation.Shegraduatedwith anMBAfromHarvardBusinessSchoolandearned theprestigioustitleofBakerScholar,attestingto herexceptionalperformanceamongthetop5%of hergraduatingclass.Beforethis,shehonedher intellectualacumenatHarvardCollege,graduating magnacumlaudewithaBachelor’sDegreein SocialStudies.Thisacademicpedigreenotonly equippedherwithessentialknowledgebutalso instilledinherapassionforcontinuouslearning andexploration.

FromPartnerto

Officer:

ACareerAscendancy

Armedwithheracademiclaurels,Upasana embarkedonacareertrajectorymarkedbysteady ascentandunwaveringdetermination.Fora decade,sheservedasanAssociatePartnerat McKinsey,aglobalmanagementconsultingfirm renownedforitsindustryexpertiseand transformativesolutions.

Duringhertenure,shespecializedinadvising insurancecompanies,particularlyfocusingon digitizingoperationsandenhancingdistribution channels.Hercontributionsextendedbeyond borders,assheworkedwithclientsacrosstheUS, UK,Canada,theNetherlands,andAustralia.Her insightswerenotconfinedtoboardroomsbutfound resonanceinthepagesofMcKinseyQuarterly, wheresheauthoredmultiplearticlesondigital businessbuilding.

However,Upasana’sjourneytookadecisiveturn whenshejoinedSayata,arisingstarinthe insurancetechnology(insurtech)space.Embracing theopportunitytoactivelyparticipateinbuilding somethingnew,sheinitiallyassumedtheroleof ChiefCommercialOfficer.Here,shespearheaded

initiativestoexpandSayata’smarketpresenceand forgestrategicpartnershipswithinsurancecarriers andmanaginggeneralagents(MGAs). Herrelentlesspursuitofinnovationandmarket expansioncaughttheattentionofSayata'sleadership, leadingtoherelevationtothecovetedpositionof ChiefOperationsOfficerin2024.

DrivingExpansion:TheCOO’sMandate

AsCOO,Upasanashoulderstheresponsibilityof steeringSayatatowardsgreaterheightsofsuccess. Herpurviewencompassesoverseeingmarket partnerships,nurturingcarrierrelations,and diversifyingSayata’sproductofferings.Centralto herroleisthepursuitofmarketexcellence,ensuring thatSayataremainsattheforefrontoftechnological innovationandcustomersatisfaction.

NavigatingChallenges:TheCOO’sRole

Inthefast-pacedworldofinsurtech,challenges abound,fromregulatorycomplexitiestoshifting marketdynamics.However,Upasanaapproaches eachobstaclewithpoiseandstrategicforesight.Her responsibilitiesextendbeyondmereproblem-solving toproactivedecision-making,chartingacoursefor Sayata’ssustainedgrowthandrelevanceinaneverevolvinglandscape.

DynamicLeadership:MakinganImpact

AttheheartofUpasana'sleadershipliesa commitmenttomakingatangibleimpact.She doesn’tjustenvisionchange;sheactivelydrivesit, mobilizingSayata'sresourcesandtalenttoward achievingtransformativeoutcomes.Herdynamic approachtoleadershipfostersacultureofinnovation andcollaboration,empoweringSayata’steamto pushboundariesandredefineindustrynorms.

AcknowledgmentofExcellence

In2024,Upasana’scontributionstotheinsurance industryweredulyrecognizedwhenshewasnamed amongthetop100influencersshapingthefutureof insurancebyInsuranceBusinessAmerica.This accoladenotonlyreflectsherindividual achievementsbutalsounderscoresSayata’s emergenceasaformidableplayerintheinsurance arenaunderherleadership.

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