Meet the Strategic Planning Board: Jarrod Zea

Hey there, curious minds! Step into the world of RISE’s Strategic Planning Board, where strategy meets personality. These movers and shakers are the architects behind our big-picture goals, collaborating with our leadership and Advisory Board. But this isn’t your typical spotlight series—it’s a backstage pass to uncovering what drives them beyond the boardroom. Think aspirations, hobbies, and what keeps them jazzed about the future of RISE. This series isn’t just about their roles; it’s about weaving together the stories of high achievers who are crafting a roadmap for RISE’s success. So, grab a seat and get ready to dive into the personalities shaping RISE, one interview at a time.

Meet Jarrod Zea, Settlement Advisor at Ringler:

Q: What is one piece of advice for young professionals in the insurance industry?

A: Networking will become one of your most valuable skills. Work on it.

Q: Are you a sports fan? What’s your favorite team?

A: I am not a sports fan, but I do love the Dodgers.

Q: What do you find motivating?

  1. Work that makes a real impact in my community.
  2. Working with people who push me to always strive for more.
  3. Competition
  4. Money

Q: Do you collect anything?

A: Historical Artifacts like posters, old equipment, book, etc.

Q: What’s the most exciting part of your job?

A: The negotiation or mediation process. I love sitting down with all parties and assisting in negotiation to bring out settlement.

Q: What is something you know now that you wish you knew when you started in the insurance industry?

A: It’s OK to admit when you don’t know something.

Q: Share a fun fact about yourself!

A: I have 573 parachute jumps/skydives.

Q: What inspired you to join RISE?

A: What inspired me was the opportunity to be a part of an organization that help prospective insurance professionals get the contacts and education they need to begin a successful career.   I wanted to be a part of an organization that has a direct positive impact on the industry.

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Meet the Strategic Planning Board: Petyah Triche

Hey there, curious minds! Step into the world of RISE’s Strategic Planning Board, where strategy meets personality. These movers and shakers are the architects behind our big-picture goals, collaborating with our leadership and Advisory Board. But this isn’t your typical spotlight series—it’s a backstage pass to uncovering what drives them beyond the boardroom. Think aspirations, hobbies, and what keeps them jazzed about the future of RISE. This series isn’t just about their roles; it’s about weaving together the stories of high achievers who are crafting a roadmap for RISE’s success. So, grab a seat and get ready to dive into the personalities shaping RISE, one interview at a time.

Meet Petyah Triche, Assistant Manager of Worker's Compensation at Broward Sheriffs Office

Q: What is one piece of advice for young professionals in the insurance industry?

  • Find people you can collaborate with.
  • Having mutually beneficial relationships with your peers can be just as beneficial to your career growth as having a mentor.
  • It’s helpful to align yourself with a peer at work, a peer outside your agency but within the insurance field, and even a peer outside of our field who has similar goals but a different approach.
  • Consider fostering long-term partnerships with peers you can grow with, learn from and build something alongside.

Q: Are you a sports fan? What’s your favorite team?

A: Dallas Cowboys!

Q: What do you find motivating?

A: My family. I constantly want to be better and work harder so I can be an example to my children. I want them to be the best they can be.

Q: Do you collect anything?

A: I would say nothing, I’m a minimalist. But my husband would say purses. Its all about perspective! *wink*

Q: What’s the most exciting part of your job?

A: No claim is the same so its never a boring day. Workers’ Comp for first responders can get pretty interesting. But mostly, I like helping people get back to them selves and back to saving lives.

Q: What is something you know now that you wish you knew when you started in the insurance industry?

A: I wish I knew that it was OK to ask for more money and advocate for myself in pay negotiations.

Q: Share a fun fact about yourself!

A: I’m obsessed with true crime stories and cults. In my past life, I was either a criminal or a detective. You choose.

Q: What inspired you to join RISE?

A: It is refreshing. There are many different associations, but none that feel this fun, innovative, engaging, and down to earth. I feel like I’m with my peers not my superiors.

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News Release: RISE Professionals Announces 2023 Elite 50 Internships

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dania Beach, FL, Sept. 19, 2023 – RISE Professionals, a leading organization dedicated to growing, recognizing and advancing the best young professional talent in the insurance industry, is excited to unveil the highly anticipated list of 2023 Elite 50 Internships. This prestigious list recognizes and celebrates the top 50 internship programs in the insurance sector across the United States.

Each year, RISE Professionals evaluates and selects the most exceptional internship programs that stand out for their commitment to fostering talent, providing valuable experiences, and contributing to the growth and development of young professionals entering the insurance field.

The 2023 Elite 50 Internships list features a diverse array of companies renowned for their holistic approaches to intern development. These organizations have demonstrated outstanding dedication to shaping the future of the insurance industry by offering exceptional opportunities to interns.

The selection process for the Elite 50 Internships is rigorous and comprehensive, with a focus on various key criteria, including:

  • Comprehensive professional development programs.
  • Opportunities for skill enhancement and real-world experience.
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Mentorship and networking opportunities.
  • Innovative learning environments.
  • Outstanding compensation and benefits.

The 2023 Elite 50 Internships list showcases a remarkable group of companies that share a common goal: nurturing the next generation of insurance professionals. These programs serve as exemplary models for providing interns with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to excel in the dynamic insurance sector.

This year’s list includes established industry leaders to emerging organizations who have earned their place among the Elite 50 Internships for their unwavering dedication to creating meaningful internship experiences.

“Our goal is to recognize and celebrate the companies that are shaping the future of the insurance industry through their outstanding internship programs,” said Tori Snoddy, Director of Operations at RISE Professionals. “These programs play a pivotal role in building a talented and diverse workforce, and we are proud to acknowledge their contributions.”

The official announcement of the 2023 Elite 50 Internships was made on Monday, September 18, 2023. This recognition marks a significant milestone for the selected companies, solidifying their status as leaders in the insurance industry.

To learn more about the 2023 Elite 50 Internships and to view the complete list of recognized companies, please visit https://riseprofessionals.com/elite-50-internships-2023/ 

 

About RISE Professionals

RISE is the #1 place young professionals go to learn, network, and grow their insurance career. RISE offers multiple resources to help build a successful career, such as networking, mentorship, training, recognition, education, scholarships, leadership opportunities and more. Our vision is to create a platform where young insurance professionals are recognized for their accomplishments in the industry, can learn about new industry technologies and practices and are encouraged to  engage with industry mentors and peers. Our purpose is to educate the younger generations on the benefits of joining the insurance industry and to help bridge the talent gap by creating a space for young professionals to network, learn and grow. To learn more, visit riseprofessionals.com.

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Meet the Strategic Planning Board: Scott Francis

Hey there, curious minds! Step into the world of RISE’s Strategic Planning Board, where strategy meets personality. These movers and shakers are the architects behind our big-picture goals, collaborating with our leadership and Advisory Board. But this isn’t your typical spotlight series—it’s a backstage pass to uncovering what drives them beyond the boardroom. Think aspirations, hobbies, and what keeps them jazzed about the future of RISE. This series isn’t just about their roles; it’s about weaving together the stories of high achievers who are crafting a roadmap for RISE’s success. So, grab a seat and get ready to dive into the personalities shaping RISE, one interview at a time.

Meet Scott Francis, VP of Strategic Accounts at Ethos Risk-

Q: What is one piece of advice for young professionals in the insurance industry?

A: Be intentional about your career and where you want to invest your time and energy developing your skills. Of course, it is necessary to deliver the best performance in your current role, as well as looking to future opportunities and the required skills/experience to succeed in progressive roles.

Q: Are you a sports fan? What’s your favorite team?

A: The Iowa Hawkeyes will always have a special place in my heart, and you can find me rooting for them, regardless of the sport. Also enjoy watching the Green Bay Packers with my son who just recently started playing football.

Q: What do you find motivating?

A: I find challenges motivating. Whether it is a physical goal like an obstacle race or running a marathon, or a business goal such as developing a disruptive way to deliver a better product and/or service to customers.

Q: Do you collect anything?

A: Memories and experiences. My wife, Katie, and I are purposeful about seeing new places and experiencing as much of the world as possible. It’s a great way to keep grounded and continue learning.

Q: What’s the most exciting part of your job?

A: Working and cocreating with clients. This is such an exciting time to be in insurance. There are rules and guardrails, which are necessary, but within those boundaries companies are very open to exploring creativity and new ways of doing things.

Q: What is something you know now that you wish you knew when you started in the insurance industry?

A: The abundance of opportunities regardless of past experience. Insurance provides a great opportunity to carve out the career that gives you the most satisfaction. So don’t wait for your dream job to find you, figure out what it is and go after it!

Q: Share a fun fact about yourself!

A: I am a published poet.

Q: What inspired you to join RISE?

A: The people and the mission. The insurance industry is a tight knit community with huge opportunity for folks starting their career and the RISE team has gone all in on helping this group succeed. I have thoroughly enjoyed and benefitted from working in insurance and wanted to do my part in helping the next wave of leaders.

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Meet the Strategic Planning Board: Walter Davenport II

Hey there, curious minds! Step into the world of RISE’s Strategic Planning Board, where strategy meets personality. These movers and shakers are the architects behind our big-picture goals, collaborating with our leadership and Advisory Board. But this isn’t your typical spotlight series—it’s a backstage pass to uncovering what drives them beyond the boardroom. Think aspirations, hobbies, and what keeps them jazzed about the future of RISE. This series isn’t just about their roles; it’s about weaving together the stories of high achievers who are crafting a roadmap for RISE’s success. So, grab a seat and get ready to dive into the personalities shaping RISE, one interview at a time.

Meet Walter Davenport II, Head of Process Coordination & Strategic Data Anayltics at Allianz

Q: What is one piece of advice for young professionals in the insurance industry?

A: Get involved early and often on as many different projects you can. Exposing yourself to diverse career experiences expedites the process of discovering both your likes and dislikes which enables you to select/craft roles that align with your skills and interests.

Unlike school which has a prescribed path for next steps, you have to intentionally build the career you want or be subject to the career someone thinks you should have.

Q: Are you a sports fan? What’s your favorite team?

A: Any and everything Chicago. I feel obligated to also add Butler Basketball but I haven’t kept up as much the past year.

Q: What do you find motivating?

A: Helping our teams solve seemingly unsolvable problems on a day-to-day basis. When wrapped up in administrative tasks it easy to lose sight that our decisions impact real people, but I find it motivating that we provide solutions to address global risks that impact everyone on earth. That mission makes it easier to fill out expense reports.

Q: Do you collect anything?

A: Not in the traditional sense. I enjoy collecting new experiences. This can range from a far-away trip to a remote location or something as simple as taking a different path back home from the office.

Q: What’s the most exciting part of your job?

A: Two items stick out. The first being the spontaneity of my role. No 2 days are the same and we continually find ways to solve our customer needs regardless of what it takes. The second item is collaborating with everyone within the large Allianz ecosystem. We are truly a global company and seeing how we work together across several time zones and do so while having fun always makes it easy to come to work.  

 

Q: What is something you know now that you wish you knew when you started in the insurance industry?

A: Building strong relationships is just as important as doing your job well. Our industry relies trust and that trust extends outside of your organization. Taking the opportunity to network goes a long way in growing both professionally and personally.

Q: What inspired you to join RISE?

A: The energy within the RISE organization is too difficult to put into words, but it made it impossible not to join. You have to experience an in-person event to fully grasp the allure. What will forever keep me engaged with the RISE team is the mission to help solve many of the gaps within our industry.

 

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Meet the Strategic Planning Board: Lauren Fernandez

Hey there, curious minds! Step into the world of RISE’s Strategic Planning Board, where strategy meets personality. These movers and shakers are the architects behind our big-picture goals, collaborating with our leadership and Advisory Board. But this isn’t your typical spotlight series—it’s a backstage pass to uncovering what drives them beyond the boardroom. Think aspirations, hobbies, and what keeps them jazzed about the future of RISE. This series isn’t just about their roles; it’s about weaving together the stories of high achievers who are crafting a roadmap for RISE’s success. So, grab a seat and get ready to dive into the personalities shaping RISE, one interview at a time.

Q: What is one piece of advice for young professionals in the insurance industry?

A: Network any and every chance you get. Don’t be afraid to take the initiative and reach out to people who are where you want to be. Also, don’t get stuck in a “this or that” mentality. There are many options for success and multiple paths to reach it – don’t restrict yourself. 

Q: Are you a sports fan? What’s your favorite team?

A: Not in the traditional sense. Growing up my family was into the Olympics, X Games, and MMA – I still enjoy watching them to this day.

Q: What do you find motivating?

A: Seeing people succeed and reach their goals and being part of the journey.

Q: Do you collect anything?

A: Does dog hair on my clothes count? Haha, I have a Golden Retriever and Chocolate Lab it’s a never-ending struggle. 

Q: What’s the most exciting part of your job?

A: I get to connect with and speak to some pretty amazing people on a daily basis.

Q: What is something you know now that you wish you knew when you started in the insurance industry?

A: The insurance industry is VAST and it is constantly changing with new technology. It’s not dry and boring there is something for everyone room for all  to succeed. 

Q: What inspired you to join RISE?

A: RISE has a great vision for supporting individuals entering the insurance space. They’ve been able to create an amazing collaborative space where like-minded professionals from all walks of life and career levels can come together and support each other’s growth.

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