July 10, 2024
Brandon P. Tyrrell—Commercial Lines Marketer, KRGinsure
Last year, after working for almost four years in Operations at Amazon, I started exploring new industries to see how I could leverage my transferable skills. It was an exciting time to be in retail, when doorstep package delivery had become the new norm, and I was eager to use my experience to make a positive impact in other fields.
I came across Humber’s Insurance Broker Commercial Account Management program and was instantly intrigued. The program offered the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive curriculum preparing students for a career in commercial insurance.
The first semester focused on two main goals: introducing students to insurance and preparing us for the licensing exam. Our Program Facilitator John McNeil laid the foundation for what to expect from the semesters ahead. He shared personal anecdotes of approaches that served him en route to his professional success and asked us to jot down three goals we hoped to achieve by end of year. In addition to preparing for our RIBO exam, we covered insurance foundations, risk management and the various types of commercial insurance coverage.
Humber partners with the IBAO on this program—each student is paired with a licensed broker to support their entrance into or growth within the industry. I matched with Sheldon D. Williams, a Licensee Office Owner with Nacora Insurance. We met every Tuesday for 4 weeks. As someone pivoting into the industry, I received invaluable advice on what Principal Brokers look for when hiring new talent. Sheldon shared personal advice on overcoming potential barriers within the industry. He’s a natural disruptor in insurance, and my gratitude for the opportunity to connect with him is immeasurable. I could write a dissertation on what Sheldon and I shared.
The second semester builds on the first, with a focus on Commercial Lines. The teaching roster is comprised exclusively of insurance industry powerhouses. We covered topics like insurance technology, account management, professional selling, prospecting and professional writing. Participation was encouraged, questions welcomed, contacts were shared and each student was invited to connect with instructors on LinkedIn for future support.
CAM Instructors
- Commercial Insurance | Steven Muto, BrokerLink
- Insurance Technology | Lea Ferreira, HUB International
- Account Management | Jurenda Landry, Gallagher
- Professional Selling & Prospecting Pipeline | Dorothy Renzi, YBC
- Professional Writing | Suzanne Cardinal Pountney, IBAO
At the end of the program, one of the instructors contacted me to inquire whether I had any progress or would like support finding a job within the commercial insurance industry. They appreciated my participation in their class and thanked me for coming prepared with thought-provoking questions that expanded our understanding of the topics discussed. I was invited for an interview at their brokerage and, shortly after, was offered a job.
The Commercial Account Management program was an excellent experience from start to finish. For those willing to immerse themselves in the course content, stay up-to-date on readings, pose questions in class and network, the returns are material. I recommend this program to anyone looking to convert from personal lines or pivot into insurance. After completing this course, I feel well-equipped with the necessary skills to take on the next chapter of my professional career, and I’m confident that the connections I made along the way will be with me down the road.