Why insurance?
Like most others, I somehow stumbled into the profession, following a short period as a chalkie. Really glad I found it – and so too is the education system. We are both better off!
How would you sum up insurance brokers in three words?
Advisers, friends, counsellors
How would you change the industry?
It needs brighter guys than me to change the industry, but in our own small way we try to make a difference, acting with integrity in all we do.
What’s the most important thing a broker can do to develop their business?
Look for the opportunities, and ACT. I like the Nike advert – Just do it.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
To listen – and then listen some more.
If you were prime minister for one day, what would you do?
Escape to my holiday house in Hawaii – but really, I wouldn’t want the job. I’m very happy with the current man in the chair.
What’s the biggest challenge facing the industry today?
The three P’s ……. People, people, people.
What’s been the highlight of your career?
Just meeting the people. So different – yet all the same.
What’s your favourite style of coffee?
Stovetop espresso.
Rugby union, league or soccer?
League – “Go the mighty Vodafone Warriors!”
If you could invite three people to dinner, dead or alive, and excluding family or friends, who would they be and why?
Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player – all alive, and the dinner would be taking place at Augusta National following 18 holes of golf with the original ‘big 3’. I think I would retire (from golf and work) after the evening.
Complete this sentence: if I wasn’t in insurance I would be…
Very poor, following an unspectacular, unsuccessful golfing career.