Name: Tim Shank

Position: Partner, Sr. Broker

Company: Shank & Associates Insurance Services

What differentiates Shank & Associates Insurance Services from competitors in the market?

Our firm is the industry leader for middle-market businesses seeking risk management and insurance services. Utilizing our proprietary marketing, analytics, coverage analysis, and risk management techniques, we enable management teams to reach best practice status regarding the protection of the business’s physical and financial well-being.

What excites you about your company/industry?

The commercial insurance industry is extremely nuanced. It requires the people within it to gain detailed knowledge of how businesses operate within specific industries, understand the hazards that can threaten the health of those businesses, and what methods of risk transfer and mitigation can preserve the health of those businesses. No day in this industry is ever the same because every business is unique and the perils that can threaten businesses are constantly evolving. There is also a very social aspect to this industry, you are constantly meeting new people and developing strong relationships. Lastly, this industry is lucrative and can provide a very good life for those that enter it.

What advice do you have for students on how to stand out in the application process?

Take pride in your resume, take the time to make it aesthetically pleasing instead of just focusing on the content. Be enthusiastic, this job requires people to stand out through energetic and friendly interaction. Ask a lot of questions, we want to know what is important to you.

What kinds of people seem to be successful at your company?

The three qualities that set people up for success most are:

  1. Critical thinkers – you need to like puzzles and solving problems.
  2. Empathy – you need to be able to put yourself into the seat of the client.
  3. Perseverance – this is a get rich industry, but not a get rich quick industry, enjoy the journey while still focusing on the destination.
  4. Goal oriented – we are not micromanagers, we provide all the tools, support, and coaching, but your success is up to you.