The ability to change hats on the fly is important

Jeff Sandy began his insurance career in 1990 as a workers’ compensation underwriter. He subsequently served as a broker at TAS Insurance Group and Westrope before becoming co-owner and lead broker at Risk Innovations.

When Risk Innovations was acquired by Jencap in 2018, Sandy assumed his current role as vice president of workers’ compensation. His leadership in that role has landed him a spot on Insurance Business America’s 2024 Hot 100 list, a ranking of insurance professionals who are charting the future of the industry.

“My strongest quality is leading by example – being empathetic, and demanding excellence at the same time,” Sandy told IBA. “Everyone is different, so the ability to change hats on the fly is important. It has served me well in keeping teams together and providing growth opportunities for those around me.”

That ability has been particularly important recently due to the current challenges in the workers’ compensation space, Sandy said.

“I have been able to lead a team of individuals to believe that they can do the impossible,” he said. “With rates dropping across the country and large growth goals that seem unattainable at times, our team continues to surpass every goal set for them. We had to get creative, ensure our service doesn’t waver, implement technology, and expand our segments of business – but we consistently find ways to win.”

Sandy said he takes the mentorship aspect of leadership seriously.

“My career has been filled with many great role models,” he said. “It is my goal to make sure others feel I was a good role model and supported their growth and success in their career.”

Sandy is also passionate about sharing his knowledge with those new to the industry.

“Our younger associates continue to motivate me to show up daily,” he said. “Seeing them evolve to be productive and knowledgeable of our product is very important and satisfying to me.”

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