Joyn’s Underwriter is Pete Flanagan, an experienced and dedicated insurance professional who brings strong broker relationships built over 17 years of experience to his work at Joyn. Pete’s background also includes an MBA in Finance from Georgia State University, and BBAs in Accounting and Risk Management/Insurance from the University of Georgia.
One of the things that Pete loves about the insurance industry is that it plays to his strengths in risk analysis, policy underwriting, marketing, and contract negotiation. Pete is a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in Risk Management (ARM), and has his Agent’s Property and Casualty License in the State of Georgia.
What are you doing at Joyn and why did you choose to join the team?
At Joyn, I’m an Underwriter with a variety of responsibilities, including underwriting a profitable book of business within our targeted industry verticals and risk appetite. It’s important to provide our broker partners with excellent customer service, which will be one of my top priorities. And internally, I assist our distribution and technology teams to ensure that Joyn is successful.
I came to Joyn because of the leadership team. I have the utmost confidence and respect for them. I believe in their vision of using technology and data to create a better insurance experience and take away some of the pain points that brokers have experienced. I’m just excited to contribute to the team and to Joyn’s overall success.
The other thing that was definitely a deciding factor was the culture. Everyone’s ideas are valued, no matter the scope or the contributor’s role. That creates an environment where every colleague can really be a part of something great. At the end of the day, I really enjoy and value being part of the “new generation” that is driving what is traditionally seen as an archaic business to be more efficient and a better overall experience for all parties.
How has your background prepared you for this role?
I have 17 years of insurance experience, which is predominantly focused on underwriting middle market business. During that time, I’ve also established strong relationships with brokers and agents across the country. I spend a lot of time reading various industry-specific publications, both online and in print, like Coverager, Insurance Journal, Insurance Insider, and Insurtech Insights.
It’s also important to continually network with other insurance professionals at local industry events or on LinkedIn. By establishing strong relationships with agents and brokers, I can keep learning more about the marketplace and what I need to do in order to be successful.
What do you enjoy outside of work and what motivates you?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife (Stacey) and three sons (Nolan, Graham, and Keegan). I’m a football season ticket holder for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, and I’m an avid—but often disappointed—fan of the Atlanta Braves, Hawks, and Falcons. While I don’t get out as often as I would like, I also enjoy playing golf.
Personally, I’m motivated to be a role model for my three sons and provide a good and secure life for my family. Professionally, I enjoy the customer service element of insurance and the interaction with my agents. I’m also motivated by the competition of growing a profitable book of business.
Working at an insurtech startup is really a unique experience. It allows you to share a new story with your partners and prove to them how you are different from the legacy marketplace. All of this really plays to the things I love about this line of work.
