Welcome to another addition of “Conversations with…” where we sit down with our colleagues and learn more about their career and their life outside of Cavignac. In this episode we sat down with Dan Smith, Claims Risk Advisor, as he provided some insight into how he has arrived at this point in his career and the influences both personally and professionally that have supported him along the way.
What is your favorite part about your role at Cavignac?
Favorite part about my role at Cavignac is getting to learn. I get to learn about claims; from large to small. Each offers a new perspective and a new lesson that I can apply later. I get to learn about our clients; I love making new connections and getting to know who we work with. I get to learn professionally; I’ve obtained a CRM, a CIC, and will soon start working on my AIC, all of which I get to apply to my everyday role!
Can you pinpoint a time in your professional life where you knew your career would be in insurance and with Cavignac?
I don’t know how to answer this question without sounding so cliché. I remember the phone call to set my first interview, I remember preparing for the interview, and I remember arriving for the interview to meet everyone for the first time, and being in complete awe. I went from working at a family-owned travel agency in NJ to walking into this interview in a downtown metropolitan area on the 18th floor of a high rise and thinking, “this is it, this is your big boy job, and you’re going to make this last”. I remember buying-in on just about everything insurance-related early. So really, day 1.
If you could pick any job in the world, money is not an object, what would it be?
If I could pick any job in the world, where money is not an object, it would either be football or rugby coach. I’ve had a very, very, very, very small taste of coaching in both sports, both of which I’ve played at some level, and love coaching and working with people in collaboration. I think I can be pretty motivating and I also think that I have the ability to teach others.
Who has been a role model for you in your life and career and why?
Probably the easiest answer is actually going to be both of my parents. My Mom is no longer here, but she was a Human Resources manager for a number of years. She was incredibly intelligent, worked very hard, and even taught me early in life how to write a resume (though it’s evolved over the last couple of decades!). She knew how to adapt to any situation and could be telling a joke but turn on a dime to be serious. She stood up for herself and it was always admirable. My Dad has an equally strong work ethic and would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. He’s also one of the most personable people you’ll ever meet, never struggling (to some people’s dismay) to strike up a conversation. I’d like to think my Mom would be especially proud of the person I’ve become both personally and professionally, as much as I know my Dad is.
What is one way you have grown personally or professionally since joining Cavignac?
This is a great question, and it’s really not “one way” but a multitude of ways. To simplify the answer it would be “overall”. I came (back) to San Diego with no knowledge of insurance or the insurance industry. In the time I’ve been with Cavignac I’ve grown both personally and professionally. Personally, I’ve become a completely different person; met someone special and have gotten married in the last 6 years. Professionally, I’m actively pursuing designations and trying to soak up as much information as possible while learning from the best of the best in the industry.
Thank you Dan, for your commitment and contributions to Cavignac over the last 7 years. We are lucky to have you on our team!
