“Insights from the Top: 3 Questions with PLM Leaders.” Every month, we’ll feature a different member of our leadership team, offering their perspectives on industry trends and the crucial role PLM plays in addressing the needs of the wood niche.
In this month’s edition, we are joined by Angelo Ganguzza, the VP & General Manager Broker Operations.
Q: Insights from the Top: Talk about the industry’s reputation. How can we improve or share a real story of the good that we do?
A: Angelo Ganguzza: As an industry, we often undervalue ourselves. Consider reputation: at a social gathering, everyone gravitates towards the doctor or attorney, but why not the insurance professional? We ought to take pride in our profession and recognize the immense value we bring. When disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires strike a community, who steps in to replace the lost or damaged assets? Insurance plays a crucial role. Similarly, when businesses face significant losses jeopardizing their operations, insurance provides the safety net, ensuring they don’t crumble under financial strain. We serve as the lifeblood for businesses struggling to generate income due to unforeseen circumstances, offering solutions like business interruption insurance to cover ongoing expenses and prevent financial collapse.
Our role extends beyond financial compensation; we offer professional guidance and expertise, vital for businesses navigating crises. The better we fulfill this role, the stronger our communities and the world become. Speaking from my own experience, this career has been immensely rewarding, providing my family and me with everything we could have wished for. To all, especially the younger generation, I encourage you to consider this path—it has the potential to offer fulfillment and prosperity beyond measure. Best of luck to you all.
Q: Insights from the Top: How do you see continuing education as a role in your career?
A: Angelo Ganguzza: That’s an excellent question. With nearly four decades of experience in this industry, I firmly believe that continuous education through seminars and involvement in trade associations is crucial. If you’re not actively seeking to expand your knowledge, rest assured, your competition is. Neglecting this aspect leaves you vulnerable to falling behind. Investing time in training for success rather than solely pursuing success itself puts you in a position of strength. It positions you as a valuable asset to the businesses and business owners you serve, setting you ahead in the game.
Q: Insights from the Top: How did you get into insurance?
A: Angelo Ganguzza: Through a stroke of luck, I found myself in a career path I genuinely enjoyed. It began with a large company, but it didn’t align with my aspirations. Back then, job boards didn’t exist, and Google wasn’t around to search for opportunities. You had to scour newspapers on Sundays to discover potential paths. In 1985, I interviewed with an insurance company and discovered a knack for it. I swiftly climbed the ranks, fueled by a deep passion for our work. While it may sound cliché to say I’ve never worked a day in my life, there have been challenging moments. Yet, for nearly four decades, I’ve shown up each day with genuine love for what I do. When you’re passionate about your work, it doesn’t feel like work at all.
