TEDDY FELKER
Managing director, private equity practice
GCG Financial L.L.C.
Deerfield, Illinois
Age: 32
A fourth-generation insurance broker, the business is said to be in Teddy Felker’s blood. Mr. Felker started his career in Marsh L.L.C.’s middle-market brokerage group, first as an intern and then as a new hire. There, he was one of 20 employees nationwide chosen to participate in Marsh’s year-long sales and client management training program in New York. He said his closest — and best — mentor has been his dad, whom he eventually worked alongside in the risk management division of GCG Financial L.L.C., a unit of Alera Group. In 2015, he recognized the need for a formalized practice to help clients who needed private equity/mergers and acquisitions services and co-founded the firm’s private equity practice.
Job change over the next 10 years
I think we need to continue to improve as advisers and make sure that we’re bringing value to the table. Insurance can be complicated, and I want my clients to feel educated (and) confident about the decisions they’re making. I think it will be important to focus on products like (directors and officers), cyber, and reps and warranties over the coming years.
Advice to someone starting in the business
I would say to specialize. I think it’s hard to be a generalist. Someone starting out should pick an industry they enjoy and know a lot about. You need to speak the same language as your clients. There are a lot of brokers out there; you need to differentiate yourself.
Hobbies and interests
Squash, tennis, golf. But number one, I am a dad and I have two little girls. I love being with them and my wife more than anything.
Dream vacation
Going on a safari in Africa.
Favorite meal
I grew up in St. Louis, so anything barbecued, especially ribs.
The 2018 Business Insurance Break Out Awards highlight the potential future leaders of the insurance and risk management sector from across the United States.