2013 40 Under 40: Chris Keith
Northeast Region Reprints
Vice president
The Graham Co.
Age: 37
Chris Keith has parlayed his consulting background into a successful career at Philadelphia's The Graham Co. He co-chairs the broker's health and human services practice.
“We focus on everything from behavioral health, assisted living, acute-care hospitals, as well as a fairly concerted focus on the aging services sector,” he said.
“I often say my consulting background lends itself to the nature of the sale here,” he said. “It requires due-diligence work. Often that's what separates the really good producers from the guys that struggle; consulting background gives you the mentality. I'm a business professional first and foremost who happens to know about P/C insurance. I'm not limited to my knowledge of insurance.”
Mr. Keith said the insurance industry and Graham Co.'s approach led him to the brokerage. “I have a consulting industry background. It's not a transactional sale; it's very entrepreneurial. I'm basically running a small business within a larger business, and that was attractive to me.”
His top professional goal is building a reputation. “When I leave the industry years from now, (I want to have) a legacy of not only a top-notch professional, but also being thought of as a solid human being, a good citizen who advocated his clients' interest.”
“Chris Keith encompasses all the qualities of a great broker,” said William A. Graham IV, chairman of the board and CEO of Graham Co., in an email. “He's able to dig into his client's business and develop tailored risk management programs that protect the organization and deliver bottom-line impact that most other brokers in our industry simply can't achieve.”
