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UP CLOSE: Brian Bries

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UP CLOSE: Brian Bries

CHICAGO-BASED VICE PRESIDENT FOR CONSTRUCTION

Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services Inc.

PREVIOUS POSITION: Chicago-based account executive, Weible & Cahill L.L.C.

LOOKING FORWARD TO: The Arthur J. Gallagher name has a very broad appeal for business in our area. My goal is to help them grow their construction business in the Midwest region.

CHALLENGES FACING INDUSTRY: In construction (risk management), there's a knowledge gap between guys who have been in the industry 40-plus years and new producers just getting into it. Part of the appeal of coming over here to Arthur J. Gallagher is the fact that they have a lot of young producer talent in our office. These guys are hungry and capable and can write business. They just need to gain some experience.

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: I see the construction economy improving. It's going to be a slow, steady improvement.

FIRST INDUSTRY JOB: I worked as a large account claim representative for St. Paul, which is now Travelers (Cos. Inc.), in New York.

WHAT SURPRISED ME: The insurance industry as a whole is way more interesting and critical to the business world than it sometimes gets credit for.

MYSELF IN 10 YEARS: I see myself doing what I am doing now, acting as an advocate for my clients and a center of expertise for others in the construction world.

ADVICE: Gain as much technical knowledge and expertise as you can.

OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: A professional golfer or a professional fly fisherman

FAVORITE MEAL: Anything grilled.

HOBBIES: Spending time with my family; watching Chicago sports

THING MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME: I grew up in a small town in Iowa.

ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Hanging out with my two children.