UP CLOSE: Jeff Turner
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HOUSTON-BASED MANAGING PARTNER
Willis of Texas Inc., a unit of Willis North America Inc.
PREVIOUS POSITION: New York-based senior vice president of Willis of New York Inc.
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Expanding Willis' footprint in Houston. Houston has industries that are growing like crazy, like energy, manufacturing, construction, and health care ... We have great expertise in those (areas).
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: It's really about how we are going to differentiate ourselves in the marketplaces. Organizations are always looking for innovative ways to reduce risk ... we have these innovative resources that we can deploy to help firms. That will be the real goal: meet with a lot of people to communicate that message.
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: Innovation is becoming more important to clients. Business as usual is not acceptable anymore.
FIRST INDUSTRY JOB: A broker for a local firm, Swingle Collins & Associates in Dallas. In 1995, I didn't even know insurance was a job.
WHAT SURPRISED ME: I had an accounting degree. Insurance was a line item on statements ... but I didn't know the industry was so dynamic.
ADVICE: Being excellent is mostly about being passionate about what you enjoy. Excellence will just happen if you are passionate.
HOBBIES: I love all kinds of exercise. I like to work out really hard to an uncomfortable place. Boot camp workouts are my favorite.
BEST CITY: I really think for business it's Houston.
WHEN I RETIRE: I never want to retire. I really like working.
FAVORITE MEAL: The “dinner” at Joe T. Garcia's in Fort Worth.
ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Spending time with my wife and three kids.
THOUGHTS ON SMARTPHONES: I love them. I am addicted to them. It's never not in my hand.
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