2019 Break Out Awards, Northeast: Zachary Vollmer
Reprints
ZACHARY VOLLMER
Senior vice president, real estate professional liability and flood
Victor O. Schinnerer & Co. Inc., a unit of Victor Insurance Holdings
Chevy Chase, Maryland
Age: 35
Like many, Zachary Vollmer had a family connection — his mom was a medical malpractice underwriter — which drew him to the insurance industry. He joined Victor O. Schinnerer & Co. Inc. in August 2006 in an entry-level underwriting position in the real estate professional liability program. More than a decade later, he sees his role as a senior manager very much at the intersection of technology and underwriting.
What is the No. 1 concern in your specialty?
Real estate professionals are faced with traditional risks, but each day new technologies like augmented reality and the use of drones come up. The threat from cyber intrusion is another key area where real estate agents face risk.
How do you see your job changing over the next 10 years?
Historically the role of a program manager had been to manage carrier relationships, underwriting staff and broker network. Now we’re becoming technology platform managers, where I’m looking at the flow of business into a machine and the underwriting is occurring online. It’s more about managing process than people going forward.
What surprised you about the insurance industry?
From the outside, people have a defined opinion of what insurance is. It’s surprising how varied and how much opportunity there is within the industry.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I do not own a car or drive. I rely on public transportation to get around the city.
What is your favorite app or gadget?
I’m addicted to the iPhone, so much so that I carry two, one for work and one for personal use.
What is your favorite meal?
Good old-fashioned barbecue
Read Next
-
2019 Break Out Awards
In the insurance industry’s battle for talent, there are plenty of incumbents to fight over.
