2019 Break Out Awards, West: Jennifer Polignoni
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JENNIFER POLIGNONI
Unit manager
Alliant Insurance Services Inc.
Spokane, Washington
Age: 32
Self-professed “insurance nerd” Jennifer Polignoni began her career with Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. and realized the commercial insurance industry was a great fit. Six years ago, she joined Alliant Insurance Services Inc. as an account assistant and has worked her way up the ranks, managing a team of 22 that is expected to expand to 77 by year-end while still handling a small book of business.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the business?
The best thing about insurance is that it doesn’t matter what your skill set is, what your background is — there’s a position in insurance for just about everybody. I’d encourage people who don’t realize the career potential that insurance offers to explore those positions.
What surprised you about the insurance industry?
I didn’t realize how broad the industry was. It’s so expansive, and I didn’t realize that (the different lines) all sort of intermingle to tell a whole story or paint a whole picture. And how the industry is ever changing. There are always new exposures, products and services to become familiar with.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m an insurance nerd at heart. I really get fascinated by reading claims data and working on new business. I love insurance, and it makes sense to my brain in a way that other career paths didn’t.
What would you/do you binge watch?
I watch “Friends” every single day. I don’t actually watch a lot of TV, but I put “Friends” on every night before I go to bed. It’s comforting to me. I incorporate “Friends” lines in my everyday life. I have two other friends who are managers in our group, and we frequently speak in “‘Friends’ tongue.”
What is your favorite meal?
I would eat pizza every day, all day. It doesn’t matter what kind of pizza. Pizza never fails.
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