Up Close: GARY THIEMAN
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NEW JOB TITLE: Toledo, Ohio-based senior vp of sales and customer relations for commercial business with Medical Mutual of Ohio.
PREVIOUS POSITION: Toledo, Ohio-based vp and principal with Findley Davies Inc., a privately held human resources consulting, actuarial and administrative services firm.
GOALS FOR NEW POSITION: Grow enrollment and increase our brand recognition. Being a mutual insurance company gives us unique advantages in today's marketplace.
INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: With our industry rapidly changing through health care reform, there is room for innovation and understanding the needs and demands of new customers.
FIRST MARKET EXPERIENCE: Actually, I am having déjà vu because, ironically, I am coming home. I started out with Medical Mutual's predecessor, Blue Cross Blue Shield here in this Toledo office almost 40 years ago.
CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Prior to having success with Findley Davies, I was an executive vp with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kentucky (a unit of WellPoint Inc.) and was responsible for sales, marketing, customer service and managed health care programs.
ADVICE: Stay as close as you can to the customer. Do everything in your power to deliver a valuable, high-quality product.
WHAT YOU WANTED TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP: A high school history teacher.
MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT: Public education and our country's need to deliver a talented workforce for the future.
