2014 40 Under 40 Broker Awards: Ryan O. Smith

Ryan O. Smith

Co-manager of executive sales

Wortham Insurance & Risk Management

Age: 36

In addition to his skills and hard work, Ryan O. Smith of Wortham Insurance & Risk Management can credit a fortuitous seat assignment for his successful insurance career.

In 2002, after getting his MBA from Texas Tech University, Mr. Smith took a job with the school's alumni association and found himself on a flight to Lubbock, Texas.

“I happened to be seated next to a now-retired partner for Wortham,” Mr. Smith said. “I hadn't thought about a career in insurance, but our discussion piqued my interest. We exchanged cards and eventually went to lunch.”

He soon joined Wortham in a marketing role in its small-account division, which enabled him to learn the business from the ground up and accumulate expertise in areas as diverse as property/casualty, workers compensation and commercial auto, he said.

“I was in marketing for a couple of years learning the ins and outs of coverages,” he said. “When I was hired, the plan was for me to eventually assume an account executive role, but as a company we don't want somebody out there selling a product they don't thoroughly understand.”

Since moving into production eight years ago, Mr. Smith has built up his own book of business and is now the co-manager of the executive sales department at Wortham. He also serves on the regional sales committee as well as the Wortham Houston management committee.

Based in Houston, Mr. Smith has a strong focus on energy and real estate.

Linda Larabee, Houston-based vice president of asset management at TriStone Realty Management L.L.C., said she values Mr. Smith's knowledge and tenacity in negotiating a fair price when renewing the real estate investment and asset management company's master property program.

“Education in all facets of insurance is critical, and Ryan really stays on top of it,” Ms. Larabee said. “Wortham has done a good job for me, and Ryan has led that team.”