UP CLOSE: Eric Jermyn

Eric Jermyn, Cross Insurance

PORTLAND, MAINE-BASED VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Employee benefits division, Cross Insurance

PREVIOUS POSITION: South Portland, Maine-based director of sales, Anthem Health Plans of Maine Inc.

LOOKING FORWARD TO: Applying more than 20 years of experience on the carrier side of the health insurance industry to lead the sales efforts of one of the premier agencies in the Northeast.

CHALLENGES FACING INDUSTRY: The Affordable Care Act is, without question, the biggest challenge to face this industry in decades.

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK: For brokers keeping their eyes facing forward, while learning from the past, the outlook is very bright. Opportunities abound if you know where to look.

FIRST INDUSTRY JOB: I started out in marketing and communications for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine, prior to that company being purchased by Anthem.

WHAT SURPRISED ME: Quite frankly, I was surprised to stay at one company for 21 years. Change is good, and I'm enjoying it.

ADVICE: Read. Read everything you can related to the industry and related industries.

OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY, A DREAM JOB: Ski instructor at Sugarloaf in Maine.

HOBBIES: Skiing, golf, running and exercise, learning guitar (trying), fishing, hunting, snowshoeing, umpiring Little League Baseball, reading.

THING MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME: Most people don't know that I'm a fan of the Grateful Dead. I don't fit most people's stereotypical image of a Dead fan.

WHEN I RETIRE: I plan to do a lot of volunteer work. I currently serve on a few boards of directors and plan to continue and expand that work in retirement. I might also play a bit more golf.

FAVORITE MEAL: This one is easy. Paella. I love a good paella. (It) has to be crunchy on the bottom.

BEST CITY: Coin flip between Nashville and Seattle. I guess I'll go with Nashville.