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2017 Break Out Awards, West: Gardner Jones

Posted On: Jun. 5, 2017 12:00 AM CST

2017 Break Out Awards, West: Gardner Jones

GARDNER JONES

Vice president

ABD Insurance & Financial Services Inc.

San Francisco

Age: 38

Gardner Jones joined the insurance industry in 2012 after beginning his career at Thompson Financial, which later became a division of Thomson Reuters Corp. through acquisition in 2008. The insurance industry appealed to him because his skills from the financial services industry were transferable. He began as a producer at Marsh L.L.C. and was named senior vice president of ABD Insurance & Financial Services this year.

Best advice you’ve been given

Maintain a healthy and consistent balance in life. ABD’s core values are centered around “work, love, play,” which I think sums it up perfectly.

Top industry concern

I spend a lot of time in the shared economy space, and an issue we are seeing evolve is how independent contractors are going to be treated and defined going forward. I think what you’re seeing — whether it’s the on-demand space when it comes to shared vehicles or delivery goods and services or rental spaces, anything that is community-driven — is there is a great willingness of the population to participate in that economy … We are seeing the insurance market start to develop the data and develop their models based on loss history, rate structure, etc. Ultimately that’s going to help companies save money and treat risk more effectively in this area.

Next big thing in insurance

Without a doubt technology and insurtech. You are starting to see capital and more investment being put toward different algorithms and different ways to interpret risks and quantify risks.

How do you unwind?

Here in San Francisco we are surrounded by water and hills and great views. I try to be outside as often as I can, whether that’s through golf, hiking or a walk around town.

Something people don’t know about you

That my first name is actually Christopher.

 

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