2017 Break Out Awards, West: Joseph A. Laskowski

JOSEPH A. LASKOWSKI

Area senior vice president

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Glendale, California

Age: 37

Joseph A. Laskowski, area senior vice president for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., who handles large account property/ casualty business, joined the brokerage in 2005 after spending a little under two years at another broker. He has a bachelor’s in business administration, risk management and insurance, economics real estate from the University of WisconsinMadison School of Business.

Top industry concern

Being able to recruit and retain top talent. The insurance business seems to have an increasingly difficult time attracting the most talented people to come work for us.

Best-kept secret about insurance

It’s the opposite of what most people perceive it to be: It’s personality driven, it’s emotional, it’s interesting, it’s exciting, it’s creative. It’s the best-kept secret in business.

What inspires you?

I’ve always been very business oriented, and I’ve always enjoyed working in business. I’m inspired by working with really sophisticated business people. I like meeting people in general who are sophisticated business people. I find them interesting and I find the problems they confront to be interesting.

Next big thing in insurance

I think it’s going to be automation. I think there’ll be greater automation and commoditization of certain insurance lines, and I think brokers who focus on creativity and being business advisers will have more opportunity, and those focusing on commodity brokerage will have a tougher time in the future.

How do you unwind?

I’m very social. I spend a lot of time with my friends. I’ve also been a yoga instructor and practitioner for well over 10 years.

Something people don’t know about you

I have an interest in textiles and pottery. Most people don’t know that.

 

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