2018 Break Out Awards, Midwest: Teddy Felker

TEDDY FELKER

Managing director, private equity practice

GCG Financial L.L.C.

Deerfield, Illinois

Age: 32

A fourth-generation insurance broker, the business is said to be in Teddy Felker’s blood. Mr. Felker started his career in Marsh L.L.C.’s middle-market brokerage group, first as an intern and then as a new hire. There, he was one of 20 employees nationwide chosen to participate in Marsh’s year-long sales and client management training program in New York. He said his closest — and best — mentor has been his dad, whom he eventually worked alongside in the risk management division of GCG Financial L.L.C., a unit of Alera Group. In 2015, he recognized the need for a formalized practice to help clients who needed private equity/mergers and acquisitions services and co-founded the firm’s private equity practice.

Job change over the next 10 years

I think we need to continue to improve as advisers and make sure that we’re bringing value to the table. Insurance can be complicated, and I want my clients to feel educated (and) confident about the decisions they’re making. I think it will be important to focus on products like (directors and officers), cyber, and reps and warranties over the coming years.

Advice to someone starting in the business

I would say to specialize. I think it’s hard to be a generalist. Someone starting out should pick an industry they enjoy and know a lot about. You need to speak the same language as your clients. There are a lot of brokers out there; you need to differentiate yourself.

Hobbies and interests

Squash, tennis, golf. But number one, I am a dad and I have two little girls. I love being with them and my wife more than anything.

Dream vacation

Going on a safari in Africa.

Favorite meal

I grew up in St. Louis, so anything barbecued, especially ribs.

 

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