CARLOS TORREZ | Age: 43 Vice president

Poms & Associates Insurance Brokers LLC

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Carlos Torrez was doing what he had always wanted to do, working in real estate and refereeing basketball games in various conferences, including the NCAA Division II Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and the Lone Star Conference. He met Dan Foley, a referee who worked in the insurance industry, and they became fast friends. After Mr. Foley heard Mr. Torrez on the phone with real estate clients and prospects, he hired him in 2014 to work at Poms in the brokerage’s Albuquerque office.

What’s your advice on navigating the current insurance market?

There is a lot that can be done by brokerages that focus on the value-added resources of risk management. Having a proactive approach to risk management gives insureds a plan of action and is looked at positively by carriers. We formulate a submission showing what we are doing now, and in the next six months, to reduce claims.

How are technological advances affecting your job?

There are a lot of tools available that help us to better communicate and work with our clients. This is helpful for our approach as a consultant or partner in providing ergonomics, human resources, safety and OSHA training.

What do you wish more people knew about insurance?

I wish clients understood that any policies or procedure they have in their day-to-day operations can affect their rates and the pricing they receive from carriers.

What’s something about you that would surprise people?

I lived in Alaska when I was in college, and I worked for the Forest Service there.

Favorite hobby or pastime?

I have kids who are 9, 7 and 5 years old, so it’s baseball, soccer, dance and karate.

Favorite song?

“Fancy Like,” by Walker Hayes.