2021 Break Out Awards NORTHEAST SOUTH MIDWEST WEST
BRADLEY NEBEL Senior vice president and Chicago property/casualty branch manager
BMS Group
Chicago
As the third generation of his family to work in the insurance industry, Bradley Nebel knew what he wanted to do after college and began his career as an underwriting assistant at his father’s managing general agency. In 2020, he joined BMS Group after four years at Aon PLC to take on the challenge of running and expanding its Chicago office.
What’s your advice on navigating the current insurance market?
Patience and creativity — it’s what the market demands.
How will your work change going forward?
I certainly see that in today’s market, we’re doing less face-to-face. I absolutely want to go back to face-to-face — that’s the most important part of this industry. Those relationships created in person … they are absolutely the backbone of the industry.
What should the industry do to attract more young people to work in it?
We need to educate them. We need to be present. Other industries get a lot more publicity. Whether it’s through marketing, mentorships, college guest speaking or whatever it may be, we have to do a better job communicating that insurance isn’t simply selling door-to-door — there are so many different facets.
What’s one habit or hobby you adopted during the pandemic?
I would say I have expanded this hobby: coffee. We have a local roaster in town, and we now regularly have coffee shipped in — different roasts and beans from all over the world. It’s a nice little adventure having different types of coffee delivered to the house.
All-time favorite movie.
I’m definitely in the comedy sector. “The Hangover” is one of those phenomenal movies. And “Caddyshack.”
What is your favorite meal?
Cheeseburgers, all day.
