DANIEL JONES | Age: 30 Senior broker

Aon PLC

Miami

After working as a stock trader, Daniel “DJ” Jones started out in the insurance industry in 2014 as a personal lines agent. Although focused on becoming a financial adviser, he was urged by a friend who worked in Aon’s Chicago office to try commercial insurance. Shortly after, he interviewed for a middle-market broking position and has worked within the practice group ever since.

What is your top tip for working remotely?

Aside from time management, my biggest advice is trying to find a work-life balance. My struggle has been figuring out when to shut down work and focus on family. I would say to maybe start the workday a little earlier so that around 6 p.m. you can put the phone down and spend time with family or maintaining your own well-being.

What is your advice on navigating the current insurance market?

We’re in a hard market, so we’re going to see a significant increase in the amount of new business — so your underwriters will be busier than they typically have been. It can be hard to get a quote, so try to stay in constant communication with your underwriters and partner carriers, knowing that you may not have a bindable document.

What is something about you that would surprise people?

It would probably be that I am a former (NCAA) Division I athlete. I played football at Northwestern University and enjoyed those four years. Also, I’m not ashamed to admit I’m still a pretty avid video-gamer.

What is a hobby or habit that you adopted during the pandemic?

During the pandemic I became a father for the first time, so I would say that I started a hobby of researching child development.

All-time favorite movie?

“Remember the Titans,” because with my former football and sports background, I can appreciate the great themes in that movie.