JEREMY SCHUMACHER | Age: 39 Director of cyber underwriting

Safety National Casualty Corp.

St. Louis

While in law school, Jeremy Schumacher determined law was not a career path he wanted to follow. He was drawn to contractual law, however, which led him to insurance where his father, grandfather and great-grandfather had worked. The training and mentorship he received at various insurers ultimately led him to Safety National in 2014, where he serves as director of cyber underwriting.

 

What’s a lasting effect of the pandemic on the way you work?

The knowledge that I can work from home and get things done while having the opportunity to see my kids — especially during summer when they are home.

 

What’s a problem that needs fixing in your sector?

We would benefit from solid historical data that could be relied on for underwriting purposes. That is hard to come by in an ever-changing cyber world, where exposures are constantly shifting. In cyber, it’s not just the accident or mistake that causes the loss, it’s the malicious actors that are out there trying to attack and harm our insureds.

 

What should the industry do to attract more young people to work in it?

Get into universities and schools and talk about what you do on a day-to-day basis. Insurance doesn’t have a fun connotation, but we don’t do a good job of explaining and selling the interesting things we do every day.

 

What is something about you that would surprise people?

My favorite movie growing up was “Top Gun.” I’ve been waiting 20-30 years for a sequel and when “Top Gun II” was announced I got my tickets minutes after they became available.

 

Favorite hobby or pastime?

I still enjoy running. We got a pandemic puppy and when I’m home I go out twice a day and do a couple of laps around the neighborhood with my dog.