2023 Break Out Awards NORTHEAST SOUTH MIDWEST WEST
LOREN CRABTREE Senior client manager, executive risk
Oswald Cos.
Cleveland
Loren Crabtree was working at a grocery store when her dad went to dinner with the HR manager of an agency that was expanding and looking to recruit people without an insurance background. That led to her first role in the industry in 2015. “I mainly thought insurance was a steppingstone and would give me time to go back to school, but it ended up being something I really liked,” she said.
What’s your advice on navigating the current insurance market?
As much as we put into completing applications, not everything is a checkbox. Clients with operational technology might configure their systems a certain way, and it might not look great on paper, but it’s what works for them and actually is secure. Sometimes you have to tell that story to an insurer.
What’s a problem that needs fixing in your sector?
We have many generations working in insurance. Baby boomers are waiting longer to retire, and as technology advances we tend to cater more toward millennials and Gen X, and now Gen Z is entering the workforce. Bridging that gap between how different generations work together and the skills everybody brings is important. Gen Z might be able to figure out new technology quickly, but they might be afraid to pick up the phone. In the coming years, we’ll see how we work together and form bonds, especially with remote or hybrid working.
What’s something about you that would surprise people?
During the beginning of the pandemic I needed to stay busy, so I signed up for all the classes I needed to finish my associate degree and I completed it in just a few weeks.
Favorite hobby or pastime?
I’m an avid crafter. My 5-to-9 is working on craft projects.
Favorite song?
My Spotify No. 1 song last year was “Matilda,” by Harry Styles.
