2020 Break Out Awards NORTHEAST SOUTH MIDWEST WEST
MARCUS HENTHORN Area senior vice president
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Rolling Meadows, Illinois
Marcus Henthorn knew he wanted to be in insurance like his uncle, an insurance broker. After leaving his hometown of Boulder, Colorado, to attend Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, he accepted an internship with Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., which led to a full-time job. He has planted roots in Chicago with his wife and 17-month-old daughter and has steadily worked his way up at the brokerage.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the business?
I was fortunate enough to have a great mentor, which is something everybody in this industry should have. My big thing was identifying someone I can talk with about short- and long-term goals … and knowing that the feedback they were providing was not only candid and honest, it was meant to guide me long term in my career.
What should the industry do to attract more young people to work in it?
When you go out and speak to those young people, provide a look into what you do day to day. Not only can you create a lifelong career in one industry, but if you are really willing to focus, you can create anything you want.
What is the biggest challenge of working through the pandemic?
One of the biggest barriers that we’ve had to overcome is getting through the white noise. It’s been exponentially more difficult due to our work-from-home environments. I take an hour a day to really focus on what are the most important things I need to accomplish today.
What is something about you that would surprise people?
What I look like without a beard.
What is your favorite meal?
Chicken parmesan from Pasta Jay’s in Boulder, Colorado. I think I ate it four nights in a row when I was home for Christmas. I just love that place that much.
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