2022 Break Out Awards NORTHEAST SOUTH MIDWEST WEST
MATTHEW JABER Western zone team leader, risk engineering
Coalition Inc.
San Francisco
Matthew Jaber started his career at Travelers in 2013 in its underwriting development program, where he became a cyber specialist. He moved to Coalition in 2019 to help develop underwriting strategy and products, where he is responsible for all underwriting for the Western zone.
What’s a lasting effect of the pandemic on the way you work?
I realized I’m a morning person. Basically, because of the pandemic, and it’s all working at home, I don’t have to commute to the office, which is saving me so much time in the morning, so I can roll out of bed and work.
What’s a problem that needs fixing in your sector?
The insurance industry is incredibly stable and has been for good reason, and it’s been around for hundreds of years, but the traditional way of conducting business in the insurance industry is not working. This new age of insurance is being much more dynamic. What we’re trying to do here is to actively monitor our policyholders, actively underwrite. It goes back to transparency, really communicating and strengthening and building relationships.
What is something about you that would surprise people?
That I’m very competitive when it comes to playing ping pong. I grew up playing ping pong with two of my brothers, and I’m definitely open to challenging anyone in the insurance industry.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an NBA basketball player. That was always my goal, but the basketball gods crushed my dreams, and they topped my height at 5'8", so I vicariously live through Stephen Curry right now.
Favorite song?
“Baby Beluga” by children’s entertainer Raffi. I have a daughter who’s six months old and we’re playing that song a lot. It’s a hit in our household.
