2023 Break Out Awards NORTHEAST SOUTH MIDWEST WEST
ROBERT SCHIMKE Assistant vice president-Alliant Specialty
Alliant Insurance Services Inc.
Sacramento, California
After growing up with insurance as the family business, Robert Schimke insisted he wanted nothing to do with the industry when he graduated from college. But a few years in technical recruiting made him realize he wanted a better work-life balance, and a family friend turned mentor advised him to give insurance a try. He joined Alliant in 2016 and hasn’t looked back since. Mr. Schimke currently works as a producer with a focus on public entities.
What’s your advice on navigating the current insurance market?
Patience, and you have to be very flexible. It’s very difficult right now and learning how to be patient and roll with the punches is very useful. And be honest and straightforward with people.
How are technological advances affecting your job?
The ability to work remote and the advances in that has certainly helped me. The advances in smart schedule of values and data analytics is also useful.
What do you wish more people knew about insurance?
How rewarding a career and profession it can be. It is not as scary and intimidating as some might think. The insurance world is great, and, unfortunately, it’s a well-kept secret to those graduating college. They really don’t know this can be a really rewarding career path.
What’s something about you that would surprise people?
I love to cook anything and everything.
Favorite hobby or pastime?
I really like to play golf and go fishing. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and I am excited to be a first-time girl dad in 2023.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A rockstar.
Favorite song?
“Blinding Lights,” by The Weeknd.
