2021 Break Out Awards NORTHEAST SOUTH MIDWEST WEST
KEVIN McCARTHY Vice president, property & casualty
IBTX, a unit of Acrisure LLC
Addison, Texas
Majoring in finance and economics, Kevin McCarthy was well suited for an insurance career. That opportunity came when a family friend at an insurer told him about an internship there. That led to a love of the industry, a job and eventually to a position as a producer at IBTX, an agency partner of Acrisure, where he recently became a partner.
What’s your top tip for working remotely?
Take a shower and get dressed every morning as if you’re going to the office. Also, have a space that is dedicated to your work — my laptop doesn’t leave my office at home. I treat it like a regular workday; that’s what sets me up for the day.
What’s your advice on navigating the current insurance market?
It’s a challenging market, so tactics used in the past to create positive outcomes for clients may no longer work. It’s not just about placing insurance, it’s how we provide a better risk management solution to clients. It also means explaining claims and looking at loss trends and developing strategies on how to improve those trends.
What should the industry do to attract more young people to work in it?
Industry leaders need to be active in mentoring people and working with universities and other groups to reach high school and college students. Whatever their interest, they need to know that there is a fit in the insurance world.
What’s something about you that would surprise people?
That my choice of music anytime — whether working out or working — is hard-core metal, which you would probably not guess by my outward appearance.
What’s one habit or hobby you adopted during the pandemic?
Meditation. It’s been a great way for me to clear my mind and focus on the day, and to decompress at the end of the day
