2021 Break Out Awards NORTHEAST SOUTH MIDWEST WEST
CHRIS THEVENY Regional underwriting director, contract surety
Crum & Forster Holdings Corp.
Orange, California
A job hire through Monster.com brought Chris Theveny into the insurance industry and ultimately to Allied World. There he entered the contract surety business, where he uses his analytical skills. In 2019, when Allied World exited the surety business, he joined sister company Crum & Forster, where he runs the West Coast surety business.
What’s your top tip for working remotely?
Limit distractions. When I first worked at home I’d have the TV on, and I’d end up watching it instead of working. Try to give yourself a workplace setting.
How will your work change going forward?
Not too much. Even working from home I’d spend a few days in the office. I’d like to get back to seeing clients — I haven’t seen a client in more than a year now. That will be the real change, to see people again. In this industry, even your competitors become your friends. There is not a lot of angst towards each other, so it’s nice. It’s like I’m missing seeing some of my friends.
What should the industry do to attract more young people to work in it?
If we can get more visibility in the college setting and more information about surety, you would see more interest in the industry — particularly since the surety industry has a good starting salary, but not a lot of people know that. Getting the word out is important.
What’s one habit or hobby you adopted during the pandemic?
I do a lot of walking the dog. I’ve also gotten more organized and better at making to-do lists and prioritizing.
What is your favorite meal?
Any type of sushi. My dad was a chef. He introduced me to sushi when I was 9 and I’ve loved it ever since.
