Jennifer McClure, CIC, ACSR, CBIA

Diversified Insurance Industries, Inc. | Hunt Valley, MD

Client Relationship Manager

Age: 39 | Years in Industry: 20

How did you get your start in the insurance industry?

I answered an ad in the newspaper for a receptionist position at an independent insurance agency. I quickly progressed to an assistant account manager, helping service a niche book of business – doctors and homebuilders. A few years later, I was promoted to an account manager, servicing primarily smallbusiness accounts.

What does your typical workday look like?

My day is filled with a variety of tasks. Time management is crucial when multitasking. I start with checking my scheduled appointments and calls. Then I review new emails and follow-up activities so I can set my to-do list. At this point, I determine what is urgent, what is important, and what can be delegated. Most of my day is filled with responding to client emails and prepping or following up on renewal items. Another portion of my day is helping new team members learn our procedures and assisting existing team members with their needs. As no day really goes as planned, I end my day with reviewing the progress on my to-do list so I know what needs to be carried over to the next day.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

I absolutely love building relationships with clients. I especially like it when I get to build their insurance program from the ground up; it gives me a sense of accomplishment. I really enjoy watching my clients grow their business operations and being regarded as a valued business partner. One of my passions is serving others, and I get to do that every day!

Have you had a professional role model or mentor? Tell us about him or her!

I was very fortunate to have a professional mentor at the beginning of my career. Early on as an account manager, I primarily serviced small-business accounts. One day, a producer asked me to handle his book of business, which consisted of larger accounts, and I jumped at the opportunity. He taught me how to prepare a marketing submission, analyze claims, and negotiate premiums. He also taught me how to build relationships with clients and carriers. He was my greatest motivator to obtain my CIC designation. He had his CIC and expressed to me how important it was to enhance my knowledge. He was truly a great mentor and helped with my path to success.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

My CIC designation is by far my greatest professional accomplishment. I put a lot of effort into studying for the various exams and pushed myself to complete them in a two-year time frame. I have always enjoyed learning. The insurance industry is constantly evolving, and I really enjoy the continuing education classes this program offers, especially the Ruble seminars that drill down into specialty topics.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I hope to be an operations manager with a focus in career development coaching for employees. In my current supervisory role, I found that I really love helping my teammates learn more about coverages and providing value-added services to clients.

Why should people consider a job in our industry?

The insurance industry has endless possibilities. You can work as an independent agent serving personal and commercial clients, or on the broker or carrier side serving independent agents. You can also be a generalist or specialist. Our industry offers so much potential!

When you’re not working, where are we most likely to find you?

I’m all about rest and relaxation outside of work. When I’m not running the typical mom errands, I’m snuggled up on my couch with my dogs watching TV. In the fall months, I also enjoy scrapbooking with my friends. In the summer months, you can find me at the pool with my family.