Limitless Possibilities: Recent Episodes
Acrisure
What does it mean to see limitless possibilities? Join our hosts Elliott Bundy and John Pelle as they engage with the people behind the fast-paced growth and winning success of global fintech, Acrisure. In these episodes, you’ll hear from leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts as they share their stories and exemplify what it means to be part of a limitless culture. These are the voices of Acrisure.
“The bottom-line benefit of reinsurance is that it makes a more efficient market and a more affordable product.”— Simon Hedley
In this episode, your host, John Pelle, Director of Communications at Acrisure, is joined by Simon Hedley, Chief Executive Officer of Acrisure Re.
John and Simon catch up ahead of Monte Carlo Rendez-Vous, the largest gathering for insurance and reinsurance leaders. Simon chats trends affecting the world of reinsurance, the importance of DE&I and giving back, and factors in Acrisure Re’s exceptional growth over the past few years.
Tune in for a rundown of reinsurance today as we look ahead to 2023.
Key Takeaways:
[0:58] Simon shares his excitement about being back in Monte Carlo with the Acrisure team.
[1:49] What is going to be the dominant conversation at Rendez-Vous?
[3:05] Simon talks about key trends that will be addressed looking ahead at 2023.
[4:07] Simon explains the meaning of reinsurance.
[5:26] What is Acrisure doing differently than other reinsurance brokers to be growing so quickly?
[7:19] Simon highlights the incredible charitable initiatives that the Acrisure Re Division has embarked on.
[8:51] What is the focus of the Acrisure Re for the rest of 2022?
[9:50] Simon speaks to some of the things the team has been working on recently.
[12:49] Simon shares his words with colleagues working in the reinsurance division.
Further Reading:
AcrisureRe.com
Acrisure on LinkedIn
Acrisure Re on LinkedIn
Notable Quotes:
“A big part of the reason why we've been able to double in size and double our revenue over the last four years since joining Acrisure, is that we have diversified our business.” — Simon Hedley
“We collectively felt it was important for us as a business, important for us as people, to be involved in these DE&I and charitable initiatives.”– Simon Hedley
“Limitless possibilities describes the heart of Acrisure Re.”— Simon Hedley
“This is a partnership of leaders and because of that I think the opportunity is so rich for people. If you have a goal, come to Acrisure… It's limitless.” — Brigitte Egbert
In this episode, your host, John Pelle, Director of Communications at Acrisure, is joined by two award-winning and dynamic leaders: Jennifer Anderson, Partner at Bozzuto & Associates Insurance Services, and Brigitte Egbert, Executive Vice President and Commanding Partner at Monarch Insurance Services.
Jennifer and Brigitte explore the latest insurance trends in industries from real estate to cannabis, share their perspectives on DE&I efforts in the insurance community, and discuss the limitless impact of partnering with a brand like Acrisure. By leveraging their connections and resources as Acrisure Partners, they have been able to expand their business and find solutions for any and all client needs.
Key Takeaways:
[2:14] Jennifer talks about what keeps her motivated in her everyday responsibilities at Bozzuto.
[3:14] Brigitte shares the reasons why she became an entrepreneur and a business partner for Acrisure.
[4:56] The world is getting riskier; Jennifer and Brigitte share how they are preventing this for their clients.
[8:02] Jennifer talks about the particulars of their work with contractors.
[9:32] How is Jennifer tackling communication in regards to the insurance business?
[11:48] Brigitte shares how she would compel someone to become part of Acrisure's story.
[13:04] Jennifer speaks about her experience with Acrisure.
[15:20] Jennifer talks about her mission and involvement as the President of the Board of Directors of CREW Silicon Valley.
[16:27] Brigitte shares her perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
[17:27] Brigitte talks about Acrisure being a great place for women in the industry.
[18:43] What do limitless possibilities mean to Jennifer?
[19:21] Brigitte shares her thoughts about limitless possibilities.
Further Reading:
Acrisure.com
Acrisure on LinkedIn
Bozzuto & Associates Insurance Services
Monarch Insurance Services
Notable Quotes:
“There's nothing we can't do and on top of it we're going to do it better than our competitors..” — Jennifer Anderson
“Every time that I've actually reached out and talked to [an Acrisure Partner] and been introduced to someone it served to my advantage which ultimately is a plus for my clients.”
— Brigitte Egbert
“One of the really cool stories about Acrisure is that you have this convergence of small businesses. Those operators, those entrepreneurs, those founders, had what it took to be diligent, aggressive, creative, entrepreneurial and build companies that are now part of Acrisure.” — Bill Meara
In this episode, your host, John Pelle, Director of Communications at Acrisure, is joined by Bill Meara, President of Acrisure Cyber Services. Bill has built and operated several successful companies and today leads Acrisure’s newest vertical line of business, which leverages best-in-class security products, modern AI techniques and cloud-native architecture to minimize clients’ risk.
In this episode, Bill discusses his background as an entrepreneur and what drew him to Acrisure. He also provides an overview of the Cyber Services team and solution and how it can support small to mid-size clients in an increasingly risky world.
Key Takeaways:
[4:47] Bill speaks about the transition from where he started to now, being part of Acrisure’s team.
[6:52] Bill talks about Acrisure’s impressive entrepreneurial makeup and ethos.
[8:10] What is Bill’s philosophy for growing a company?
[12:35] Bill digs into the cyber services solution and what it entails.
[13:36] Bill highlights the financial impact of the cyber services security blanket offering, reducing Acrisure’s cyber security liability costs to zero.
[15:19] How is the Acrisure cyber services offering unique?
[19:20] What does “limitless possibilities” mean to Bill?
Further Reading:
Acrisure.com
Acrisure on LinkedIn
Notable Quotes:
“I expect everybody to think creatively and to figure out ways to add products to our portfolio or offerings that are synergistic, that can add additional value for our customers.” — Bill Meara
“We're in a very unique situation in the fact that we have two million plus clients that we can bring a resource and solution to help protect their businesses.”— Bill Meara
“You have talent that you leave untapped if you don’t provide access.” — Dr. Leroy Nunery II
In this episode, your host, John Pelle, Director of Communications at Acrisure, is joined by Dr. Leroy (“Lee”) Nunery II, President of Evolution Advisors, a joint venture whose Founding Partners include Acrisure, Russell Westbrook, Ciara and Russell Wilson. Lee brings us back to 1969 where his personal journey as an advocate for racial and economic justice begins. He explains what led him to his role at the forefront of Evolution Advisors, and why this mission of providing access for minority communities is so important in our world today.
Listen to Lee’s powerful message and be a part of the change.
Key Takeaways:
[1:42] Lee shares his story starting with the significant date of October 9th, 1969.
[5:30] Lee highlights his motivation to provide access to opportunities through Evolution Advisors.
[6:27] Lee speaks about his transition from his father’s business to the world of academia.
[10:38] Lee shares his experience during his recent presentation for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) and provides insights from his research.
[13:03] What makes Evolution Advisors different in its vision? How will they reach success?
[15:48] Lee mentions some of the current priorities and ongoing work of Evolution Advisors.
[18:17] Lee shares a football story.
[20:03] Lee speaks about superior thought and what it means to see limitless possibilities.
Further Reading:
Acrisure.com
Acrisure on LinkedIn
Evolution Advisors
Notable Quotes:
“I don’t want to see anyone struggle when they have the goods and are willing to work hard.” — Dr. Leroy Nunery II
“How can people access the information my father couldn’t get? How do we break that code so people can get the right opportunities to maximize their time? It is still in early stages but we are making great progress.” — Dr. Leroy Nunery II
“If we strive in a way that is coherent and cohesive, and we really try to do something different, like we're talking about with Evolution, in concert with every other agency partner, we'll show the world that it's possible.” — Dr. Leroy Nunery II
“I've always wanted to be part of a small rebellion. And one of the things that appealed to me about Acrisure was the opportunity to be part of that rebellion, part of that small team that is doing things differently.” — Lowell Singer
In this episode, your host, John Pelle, Director of Communications at Acrisure, is joined by Lowell Singer, Acrisure’s Chief Financial Officer. From a brief appearance on Jimmy Kimmel to his current role as CFO, in this episode Lowell highlights the impact of the latest and most significant capital raise of his tenure, leading to Acrisure’s $23 billion valuation. As a man of numbers - in a company of numbers - Lowell highlights how the financial metrics of Acrisure are consistent with some of the top-performing publicly listed companies in the world, and shares his excitement about the future of our fast-growing fintech.
Get ready to talk numbers… and so much more.
Key Takeaways:
[1:30] Lowell is a student of stand-up comedy, but what’s harder: reporting on quarterly earnings or telling a joke to a crowd full of people?
[2:45] What makes a brand great?
[4:20] Lowell gives a special shout-out to the finance team for their hard work.
[5:54] Lowell talks about the many ongoing and upcoming projects that the finance team is prioritizing for the remainder of 2022.
[7:28] Lowell chats about the latest round of funding and its impact on new investors and company stakeholders.
[8:51] What numbers paint the best picture of Acrisure?
[11:42] Lowell tells us about his brief encounter with Jimmy Kimmel.
[13:34] What does Limitless Possibilities mean for Lowell?
Further Reading:
Acrisure.com
Acrisure on LinkedIn
Acrisure Closes $725 Million Equity Funding, Valuing Business At $23 Billion
Notable Quotes:
“We benefit as a company when the financial organization and the business teams are working in concert.” — Lowell Singer
“The opportunities are extraordinary if we can continue to execute as well as we have been executing for much of the last decade.” — Lowell Singer
“There are about 70,000 publicly listed companies in the world. And if you then drill down into companies of 15 billion or north in market cap, that are based in the US, that have EBITDA margins north of 30%, that have unlevered free cash flow margins of 70%, and that drive annual revenue growth of more than 15%, when you look at that entire universe of publicly traded companies, I think there are three names on that list. And those financial metrics are consistent with what we're delivering as a private company.” — Lowell Singer
“If we can continue to execute on our strategy… and then layer in some incremental organic growth… it puts us in a very rarefied group… that I think public and private investors are interested in.” — Lowell Singer
“You can change the world. Dream big.” — Sally Farrar
In this episode, your host, John Pelle, Director of Communications at Acrisure, is joined by Sally Farrar, CEO of Elevated Title, an Acrisure Real Estate Partner. Sally walks us through her journey as an entrepreneur - from law school to title insurance and real estate - as well as the benefits of partnering with Acrisure. Her winning spirit and passion for supporting and uplifting fellow women shine forth throughout her story.
Tune in and “dream big” with Sally!
Key Takeaways:
[1:38] Sally shares the beginning and evolution of her entrepreneurial journey.
[3:30] Sally speaks about her inner “fighting spirit” that drives her forward.
[5:22] Sally explains the inner workings of a title agency.
[9:45] Sally explains how Acrisure’s partnership and technology has helped them modernize and innovate.
[10:50] Sally speaks to the natural progression of Acrisure’s services to being able to provide loans and title insurance.
[13:50] Sally shares how new Acrisure Partners can make the most out of their partnership.
[15:40] Sally shares her passion for women’s sports and coaching, and the concept of “Her Goal, Your Goal.”
[17:31] Sally extends her advice to other women who want to encourage young women to pursue their dreams.
[18:23] What does limitless possibilities mean to Sally?
Further Reading:
Acrisure.com
Acrisure on LinkedIn
Elevated Title
Her Goal, Your Goal
Notable Quotes:
“Your biggest successes come from your failures and your ability to understand your weaknesses.” - Sally Farrar
“I hated losing more than I liked winning. And that really drives me.” - Sally Farrar
“Title Insurance Agencies are still stuck in the ’80s and with Acrisure’s partnership, they can bring us into the next century.” — Sally Farrar
“The most successful title insurance agencies in the industry have partnered with real estate and lenders companies.”— Sally Farrar
“The world is a very uncertain place at the moment, in many respects, and managing the risk that goes with that is paramount.” – Grahame Millwater
In this episode, your host, John Pelle, is joined by Grahame Millwater, Acrisure’s President of Global Insurance, who dives right into the importance of a strong company culture and engaging with the incredibly talented people within the world of Acrisure.
What does it take to stay ahead of trends in an increasingly “risky'' environment? It all starts with curiosity… tune in to find out more.
Key Takeaways:
[0:57] Grahame shares his perspective on the famous business quote: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
[2:57] Grahame explains why he thinks that execution also eats strategy for breakfast.
[3:38] “We must make one and one equal three.” Grahame speaks about the meaning of this phrase for him.
[5:15] What are the trends that Grahame sees in the marketplace that show that Acrisure is in the right areas with the right talent to achieve success?
[7:46] Grahame suggests how to stay on top of industry trends, and how it starts with curiosity.
[9:12] Grahame speaks to the value of peer-to-peer communication.
[12:23] What is Grahame’s sales pitch for a career in insurance today?
[14:07] Grahame shares his suggestions about talent and young leadership programs.
[18:05] Working for the best boss is fundamental to Grahame; he openly talks about his experiences with different bosses during his career.
[20:43] What does limitless possibilities mean to Grahame?
Further Reading:
Acrisure.com
Acrisure on LinkedIn
Acrisure on Instagram
Learn more about Grahame MIllwater
Notable Quotes:
“Culture is incredibly important; if you don't get the culture right you will never get the organization right.” — Grahame Millwater
“A team growing in the same direction is what makes an organization successful.” — Grahame Millwater
“The world is getting riskier; the more solutions we can provide, the better.” — Grahame Millwater
“The best team is made up of different types of skilled people.” — Grahame Millwater
“There’s always going to be reasons not to do something. My advice is: just go do it.” – Sozon "Soz" Vatikiotis
In this episode, your host, John Pelle, Director of Communications at Acrisure, is joined by Soz Vatikiotis, Acrisure’s Chief Operating Officer, who opens up about his unique personal journey and highlights some of the incredible accomplishments of the dynamic, growing team at the “greatest company in the world.”
Learn how to think abundantly and get ready to feel inspired.
Key Takeaways:
[1:46] Soz started at Acrisure as an Acrisure Partner (AP) principal and now sits in the executive team; he describes his different roles at Acrisure and how his journey has been so far.
[9:35] Soz recommends embracing the opportunities in front of you and thinking outside of the box.
[12:34] Soz talks about the “cool things” happening at Acrisure and he mentions some of the great collaborations across verticals making it all possible.
[18:39] Soz highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with “abundant thinkers.”
[22:30] What does “limitless possibilities” mean to Soz?
Further Reading:
Acrisure.com
Acrisure on LinkedIn
Acrisure on Instagram
Notable Quotes:
“At Acrisure, the sky really is the limit.” — Soz Vatikiotis
“Nothing prevents us from achieving our goals; only us” — Soz Vatikiotis
“I do feel incredibly strongly that this is a business that people will write case studies about one day.” — Soz Vatikiotis
“We built our system from scratch; at Acrisure we don’t just buy things, but we are building them.” — Greg Williams
Elliott Bundy (Chief Communications and Marketing Officer) and Greg Williams, Co-Founder, CEO and President of Acrisure, cover Acrisure’s “Rocketship” growth to $3.5 billion in revenue from just $38 million eight years ago. Through partnership, innovation, and customer-obsession, Acrisure is building a company like no other.
Hear from the voices of Acrisure in this all-new series from the global fintech leader.
Key Takeaways:
[1:27] Greg shares how Acrisure’s journey to fintech leader began.
[6:14] Greg explains how recommendations that have been acted on went from 10% to 30%.
[7:41] The capabilities Acrisure has today as a company are completely different from the ones it had two years ago.
[8:35] Greg talks about the new verticals that have taken the company into areas beyond its core insurance offerings.
[12:50] Greg speaks on the differentiators between Acrisure and other companies providing similar services.
[16:41] The partnership orientation and the culture around it are two aspects that identify the core values of Acrisure.
[18:48] Acrisure is going to outwork its competitors.
[19:48] Greg defines himself as a serial entrepreneur surrounded by other successful entrepreneurs.
Further Reading:
Acrisure.com
Acrisure on LinkedIn
Acrisure on Instagram
Notable Quotes:
“At Acrisure, we are doing now the things that we envisioned two years ago.” — Greg Williams
“We built our system from scratch; at Acrisure we don’t just buy things, but we are building them.” — Greg Williams
“At Acrisure, technology platforms work as connective tissues.” — Greg Williams
How do you grow a company 100x? It starts with a Limitless mindset.
In this first episode of the “Limitless Possibilities Podcast,” Elliott Bundy (Chief Communications and Marketing Officer) is joined by Acrisure Co-Founder, CEO and President Greg Williams for a candid discussion.
Key Takeaways:
[:51] Greg Williams, Co-Founder, CEO, and President of Acrisure joins Elliott to tell the story of Acrisure.
[1:34] What makes now the right time to talk about Acrisure?
[3:32] Greg and Elliott talk about Acrisure’s rapid growth and evolution from an insurance broker to a fintech from June 2018 until today.
Further Reading:
Acrisure.com
Acrisure on LinkedIn
Acrisure on Instagram
Notable Quotes:
“You can’t adopt something you do not understand.” — Greg Williams
“What you are known for as a company is not necessarily who you are.”— Greg Williams
Each episode will feature the stories of leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts as they define what it means to be part of a limitless culture. These are the voices of Acrisure.