2024 Underwriters of the Year | Jomar Ballesteros, Intermediate Personal Lines Underwriter, Peel Mutual Insurance Company

Jomar Ballesteros started his insurance career in 2013 as an insurance advisor with RBC Insurance. He has since evolved through various roles and joined Peel Mutual Insurance Company as an underwriter in 2020. He holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from York University and has leveraged his background in problem-solving and critical thinking to excel in underwriting.

When he’s not working, Ballesteros dedicates his time to his wife and seven-year-old daughter, and their fur baby. The family loves travelling.

Reflecting on his recognition by McLean & Dickey Insurance, a broker member of the Canadian Broker Network, Ballesteros shares his appreciation: “I’m truly honoured and grateful that my hard work isn’t going unnoticed and that I’m able to help with the success of my broker partners.”

Q: What makes a great underwriter-broker working relationship?

“Communication and availability are key. Everyone is busy, but being available when a broker calls is crucial. It shows you’re there for them when they need assistance. It’s not just about going through a checklist but having conversations, asking questions, actively listening, and collaborating to find solutions.”

Q: Why did you become an underwriter, and what do you love most about your role?

“I became an underwriter because I enjoy the problem-solving and critical thinking aspects of the role. With a background in chemistry, I apply my transferable skills to succeed in underwriting. What I love most about the industry is the opportunity to talk to various people and build relationships with them.”

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for underwriters in P&C currently, and one thing they can do to overcome it?

“The biggest challenge is economic pressures. With the cost of living rising, people are finding creative ways to generate income. As underwriters, we need to ensure we ask the right questions and understand the risk and its exposures.”

Q: Given the current talent shortage, what would you say to encourage people to join the industry?

“The insurance industry has something for everyone, whether you enjoy sales, problem-solving, analytical thinking, or training and development. The best part is the people you meet and the relationships you build. Over the past 10 years, I’ve met and worked with some amazing people.” 

Q: What’s one opportunity you think underwriters should focus more on in today’s marketplace?

“Underwriters should take a step back and look at the big picture. Sometimes we get caught up going through a checklist and rush through things to meet service levels. But at the end of the day, it’s crucial to remember that our decisions have a direct impact on our mutual client. Our job as underwriters and brokers is to ensure we’re protecting the insured’s investments and have the correct product in place.”

Q: How do you see technology, including AI, impacting the role of underwriters in the coming years?

“Technology is always evolving to make everything more efficient, and it’s here to stay. We must remember that technology is a tool; we have to adapt to the changing environment. Educating ourselves and staying up to date with technology will be vital for underwriters and insurers going forward.”

 

The Canadian Broker Network Underwriter of the Year awards is a flagship program that CBN has been running on behalf of its members since 2017. The program is exclusive to CBN in partnership with Canadian Underwriter magazine. The categories allow for each of our member firms, at their option, to select one commercial lines underwriter winner as well as one personal lines underwriter winner from a primary market. The program evolved in 2021 to also allow for one commercial lines underwriter from an MGA in addition to the other two categories. The criteria includes underwriting excellence and risk knowledge; prompt and effective responsiveness back to CBN members; writing business that satisfies clients’ needs while creating a win-win for the broker and the insurer; a positive, helpful attitude; and investing time to develop trusting relationships with brokers.

Full list of 2024 Underwriters of the Year Award