In this episode of The Insurance Technology Podcast, Reid speaks to Jim Hackbarth about his experience in the insurance industry and how he went from a rookie dreaming of being a football coach to insurtech MVP as the President and CEO of Assurex Global. Like many, Jim’s journey into insurtech was accidental but it is where he thrives and continues to surround himself with the best and brightest in the industry today. 

Episode Highlights

• How Jim got into insurance (3:33)
• The power of working with smart people (14:03)
• Tragedy leads to a big opportunity (17:20)
• The start of the insurtech revolution (18:35)

About the Guest

Jim Hackbarth was the President & CEO of Assurex Global, the world’s largest privately held risk management and commercial insurance brokerage group headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, for 18 years. He announced his retirement in early 2021 and is currently a senior advisor to the firm. Jim began his career at IBM as a sales representative calling on insurance carriers followed by management positions with Policy Management Systems (PMS), Agency Management Systems (Vertafore) and Information Dimensions Inc. Jim stays involved with business startup activities ranging from board work (both private and venture capital backed), angel investing, strategic relationship development. He is a native of Columbus, Ohio where currently resides, and has traveled the globe extensively in his various business endeavors. Jim holds an MBA in Finance and a BSBA in Insurance from The Ohio State University.