E³ = Transforming Ethics and Education into Empowerment
New Designees
Janette Adair
Lisa Barnes
John (Jay) Bauman
Jessica Dawson
Dyna DeLuna
Valeri Escobedo
Genevieve Harral
Tracie Henneke
Kathy Keevan
Candice Kile
Srirambabu Kumarasamy
Luke McLaren
Mark Medeiros
Georgina Molinar
Terri Pearce
Debbie Pruitt
Yvonne Ramirez
Carie Ann Roach
Toni Roberts
Stephen Russell
Albert Soto
Scott Southers
Cindy Stuebs
Jason Wright
Nate Wright
Janette Adair
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I began working in the insurance
industry in January 2004. From January 2004 through May of 2011, I was Legal Counsel for
the Nebraska Department of Insurance. In June 2011, I joined Argo Group US, Inc.
headquartered in San Antonio. I am currently AVP – Sr. Regulatory Counsel for the
organization.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit of
your CPCU designation? I pursued my CPCU designation through self study, which consisted
of reading the CPCU text books and completing the course guides. It took approximately 18
months to complete the program.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation? I
definitely recommend pursuing the designation. It is a very comprehensive series of courses
that will enhance your knowledge of the insurance industry.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. I have been very fortunate in having
many interesting opportunities over the course of my career. In addition to my insurance
roles, I have been an adjunct instructor for Concordia University and Southwestern College
teaching Business Law and Business Ethics, owned a small business for twelve years, and
served as the Mayor of Broken Bow, Nebraska for two years.
Lisa Barnes
McClelland and Hine, Inc
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I’ve been in the insurance industry
for 31 years now, 9 years with a retail agency and 22 years with my current employer,
McClelland and Hine, Inc.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit of
your CPCU designation? I started my journey toward the CPCU designation in 1996, when
my twins were 8 years old. I finished in June of 2012, some 16 years later.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation?
Don’t give up! There may be times when you just can’t study or attend a class for a few
months or a year (or two or three). Life happens, even while we’re pursuing our goals. Just
keep at it. It’s great if you can take all the classes right in a row and finish in a couple of
years, but it will mean just as much to you when you pass that last test after 16 years.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. I am a romance novel junkie and
I’ve always dreamed of writing one myself.
John (Jay) Bauman
Independent Adjuster
How long have you been in the insurance industry? In 2005, I began my career
as an Independent Adjuster working Hurricane Katrina property losses in Louisiana.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in
pursuit of your CPCU designation? In the spring of 2010, I earned my AIC
designation by completing three AIC exams and one AINS exam over a six month
period. While on a long term job assignment in Florida, I started studying CPCU 500
in February 2011. I quickly passed the 500, 520, 530 and 540 exams. As I
progressed into the CPCU course work, I also earned my AIS, AINS, and AMIM
designations in 2011. My goal to be at the 2012 CPCU conferment in Washington,
D.C. was postponed when my son announced his marriage would be on September
8, 2012. My studies in 2012 were expanded to include the ARM course work until
Hurricanes Isaac and Sandy further delayed my studies through the winter of 2012.
I successfully completed my CPCU studies in May 2013 and earned my ARM
designation in June 2013.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the
designation? Set attainable daily/weekly/monthly goals for your studies and
prepare thoroughly for the exams. Taking one exam each testing window is very
realistic.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. When not on
deployment working catastrophe assignments, I umpire high school baseball as
a member of the Texas Association of Sports Officials
Jessica Dawson
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I have been in the insurance
industry for about 7 years. I immediately began working for USAA once I completed my
B.A. in Corporate Financial Management and Risk Management.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit of
your CPCU designation? I started my pursuit of my CPCU in 2007 and I completed it in
2012. I took 2.5 years off to obtain my MBA in Finance in that timeframe, which is why it
took longer than expected to complete my designation.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation?
My best recommendation would be to not take any breaks. Once you complete one exam,
immediately move on to the next one. The more time you put between tests the more
difficult it will be to complete the designation.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. I speak English and Spanish and
have dual citizenship in the U.S. and Spain.
Dyna DeLuna
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I’ve been in the insurance industry
for thirteen years. My experience includes servicing/issuing, adjusting and underwriting
P&C policies.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit
of your CPCU designation? I earned the CPCU designation in fifteen months. I selfstudied for each exam and utilized all study aids, course guides and online practice
exams.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation?
My advice for anyone thinking of pursuing the CPCU designation is to stop thinking
about it and just do it! Take the first step and order your first set of materials - Register
for each exam (giving yourself a realistic exam date goal) as soon as you receive your
textbook to motivate you to start studying. I also recommend ordering all study
materials and utilizing the text book, your study materials and the practice exams in
preparation for each exam.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. I have a Bachelor of Arts in
Administration with a minor in Accounting from the University of the Incarnate Word
(UIW). My insurance designations include the CPCU and SCLA. I’m currently pursuing a
MBA from UIW. I am married and have three children, Madison (2007), Miranda (2008)
and Mateo (2010).
Valeri Escobedo
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I began my career in 1996, when I obtained both my
life & health and property-casualty licenses. Primarily, I sold life & auto insurance. In 2004 I became
interested in claims adjusting and then obtained my adjusters license. I continued selling auto insurance until
2007 when I was recruited by USAA as a non-injury adjuster. Adjusting has been a new and interesting
career choice. In 2012, I transferred to the fire, theft and vandalism claims department. I look forward to the
exciting paths now opening up after achieving the CPCU designation.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit of your CPCU
designation?. I started earning my CPCU in 1999. I passed my first CPCU examination in 2000.
Unfortunately, due to family obligations, I was unable to continue my studies. In 2010 I was able to resume
my studies. I completed my final exam in 2013. In my pursuit to earn my CPCU designation I also earned my ,
SCLA, AINS and AIC designations.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation?
Let your friends and family know you need time to study. I was blessed with family and friends who
understood how much I really desired to obtain my designation. Once I got back to my studies all I had to say
is, “I need to study” and they were all very supportive. My husband was my biggest fan and drill instructor.
When I was tempted to set aside my books and go do something else, he would say "Didn't you say you
wanted to study?" or "Isn't your exam coming up soon?" It gently reminded me to keep my eye on my goal.
Setting a study schedule is vital. You should say to yourself "I should be done studying Chapter X by X, and
take the practice quiz for that chapter to check your progress. Definitely, get the comprehensive package for
your chosen course. The smart aids and computer quizzes really help you get the information down well. I
was only able to take classes for two of the courses due to scheduling. I was able to pass each exam on the
first attempt by being well prepared with these tools. They were invaluable to me. Never, give up!
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. Perhaps the most interesting thing is while
studying to complete my CPCU designation I managed to get married last July! My husband has been my
most encouraging supporter throughout this endeavor. Both my sons became US Marines. One is still on
active duty at Camp Pendleton in CA. The other is now in Houston and about to get married in Oct. Just one
week before the conferment of this designation. I also have 3 beautiful grandchildren, ages 2, 4 and 6.
Genevieve Harral
And husband Sean
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I have been in the insurance industry
for 10 years in personal lines. I have handled acquisition and service for auto, property, and
umbrella policies in 49 states, Washington, D.C., and many countries including Germany,
the United Kingdom, and Italy.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit of
your CPCU designation? I completed the personal concentration path for my CPCU in
about a year and a half.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation? For
anyone considering pursuing the CPCU designation, I would advise them of the different
study methods available and of the importance of using the one that best suits their style.
There are various resources that are provided by The Institutes that can help with
preparation, too.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. I am so fortunate to be able to
pursue higher learning and now that I have completed my CPCU, I am pursuing my Masters
degree in Humanities.
Tracie Henneke
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I have been in the industry 20 years
and all 20 years have been at USAA. My background includes: Policy Service
Representative, Property Claims Adjuster, Line Underwriter, and Staff Underwriting. Today
I am a Sr. Contract Administrator and I manage the relationship between USAA and all our
3rd party vendors under USAA’s Underwriting Portfolio.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit of
your CPCU designation? I began CPCU as a line underwriter in 2002. Because of the
opportunities I had to change my job several times, I decided to take a long break and
focus on my new job rotations. I decided to complete my final exam in December 2012.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation? I
would recommend getting a study buddy when you can, take actual classes when they are
available, and utilize the practice tests on the website religiously.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. In my spare time I love training
for and running marathons.
Kathy Keevan
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I served in a support role in USAA
Corporate Finance for our P&C Insurance area since 2000. I moved to a position in P&C
Claims Staff in May 2012, supporting Property claims for their data and reporting needs.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit of
your CPCU designation. I worked on my CPCU designation for three years. Being in
Finance/Accounting but supporting Property & Casualty insurance, I wanted to learn all I
could about the operational side of the business so that I could better support my
customer. In the course of gaining this operational knowledge and working with P&C
executives over the years, I was able to position myself to make the career move to P&C
operations.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation?
Don’t let “eight difficult exams” intimidate you. Set doable goals for passing each exam,
concentrating on one at a time – a journey of a thousand miles is accomplished step by
step. Locate peer support, like coworkers who are also working on the CPCU, and the
Facebook group, where you can gain support and networking opportunities with
professionals from all over the world.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. I like a little adventure and
danger in my life! I love international travel, and I love to do adventurous things like
white water rafting and bungee jumping.
Candice Kile
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I’ve been in insurance since 2006 and it is
has been the most rewarding and inspiring 7 years of my life. After graduating from the University
of Michigan in 2005, I made the decision to become an actuary. Shortly thereafter, I found a
position in State Management. Ever since, I’ve been fascinated with insurance and the positive
societal effects to help individuals rebuild their lives after tragedy strikes and help others
understand how to mitigate losses before they happen.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit of your
CPCU designation? I decided to pursue my CPCU designation shortly after entering the field of
insurance to learn more about it. Since most of my career has been in Personal lines, I decided to
go the commercial path to broaden my insurance experience and expertise. It took me 7 years to
finish my CPCU but along the way I’ve considered myself a full time mother first, a full-time
employee second and lastly a part-time student. I will never stop learning!
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation?
The CPCU designation has helped me in so many ways, it has allowed me to understand different
perspectives, prioritize concerns, and balance priorities. What a great way to invest in yourself,
your field, and your company!
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. I have a singing dashound. Yes, he’s 11
yrs old and recently learned the art of music only a few months ago. My sons (age 4 and 8) have
since taught him all kinds of new stuff, little did I know that ‘you can teach an old dog new tricks’!
Srirambabu Kumarasumy
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I have been in the Insurance industry since
2003. I started my career as a trainee in IFFCO TOKIO General Insurance Company in India. I
moved to TATA Consultancy Services (TCS) in 2007 as an Insurance Business Analyst. My
aspiration to pursue CPCU started here.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit of your
CPCU designation? I started my path to reach CPCU from the INS 21 exam. I completed 3 papers
in the INS program. Then I continued with API 28 and completed 2 papers in the API program.
Completion of API and INS gave me 2 papers waiver in the CPCU program. Then I completed one
CPCU paper per quarter. I completed the final paper in December 2012. It took 4 years to reach
the prestigious CPCU designation.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation?
My advice would be to start from AINS program. This program has very good information about
the fundamentals of insurance. Completing this program will give lots of satisfaction of achieving
a designation from The Institutes. It would be a motivational factor to complete CPCU. Whenever
I felt it was difficult to prepare for the exam, I met the great people who have already completed
CPCU. Their words gave me lots of confidence and interest to complete each exam. The SMART
practice exams are exceptionally good and very useful in the exam preparation. My strong
recommendation is to undergo the chapter wise and complete exams in the SMART practice
exam.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. I have been married for 4 years.
Support from my wife was really instrumental to complete the CPCU. She was so patient and
helpful when I was preparing for the exams. My first baby was born in June 2012. His name is
Sanjith. I love to spend time with my baby. I enjoy watching movies, traveling with my family and
visiting new places.
Luke McLaren
How long have you been in the insurance industry? Since 2001.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit
of your CPCU designation? Started the designation in 2004 at Farm Family Insurance
Company by taking two courses. Spent most of my past 12 years in Life insurance, so
took some time off from the CPCU to finish the CLU and RHU. Nonetheless, felt a need
to learn the P&C side as well, which triggered my urgency to complete the CPCU.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation?
One way of showing commitment to your clients and to yourself is to pursue higher
learning. If P&C issues are part of your daily tasks, consider a challenging designation
such as the CPCU.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know.
As a boy, my father once told me that to be truly wise, one must read and understand
the Bible in its entirety. My goal for decades has been to read the Bible from front to
back. Though the goal is attained, at least once per year the Bible is read in its entirety,
there are three observations: (1) The Bible reads me by searching me and revealing
things hidden; (2) the more you read the whole thing, it amazes me how much there is
to be discovered; and, (3) that there is one source of truth and wisdom.
Mark Medeiros
How long have you been in the insurance industry? About 14 years. I started at Met Auto &
Home in the Rhode Island home office as an Underwriter for their Group P&C Division. I have
also worked for OneBeacon Insurance in Boston as an Underwriting Manager, which is where I
learned about the Independent Agency side of the business. Nearly 6 years ago I came to USAA
as an Underwriting Portfolio Manager and I am now a Product Management Director.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit of your
CPCU designation? In total, it took me about 10 years to complete the program. I took a 5
year hiatus during this timeframe. My daughter was born, I was doing a lot of business travel
and I had relocated from the New England area to San Antonio during this period. We just had
a lot going on and it made sense to focus on other things. That said, once I decided to re-start
the program I went full-tilt completing 4 exams in 14 months.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation?
I think that anyone interested in improving their insurance knowledge should make a goal of
attaining the designation and persevere until their goal is achieved – just make sure it is for the
right reasons. Acquiring the designation does not guarantee that one will start to see
promotions. It really is about being committed to the career path that you have chosen and
the personal and professional development that you’ll gain.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. After graduating college my first
interview was with a well-known Boston-based life insurance company. I came away
unimpressed with the interviewer and I am pretty sure he felt the same way about me. I
distinctly remember walking out the door and thinking to myself that I had no interest in ever
working in the insurance industry, a fact which I find quite amusing today!
Georgina Molinar
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I have been in the industry since I
started with State Farm in October of 2005.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit of
your CPCU designation? I began my journey in 2008 shortly after moving to Dallas for
work. It was my first time away from home and I didn’t know anybody. Basically, I was
looking for something to keep me busy and not homesick. I started out with other
designations to get a sense for what was ahead of me. I completed INS (now AINS), AIS,
and API before beginning studying for the CPCU in earnest in 2010. I intended to
complete it within 2 years but life got in the way when 2 classes away from finishing I
accepted a promotion that moved me to San Antonio. I had friends and family here so
studying went to the back burner. When I saw how little I had to go, I finally decided in
2012 to pick up where I left off.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation?
Just do it. Extra knowledge can only help you. Even if it doesn’t seem immediately
applicable in your current job, it cannot hurt in the long run.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. I enjoy doing yoga and Pilates in
my spare time and love a good mystery novel.
Terri Pearce
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I have been in the industry for 19
years and all my time has been with USAA.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit of
your CPCU designation? It took a little bit of time. I actually took my first course in
September of 2002. I really focused in 2011 and set strict goals for myself to finish it by the
end of 2012.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation? I
recommend setting regular goals and trying to complete at least 3 courses per year. That
way you are still able to strike a balance between career and family.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. 2012 was a really great year for
me personally. I experienced three really cool things: I ran my first half marathon (without
walking), I finished my CPCU and I travelled to India, France and England. It will be hard to
top that year, but I am sure going to try!
Debbie Pruitt
How long have you been in the insurance industry? My insurance career began when I
was hired at USAA in November 1997.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit
of your CPCU designation? I took my first CPCU course in 2002! I was working on my
master’s degree at the time, which didn’t leave much time for CPCU. After a long break
from studying, I took another CPCU course in 2008. Then in 2010, I picked up the pace
and decided to work on multiple insurance designations. Each year I took a combination
of CPCU and non-CPCU courses. In addition to CPCU, I have completed the Associate in
General Insurance (AINS), Associate in Personal Insurance (API), Associate in Regulation
and Compliance (ARC), and Insurance Regulation (IR) designations.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation?
I’ll share my study tips. Take the time to complete the exercises in the course guide. I
highly recommend taking advantage of the online courses which are available for most
courses in the program. They are interactive and the material is well-presented. The
learning activities, quizzes and practice exams allow ample opportunity to test your
knowledge. If you complete the course guide and all the activities in the online course,
you’ll be well-prepared.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. I used to be fluent in French. I
rarely get a chance to use it anymore so now my French is très rouillé (very rusty)!
Yvonne Ramirez
How long have you been in the insurance industry? 20 years
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in
pursuit of your CPCU designation? Personal Lines - It took me about 1.5 - 2 years to
complete all parts except for last one (CPCU 540). I had no desire to take this last
course. I finally decided to take and complete this last course several years later.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation?
Cover all information in the text and do not skip any chapters. If self study, start
studying early to give yourself enough time to review each chapter and take the
practice exams in the course guide. If the course you are taking is very challenging, I
recommend enrolling in a class. The SMART app is very helpful too.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. I enjoy watching all sport
events. I especially like to watch basketball and our San Antonio Spurs.
Carie Ann Roach
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I have been in the insurance industry
since 1990, starting in the mail room at an independent insurance agency and working
during my high school and college years. For the last several years I have been functioning as
the Operations Director for a large independent insurance agency in South Texas.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit of
your CPCU designation? I worked on my CPCU designation for four years. This was
completed by using the self-study program. I was able to study in the late evenings and on
the weekends to achieve my goal. After every exam I gave myself a “vacation” from studying
before moving to the next course. This helped me gear up for the next course and prepare
for the challenge.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation?
Never underestimate yourself. Use creative study tools to keep it interesting, such as colored
index cards, colored markers, drawings and such to help you remember what you have
learned.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. I was raised in the country working
on my family’s pecan farms. This included a lot of hunting and fishing when we were not
working. I can operate heavy machinery, pull gooseneck trailers and repair irrigation system
leaks. Manual labor is not foreign to me! Also, I like to shoot skeet and spend time
outdoors with my family.
Toni Roberts
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I have been in the insurance industry
for 13 years. I have experience handling both non-injury and bodily injury claims. I have
also worked as a Claims Call Center Supervisor and Property Claims Manager.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit of
your CPCU designation? Personal Lines. I completed one course in 2012 and the
remainder of the courses were completed by April 2013.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation?
I would definitely recommend obtaining the CPCU designation as it provides a better
understanding of insurance from an underwriting, risk management as well as the financial
aspects surrounding both the personal and commercial property and casualty lines of
businesses. It is time consuming but stick with it as the knowledge you gain is priceless.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. My father was active duty army
for 24 years so I was very fortunate to be able to travel almost all of Europe and experience
things that others could only read about in their history books. I was born in Japan and
believe growing up around individuals from many different cultures and backgrounds made
me able to adapt to unfamiliar situations very quickly.
Stephen Russell
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I have been in the insurance
industry for 4 years. My experience has been in auto claims, starting in our Total Loss
department, and now handling first party injury claims.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in
pursuit of your CPCU designation? When I started working at USAA many of my coworkers were pursuing their Master’s Degrees. Having earned mine several years
ago, I decided to focus solely on insurance education. Rather than start with the
shorter designations, I opted for the CPCU which I equate to a Master’s Degree in
Insurance. It took me two years to complete the program.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation?
Yes, just get started! The information will relate to your job, and in my case, answer
the “why” we do things in a certain way. It will broaden your knowledge base and
open your eyes to challenges out there waiting to be resolved.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. I am a retired Air Force
Flight Engineer. I love to run, bike and swim, and participate in marathons.
Albert Soto
How long have you been in the insurance industry? 27 Years. I spent most of my
career with a multi line carrier and for a short amount of time I worked for a single line
online carrier.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit
of your CPCU designation? Not by design, but I took a nontraditional path. I started in
P&C Underwriting in 1986, but my job quickly turned into more of a Product
Management role. However, upon joining USAA I decided to focus on my industry
education and started the CPCU program. It took me 2.5 years to complete.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation?
Regardless of our discipline, it’s a great investment for you and your organization.
Despite my industry tenure, I still learned a lot and refined my understanding of some of
the fundamentals of our business. This was important to me since most of my 27 years
was spent with one company, so my view of the industry was defined by their business
model.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. Tough one. For most of my
career, I have considered myself mobile and at one point I moved my family 4 times in 7
(really 6.5) years. Thus, I can relate to our USAA members moving around a lot.
Scott Southers
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I started working at USAA in
December of 1989 as a records clerk. I then pursued the AIC designation, the SCLA
designation and an MBA in e-Commerce. Since then, I have held several positions
within P&C claims.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit
of your CPCU designation? After receiving my MBA in 2007, I took a little break
before pursuing the CPCU. A few years later however, I felt a renewed urge to continue
my education so I jumped back into self development and completed the CPCU in
March 2013.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation?
I highly recommend the CPCU to anyone who is seriously interested in a career in the
insurance/financial industry. Upon completing the CPCU, you gain a wealth of
knowledge that helps to round out your career while creating an “edge” you can use
professionally.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. In my free time, I enjoy
gardening and landscaping and watching my plants and trees grow. I love being in the
outdoors!
Jason Wright
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I have been in the insurance industry
since 1996. I started my career as an Independent Adjuster with Frontier Adjusters in
Roswell, New Mexico. After two years as an Independent Adjuster I was offered a job with
the New Mexico Farm Bureau as a Staff Adjuster based out of Clovis, New Mexico. After
working as a Senior Claims Representative for five years, I decided it was time to open my
own business. I have been the owner / operator of Frontier Adjusters of Del Rio / Uvalde,
Texas and Frontier Adjusters of Kerrville / Fredericksburg, Texas since May of 2002.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit of
your CPCU designation? I originally started the CPCU courses back in 1999 when
everything was in Essay format. I was able to get 6 CPCU courses done before I left Farm
Bureau. Of course I saved the hardest for last, CPCU 530 & 540. After a 10 year break I
decided I needed to finish up. I took the final two (2) tests at the end of 2012 and
completed the curriculum. The multiple choice tests are much easier
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation? The
only advice I have is to “Stay with it”. You’re going to run into brick walls and things will
seem very difficult at times, but do not falter. If you fail a test, immediately sign back up
and take it again. Persistence is key.
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. While insurance claims take up
100% of my life now, there was a point in time when I was a professional steer and calf
roper. I put myself through college shoeing horses and going to rodeos. It’s funny because
now I actually have the means to rodeo full time but can’t afford to take the time off to go.
Nate Wright
How long have you been in the insurance industry? I’ve been in the insurance industry
for 24 years, all with USAA. I’ve worked as an agent, underwriter, staff and management.
Please describe the path that you took and the amount of time it took you in pursuit of
your CPCU designation? I started taking a few INS and CPCU courses in the late 90’s and
passed 4 of the required 8 exams. I decided two years ago that since I was halfway to
obtaining the designation that I should move ahead and finish out the remaining 4 courses
and obtain the designation.
Do you have any advice to share with someone thinking of getting the designation? Go
for it, stick to it and get it done, you won’t regret it!
Tell us something about yourself that none of us know. I grew up as an Army Brat and
have lived all over the world. I went to high school and college in California and moved to
Texas in 2009. In 2012, my wife and I founded the San Antonio Furniture Bank and we
provide household furnishings to those previously homeless, victims of domestic violence
and low income households.