How do you see your business – construction insurance and bonding – going forward over the next quarter?
… things started slow this year, but it’s turned out great for us. While things may be slower in Alberta, a lot of our Calgary clients are very busy in B.C. and Ontario. And we are doing lots of P3 work. We’ve been dominant in terms of market share in our category for some time and represent most of the major construction firms.
And over the next five years?
… technology is going to become more important – and there will be an advantage to those who identify more useful and creative ways to use it. Other than that, the mechanics of how we do business won’t change much – it’s about skills, work and matching risks with coverage. The area of ‘cyber-risk’ will be a growing concern and growing segment of our business as more clients are becoming rightly concerned about this risk and need to insure for it …
What qualities distinguish your preferred colleagues, collaborators and suppliers?
… in terms of picking staff, we (the insurance industry) compete with banks and accounting firms a lot in our recruiting. Skill-fit is important, but I think it’s about 90% gut feeling. I like to work with people who weigh ‘what is good about this?’ vs. ‘what is bad about this?’ Sometimes we make bad decisions – everyone makes some, but by thinking things through, we make more better ones.
What distinguishes you that causes people to choose Jay Sinclair, and why do they do business with you, why have they hired you, over your competitors?
… they know they are going to get an honest effort – they get the best I can do and I bring the strength of a team and a great company behind me delivering the best we can offer.
How would you describe your leadership/management style?
… I’m not a top-down type. I’m ‘from the side’. I like making decisions mutually, working with people on decisions, for advice. You never stop learning in this game …
Work/life balance?
… there is no such thing. Work is always rolling in your head. Work-life balance doesn’t happen in the brain …
What do you lose sleep over, what do you worry about?
… nothing!
Who or what influenced you most – that has made a difference in your life, or that was a major turning point?
… my mother’s work ethic and strength. My father, obviously, wasn’t a big influence in my life – but a number of teachers were. Bob Dilts, a principal, took a strong interest in me – and we are still in touch on a regular basis. Sports were important and occupy a lot of time – and that kept me out of trouble. Gerry Clackson, my leader in Venturers (it’s like Boy Scouts) was a great influence – took us on summer trips in northern Saskatchewan – helped me get some part-time jobs in high school days. And Paul Schoenhals, a coach with the Hilltops, taught me a lot about personal discipline. He was an outstanding coach. The Hilltops were a great help to players, particularly with regard to jobs; they got me a job with the City of Saskatoon. I was a ‘groundsman’ and member of IBEW …
For fun?
… working out at the YMCA (that’s where I met him!), cycling (road bike), music (listening to), travel, most sports (watching).
What do you read?
… I always have a couple of books on the go; I’ve enjoyed Bill Bryson’s books, Pete Dexter books.
His ride?
… 2012 Acura DL.
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