What’s your mantra for success?
Make opportunities, ask questions, be a sponge, and don’t be afraid to roll up your cuffs.

Who do you look toward as a mentor in this industry?
My poor father (Joe Hutelmyer) hasn’t been able to enjoy a normal lunch with his son in the last 3 years without my running a thousand ideas and questions by him, getting feedback on different approaches and gleaning as much perspective as I possibly can. Outside of him, I have Mark Maucere, (senior vice president and head of our motorsports program) who stresses the importance of keeping a fire and passion in my gut while still having the ability to take a step back and recognize the merits of opposing schools of thought. Last but not least is Libby Smith (senior vice president and the Burlington office’s underwriting manager) who gives me the freedom to learn and try approaches that are different from the status quo, while also reeling me in when I start straying off track.

How does your office reflect how you work?
We’re up front, consultative and hold integrity above all else. Each of our principals has more experience in the industry than I have walking and we have a culture of sharing knowledge and experience across the board. Our approach is the better you are, the better I am—and it’s a stance we try to take with our retailers and markets alike.

What is an important lesson you learned when joining a professional working environment?
You have to let go from time to time or else you’re going to burn out. No one can go a million miles an hour 24/7 and still retain the composure and focus you need in order to do your job right. Also, there’s very little that you can’t do with Microsoft Excel.

What’s the toughest thing about being a young agent in a field where the average age is 55?
Having the patience to learn what I need to know to back up all of my ideas.

What do you see Gen Y/Millennials struggle with in a professional environment? What advice do you have?
Patience. If a person is willing to work hard, pay their dues and stick their neck out—the potential for growth is astounding. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, own up to the knowledge that you don’t yet have—but go into each question with consideration and be prepared to give your thoughts/how you came to that position

Liam J. Hutelmyer was featured in the December 2010 issue of AA&B. He is an assistant underwriter/underwriter trainee at AmWINS Transportation Underwriters.