Peter W. Nauert: Chairman and CEO of Access Plans USA, a nationwide distributor of health insurance and non-insurance healthcare programs for the uninsured and underinsured, Nauert was a well-known philanthropist, public speaker and published author in the insurance industry who died in 2007. One fan wrote, “He was controversial, opinionated and enthusiastic. What else could you ask for?” 

Gray Nester: The senior vice president/IT ADS group services manager at BB&T Insurance Services is “an example of a business-oriented CIO getting involved with the community at large,” wrote James McGovern, and has “a remarkable way of getting involved and getting to the heart of the matter. He too works tirelessly for the industry as a whole,” Tina Clay said.

Lloyd “Skip” Daigle: AVP, agency development at Travelers, who died in 2010, was a major supporter of personal lines growth in the independent agency system. “His 'procedures must match philosophy' was and still is a strong statement,” Marilyn Barker said.

And my own personal influences?

Nick Shuman: Former Chicago Sun-Times editor and my journalism teacher in college, whose first comment to me was the laconic and pragmatic, “Can you type?” He helped me land an internship and a job after graduation. He died in 2009.

Kathryn J. McIntyre: The editor and publisher of Business Insurance, Kathryn knew and loved both reporting and insurance. I remember her editing my stories, chain smoking and peppering me with questions. At a time when insurance was really a business for old white men, she was one of a kind. She's now a farmer in New Zealand.

Sam Friedman: Kathryn's counterpart at NUP from way back when. But you already know and love him.