This month’s “Who Is” interview is with Pat Siano, Principle at Insight Risk Management. Here’s a recap of that interview.
CORPRO:
What do you do here at Insight Risk Management?
Pat:
We are an independent insurance agency. We provide products for property casualty, employee benefits and surety bonding for the construction industry to name a few. I have been here almost twenty years. Companies rely on us to help them manage the inherent risks they face and to insure their losses. As a successor company to one that began in 1919, we celebrated 100 years of being in business last year.
CORPRO:
What was your previous career position?
Pat:
I was in the wholesale grocery business. It was a family business.
CORPRO:
What career path brought you to where you are today?
Pat:
The family wholesale grocery business, like may businesses, slowly gave way to the big businesses like Wal-Mart. Seeing the writing on the wall, I shifted to the insurance industry. I’ve been able to use those years of experience as a business owner myself to better serve our clients.
CORPRO:
Please tell us a little more about who Pat Siano is. Married? Kids? Hobbies and Interests?
Pat:
My wife, Kim, and I recently celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. We have three grown children. Two have begun lives of their own and one is a senior at Mississippi State University. We’re looking forward to becoming grandparents someday. We love to spend time at the lake and I’m an avid college football fan.
CORPRO:
As a member of the Associated Builders and Contractors what role do you play.
Pat:
Shortly after joining the Insight Risk Management team, I joined ABC and have been an active member for about 17 years. I currently serve on the board of directors as Second Vice Chair. I have made many friends at ABC and my association with this group has helped me learn much about the construction industry which in turns helps me serve our clients better.
CORPRO:
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
Pat:
There really isn’t a typical day. However, I primarily spend each day helping clients solve problems or evaluating new opportunities. Whether I’m on the phone, emails or face to face with them, I help them manage the risks they may encounter. I also attend networking events, industry meetings or meet with potential clients.
CORPRO:
What does a typical weekend look like for you?
Pat:
If it’s April through September, you’re most likely to find me on Pickwick Lake enjoying the water with family and friends. During the fall months, I’m either watching or attending college football games.
CORPRO:
How has the COVID 19 pandemic affected your business?
Pat:
When the pandemic hit, we were unsure what to expect. Our clients weren’t sure either, but we used the opportunity to support them by providing information and resources to help them deal with it. We made some operational and physical adjustments in the office but were very fortunate not having to lay off any employees. I would like to also say that I am so ready to stop using Zoom for meetings!
COPRO:
Can you help us understand the difference between Risk Aversion and Risk Management?
Pat:
In business, the only real way you can avert all risk is not to start a business at all. However, once you do start a business, you should realize that risk is a part of it. We come along side our clients to help them manage the risks that can’t be averted. A business must put drivers in cars, operators in equipment and tradesmen on construction sites. We help them do that with fewer risks and proper insurance coverage for the inevitable accidents that happen. A business cannot grow if they are not willing to accept risk.
CORPRO:
If you were able to selfishly do anything you wanted to for one week, what would it be?
Pat:
If you would allow me a few extra days, and allow me to spread them out over 14 weeks, I would love to attend an SEC college game in each of the 14 football stadiums.