Ian Jones
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Tell us about yourself and your business
I started in insurance at age 21, literally knocking on doors in 1987 asking people and business owners if I could review their insurances. 36 years later and I’m still here having established a number of industry-specific insurance programs and etching a solid stake in being a broker with the ability to place the most
trying and difficult risks.
Find us at www.ianjonesinsurance.com.au
What was the journey that brought you to your current role?
My origins started completely green in 1987 as a 21-year-old fresh out of an electrical apprenticeship and starting as an agent for one of Australia’s oldest life insurers, City Mutual Life in 1989 a client asked me if I could insure his house so I went and got an agency agreement with Australian Eagle and began my career in fire and general insurance alongside my life risk insurance.
What’s behind your success?
Looking after staff is one key component of any business success – and my own inner pride of building what I have and remaining strong after 36 years, and relying on no one. Some of my staff have been with me for 20-25 years.
What’s a mistake you’ve made that you’ll never make again?
Taking on a very short-lived partnership.
What’s the one secret about your field or industry you wish everyone knew?
Not all insurance companies are the same. They don’t all just insure stuff!
What are your predictions for the industry for the next few years?
A softening of the market, but not in premium, in capacity, and willingness to re-look at risks that have been typically shunned in the past few years by most insurers, Lloyds syndicates, and re-insurers alike
What’s your main goal for the year ahead?
Same as every year – keep clients and staff happy. The rest will look after itself.
What are the biggest problems you face when dealing with MGAs, underwriters or insurers?
Getting to speak to staff with a bit of knowledge and experience and a willingness to look at risk for what it is, not what the computer says.
