A Move to the Land of Endless Opportunities Leads to a Career with Endless Possibilities

Cheikh Ndao

Rewarding, stable and limitless. An insurance career offers this professional trifecta and provides meaningful opportunities that impact individuals, businesses and communities. This trifecta became the same three reasons why Cheikh Ndao of Great American’s Trucking team and his family immigrated to the United States 15 years ago. With a move across the Atlantic Ocean, Cheikh not only found a land of endless opportunities, but also to a career with endless possibilities.

Describe your background and your insurance career path.

I’m originally from West Africa and moved to New York in 2006 with my family to pursue a better life with more opportunities. After I graduated high school, my parents wanted a change from the fast-paced life of the east coast, so we moved again to Cincinnati, Ohio.

After studying Computer Network Engineering at Cincinnati State Technical College, I worked in the banking industry for several years. When I married my wife, Alexus, and started to raise a family, I wanted to pursue a career that offered more opportunity for growth. I began searching for jobs where I could build a long-term career, use my foreign language skills—I speak fluent English, French and Wolof (the language of Senegal) —and my customer-focus approach to work. This led me to my first job in insurance at another insurance company, where I was a liability adjuster and responsible for first-party and third-party physical damage exposures. A few years later in 2019, I had the opportunity to join Great American.

What is your current role and responsibilities?

I’m a Trucking Claims Representative and primarily responsible for adjusting physical damage claims in various states. I also act as a contact and resource to our policyholders, agents, vendors and field staff. I’m proud to be working in a role where the main goal is to help everyday, hard-working individuals get back on their feet after they’ve suffered a loss.

How did you get interested in insurance?

I had few friends working in insurance, so when it came time to look for a new career, I researched and inquired about what the industry had to offer. I was immediately drawn to an insurance career because of the stability it offers, as well as the opportunities to take multiple career paths within the industry. I like the fast-paced environment and the fact that no two days are alike.

What do you like most about working at Great American?

The culture at Great American makes it easy for me to do my job every day. I enjoy the people I work with and the leaders who have helped guide me during my time here. I enjoy helping customers in their time of need, ensuring that they have a seamless process when recovering from an unfortunate accident.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering an insurance career?

Go for it! The opportunities are endless and there is always something new to learn. And always be ready for change. Insurance can be highly rewarding career for the right person.