Tayler Marshall’s Leap of Faith Lands Her a Career She Loves

Tayler Marshall

For Tayler Marshall of our Alternative Markets team, choosing a career path was not simple nor quick. Her search led to jobs in different industries and roles, but it was a leap of faith in accepting a claims position that solidified her career path in insurance.

Describe your background and your career path in insurance.

I graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor of Arts in English. At the time, I was unsure what career path to take. I briefly considered going to law school but decided that wasn’t my passion. I worked in different jobs after college, including roles in customer service, accounting and as a legal assistant in a law firm. During this time, I obtained a master’s degree in Communications from the University of Denver.

When I moved to Cincinnati five years ago for my husband’s job, I was ready to find a career with opportunity for growth. I randomly landed a job at Macy’s working as a Workers’ Compensation Claims Representative, which ended up becoming a pivotal role in my career. Upon starting, I quickly realized I had found my home in the insurance industry.

After two years of working at Macy’s, I found a job at Great American handling property claims and then eventually moved to underwriting. Along the way, I earned my second master’s degree in Human Resource Development and various insurance designations, including my CPCU, AIC and AU, among others.

What is your current role and responsibilities?

I’m a Production Underwriter. My job requires me to analyze risk by understanding an organization’s operations and exposures. I determine if an account fits within our underwriting appetite, and if so, provide applicable policy terms and premiums. As an underwriter, I must be detail oriented, have strong interpersonal skills and use good judgement.

I currently work on three programs within the division:

PAK Programs, which is specific to wineries, breweries, distilleries, and liquor stores.
The Upton Group, which offers coverage on Businessowners and package policies for pizza shops and sub stores.
The Mahoney Group, which is a generalist book of business, meaning I see a wide array of classes ranging from contractors to hotels to lessor’s risk submissions.

How did you get interested in a career in insurance?

I wasn’t specifically interested in insurance when I first applied for jobs in Cincinnati. I was looking for a career that would allow me to think critically, find solutions to problems, cultivate relationships and offer opportunities for growth and development. While working at Macy’s, I realized a career in insurance offered all these items and so much more.

What do you like most about working in insurance and Great American?

I truly love learning, and I appreciate the fact that I will be consistently learning throughout my insurance career. I also enjoy the customer service aspect of insurance – the industry is really all about relationships, both internal and external to the company.

Since starting with Great American in 2018, I’ve been given unique opportunities for professional development, such as attending various seminars, training sessions and industry events. I love how Great American encourages employee development, which has helped me obtain insurance designations and join professional organizations, like Great American Speakers, our company’s Toastmasters Club.

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

I would encourage anyone to apply! There are so many jobs within the insurance industry outside of the traditional claims and underwriting roles. Insurance is constantly evolving, especially with the advancement of technology. Now more than ever, we need employees who can offer fresh perspective and insight to help us adapt and remain competitive.