Get to know the individuals that ignite the insurance industry as they answer our icebreaker questions.

Across more than 25 years in the insurance industry, Chris has established himself as an industry resource for topics such as perpetuation, mergers & acquisitions, culture, agency operations, marketing and sales, data and analytics, and technology.

With his lifelong focus on continual learning, Chris has a passion for the independent agency channel and helping agencies across key strategic areas. He was also the inquisitive and thought-provoking host of the award-winning podcast, “Closing the Gap." In 2022, he assumed leadership of the Big “I" Agents Council for Technology (ACT). 

Hi, Chris! We know you're a big music fan. If you could travel back in time to see a band play live, who would it be?

I'd love to go back and see the Beatles, the original Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jim Croce, Boston...

Um ... we said one ...

Pink Floyd, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, the Eagles, Hüsker Dü ...

OK, that's probably enou ...

Doc Watson, ELO, James Taylor, Elton John, Dio. So many great musicians and storytellers.

Well, we've got a few other quest ...

There are also bands I have seen, but to see them in the early days would be amazing, such as Eric Clapton, Cheap Trick, and Aerosmith.

Well, since we're speaking of the dead ... where would you go during a zombie apocalypse? 

One of our local pubs. I figure the coolest zombies would be chilling there.

Keith Richards would probably do the same. And what are you drinking?

A local IPA.

Assuming there isn't any type of apocalypse, which is not guaranteed, what goals are you currently working toward outside of work?

Partnering with my wife and son to help him successfully start college, finishing my first book and seeing what that leads to, and writing more of my own music.

More on the book in next month's issue, readers! What's your biggest pet peeve? 

Probably that I have any pet peeves at all. As annoyed as I can get at some things, it's amazing how insignificant most actually are.

Agreed. What is the most embarrassing moment of your life? 

I once threw a turkey sandwich after getting mad at something remarkably miniscule. My friends who were there and I still laugh about it. I earned the nickname of “Sandwich Slayer" for a while. In all seriousness, it was a nice wake-up call to try and not let the little things get to me.

Wow ... we're seeing you in an all-new light. When you go to a fast-food restaurant, where do you go? 

I can't tell you the last time I stopped at a fast-food restaurant, but I do like a Jimmy John's sandwich … to eat, not to throw!

They're “Freaky Fast" so might make a decent projectile. Do you have any fears or phobias? 

Leaving my family with a mess after I pass on. And the spider I missed while trying to squash it. Where did that thing go?!

I think spiders tend to wait and then, while you're asleep, climb into your mouth. One way or the other, it'll turn up. What superpower do you wish you had?

I am not sure I am mature enough to deal with the responsibility that would come with a superpower.

And lastly, what is the moment that you realized you were an adult?

Still waiting ...

Ha! Let's hope it stays that way. Thanks for joining us, Chris!

This is a monthly column for Independent Agent magazine and iamagazine.com. To be featured, email hello@agencynation.com.