AARON REISSNER | Age: 37 Executive underwriter

Technical Risk Underwriters, a unit of Ryan Specialty Holdings Inc.

Austin, Texas

Unsure about his own path but inspired by his father’s insurance career, Aaron Reissner decided to enroll in the University of Georgia’s risk management and insurance program. After graduating in 2010, certain that he had found his calling, he worked for a surety underwriter before joining Technical Risk Underwriters in 2012 as a risk analyst. Named an executive underwriter in 2023, he specializes in builders risk insurance.

What’s the current state of your sector of the insurance market?

The (excess and surplus lines) builders risk market has been in a hardening trend since 2017. Recently, we’ve seen stabilization as new capital has entered the market to take advantage of the enriched rate environment.

What’s a problem that needs fixing in your sector?

Access to lending has been a big issue in the construction space. Interest rates are one setback, but developers are also having to put up a lot more collateral to get a project completed. It’s causing a lot of project delays and for some projects to get scrapped.

What is something about you that would surprise people?

Despite my client-facing role, I’m actually more introverted than I am extroverted.

Favorite family tradition?

We have an extended family. At Christmastime we make an effort to come together and share food from old family recipes and just be together.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Like many young adults, I didn’t know what I wanted to be. I knew I wanted to do something in business, I wasn’t sure exactly what. It wasn’t until I got to the University of Georgia that I decided to declare a major in risk management and insurance.

Which destination is at the top of your travel bucket list?

Anywhere in Europe. I love going there.