The “hold my beer” of insurance !

The “hold my beer” of insurance !

Author: Heath Shearon February 12, 2026 Duration: 49:52


This week in Insurance town the Mayor sits down with  Sarah Koolhof, a dynamic insurance professional whose journey spans theater, rugby, and underwriting. Discover how embracing discomfort and versatility has shaped her career and passion for relationship-driven insurance work. She has been with Commonwealth Undewriters for a dozen years and not going anywhere any time soon, She loves her team and her clients. I loved this conversation and I think you will too.

In this episode:

  • Sarah's unexpected transition from theater major to insurance underwriter
  • How rugby taught her resilience and the value of teamwork
  • The importance of building trust in E&S and surplus lines markets
  • Navigating industry changes over 12 years, especially in ENS
  • Strategies for agency and carrier partnerships rooted in responsiveness
  • Insights on managing industry burnout and maintaining mental health
  • Practical tips for agents choosing E&S brokers and understanding underwriting authority
  • The culture of collaboration and relationship building at Commonwealth Underwriters

Timestamps:


00:00 - Welcome and episode overview
00:30 - Sarah's background: from theater to insurance
02:00 - The role of rugby in building resilience and confidence
04:30 - How her diverse experiences shape her industry perspective
08:00 - Navigating industry changes and the evolution of E&S markets
12:00 - Building trust in surplus lines and the importance of partnerships
16:00 - Commonwealth Underwriters: location, services, and company culture
20:00 - Response times, setting expectations, and fostering client relationships
24:00 - Managing industry burnout and mental health awareness
28:00 - Tips for agents on selecting E&S brokers and understanding underwriting terms
33:00 - Partnering in the insurance ecosystem and the value of relationships
36:00 - Final thoughts: embracing versatility, teamwork, and continuous learning

Resources & Links:

Connect with Sarah:


Heath Shearon has spent years navigating every corner of the insurance industry, and in Insurance Town, he acts as your guide through its often complex landscape. Think of each episode as a casual, informative conversation held on the front porch of a town built entirely on insurance knowledge. Heath, who jokingly refers to himself as the Mayor, doesn’t just lecture; he brings in the many friends and colleagues he’s met over his career for genuine discussions that break down real-world scenarios. You’ll hear practical advice, behind-the-scenes insights, and straightforward explanations designed for both industry newcomers and seasoned professionals. This isn't about dry theory-it's about the tangible how-to and the why behind common business and personal coverage questions. The tone is welcoming and grounded in experience, set to a bluesy soundtrack courtesy of Daddy Long Legs. Tune into this podcast for a unique blend of business education and relatable storytelling that makes the intricacies of insurance feel approachable and even engaging.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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