zfinn@henriott.com | 765.429.5001
Education:
I received my B.S. in insurance and risk management from Indiana State University and Master of Science in risk management and insurance from Florida State University. I also hold the Associate in General Insurance (AINS) and Associate in Risk Management (ARM) professional designations from the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters.
What other professions have you tried?
For ten years I served as a Professor and the Academic Director of the Davey Risk Management & Insurance (RMI) Program at Butler University. I helped found, and ran, what is now one of the ten largest undergraduate RMI program in the U.S. I also helped establish the world’s first Student-Run Captive Insurance Company, domiciled in Bermuda, and taught at Butler University. A first of its kind innovation in experiential learning. Most high school and college students are unaware of the breath and depth of careers in the insurance industry, and it was great fun bringing education and awareness of those opportunities to the students at Butler.
I also ran a successful risk management consulting company during my time at Butler and helped advise the U.S. Congress on the creation of model Pandemic Risk Insurance Act legislation to help mitigate the impact to insurance markets from COVID-19.
Why did you choose insurance as your profession?
I always knew I wanted to work in the business field, it was really a matter of finding the right seat on the bus for me. I was drawn to insurance as a career as it is one of the few areas in business where you get to prevent bad things from happening to good people and help those effected by tragedy recover.
Why did you choose Henriott?
I really enjoyed the risk management consulting work I was doing while also teaching at Butler University. I like serving clients and helping them develop a risk management strategy that goes beyond simply buying insurance year after year. After a great run at the university, I decided it would be exciting to rejoin the insurance industry full-time.
I had a great experience working for Henriott earlier in my career and knew when it came time to land that this was the place for me. Folks are super nice, have a continuous improvement mindset, and a level of technical knowledge where I still get to learn something new every day. At the same time, we have fun doing it and I really enjoy serving the clients who make up the communities I live in, visit, and love.
Hometown/Where do you reside?
I am originally from Dayton, Ohio, but now live in Brownsburg, Indiana with my wife, 2 children, and 2 lazy dogs.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Folks who chomp gum or food loudly. I believe they call it “misophonia”, where certain sounds are more likely to get under your skin. Of course, as I tell my kids, “just tune it out”.
What was your all-time best Halloween costume?
When I was eight, we decided to make our own costumes. I poked a head and arm holes in a trash bag, filled it with crumpled newspaper and went as trash. My dog, Pepper, went with us in a nurse’s hat and stethoscope. I liked my costume but remember thinking that the dog looked better.
If you could splurge on one must-have item, what would it be?
I am a huge Superman fan and would buy and display Christopher Reeve’s original, screen worn, costume from the 1978 Superman Movie.
If you could go back to any era, what would it be?
I would not mind living through the 1980’s armed with current knowledge of the stock market.
Which superpower do you wish you had?
The total Superman package.
If you could close your eyes and be anywhere on earth when they opened, where would you be?
Standing at the Hoosier Lottery looking at one of those big novelty checks for millions of dollars.
What is your favorite TV/Movie?
Rick & Morty / Back to the Future
What is your favorite childhood meal?
General Tso’s Chicken, with fired rice
What was your best vacation?
My wife and I just took our kids to Southern California by way of an Amtrak sleeper car from Chicago. That was an excellent trip, and we did not have to drive.
Do you volunteer anywhere? If so, where and why?
I serve on the Student Involvement Committee for the Risk & Insurance Management Society. I believe education is the quickest path to economic advancement and security. The insurance industry is also a wonderful space to make a career. I have a passion for connecting young folks with opportunities in our industry, as someone once did for me.