When I joined Lockton January 1, 1996, I was the first and only employee benefits Associate in the Chicago office. Lockton wasn’t always the world’s largest privately held insurance broker whose revenue today exceeds $2.16 billion. Nor did we always have 8,000+ Associates globally serving more than 60,000 clients worldwide with invaluable expertise. We were just getting started in Chicago. We didn’t have the recognition, the name, the glamour or all the resources – but we had a coffee maker, answering machine, seven dedicated Associates and the entrepreneurial hunger to drive success. Today, I am proud to say we have 200+ Associates in Chicago and are growing and looking to get better every day. It truly is a fun place to be!Looking back more than 20 years, I am humbled and amazed at what we have accomplished, with still plenty of run way to get even better. Lockton’s entrepreneurial culture has given me a career where I am constantly challenged to find solutions for employee benefits programs and structures. It allowed me to develop lifelong partnerships with businesses in the US and globally by being available to alleviate client worries & collaborate on ways to make their employees healthier and happier. It also allowed me to be a part of Lockton’s growth through strategic planning on Chicago’s executive committee. When I am not making my clients’ businesses better, I am helping develop better educational opportunities for Chicago high school students. I am a big believer in the power of education and serve on the Board of Directors for the newly established DePaul College Preparatory High School. DePaul College Preparatory High School is an exciting and vibrant academic institution providing Chicagoland students an excellent private school option. Additionally, I am passionate about Loyola Academy Preparatory High School and I am currently on the Board of Directors for the Loyola Academy Prep hockey team. State Champs in 2018!