Breaking Into Commercial Insurance: A Commercial Account Management Success Story
HLOs: 
In the fall of 2023, Brandon Tyrell, a former Amazon Operations employee, embarked on a journey to explore new career avenues, leveraging his transferable skills after nearly four years in the retail giant’s fast-paced environment. As doorstep deliveries became the standard in the retail world, Tyrell sought to apply his operational expertise to different industries, eventually discovering the Insurance Broker: Commercial Account Management (CAM) program at Humber. Intrigued by the opportunity to transition into commercial insurance, Brandon enrolled in the CAM program, which offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in the field. The program was divided into two semesters, with the first semester focusing on two main goals: introducing students to insurance and preparing them for the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) exam.
Led by course facilitator John McNeil, the semester began with a clear roadmap. McNeil shared personal anecdotes from his professional journey, offering students systematic approaches to success. He asked each student to set three goals for the year, reinforcing his commitment to supporting them throughout the course. Weekly schedules detailed required readings, assignments, and seminar topics, providing structure and clarity.
Seminars, led by Robert Fletcher from BrokerLink, aligned with the course’s textbook and covered essential topics such as insurance foundations, risk management, and various commercial insurance coverages. In addition to academic instruction, the CAM program partnered with the Insurance Broker Association of Ontario (IBAO) to pair students with licensed industry professionals, facilitating mentorship and networking opportunities.
Brandon was matched with Sheldon D. Williams, a Principal Broker at Nacora Insurance. Over the course of four weeks, Williams offered invaluable insights into the commercial insurance industry, advising Brandon on the qualities that principal brokers seek when hiring new talent. Their discussions provided Brandon with both practical advice and encouragement as he navigated his industry pivot. As part of the program, Brandon was required to submit reflective reports on their 1:1 meetings, an exercise he found deeply insightful.
As the second semester commenced, students were introduced to a roster of industry veterans, each specializing in critical areas such as insurance technology, professional selling, account management, and prospecting. The CAM program emphasized active participation, encouraging students to engage, ask questions, and build connections with instructors, many of whom shared their contact information for continued support.
Toward the end of the program, Brandon was contacted by one of his instructors regarding job opportunities. Shortly after, he secured an interview at their brokerage and was offered a role under the instructor’s direct supervision.
Reflecting on his experience, Branson praised the CAM program for its rigorous curriculum and networking opportunities, crediting it with equipping him with the necessary skills to excel in his new career. “I feel well-prepared for the next chapter of my professional life, and I’m confident that the connections I made along the way will continue to support me,” Tyrell remarked.
For those looking to transition from personal to commercial insurance or break into the industry, Humber’s Insurance Broker: Commercial Account Management program offers a structured, supportive pathway to success.
Share this article:
