Kyle Whyte
Business development intern
National Interstate Insurance Company
Personal bio: My name is Kyle Whyte. I am from New Franklin, Ohio. I have been raised by two exceptional parents named Karen and David Whyte. My older sister, Katie is a true role model and has an unbelievable work ethic. I have been blessed to be given the opportunity to be surrounded by individuals who have taught me and challenged me to be extraordinary.
Professional profile: I attend the University of Akron pursuing a degree in risk management and insurance with a minor in professional selling. I work at National Interstate Insurance Company as a business development intern, in the national accounts group. Along with my internship and being a full-time student, I work two on-campus jobs. I work for the College of Business Dean’s Team, recruiting high school students to the university and work as a success leader to share my experiences with incoming students. I am the vice president of our Gamma Iota Sigma chapter, which is the risk management and insurance business fraternity on-campus. I am the risk management chairman of Phi Delta Theta and a member of the Institute of Leadership Advancement programme.
How did you end up in the captive industry?
Previously I had the chance to intern in our claims department at National Interstate with focus on our passenger department.
Since the summer I have transitioned to business development where I work with our current truck captives.
I have had the chance to learn about the products we offer in the truck sector and learn more about the different captives we offer.
What has been your highlight in the captive industry so far?
My biggest highlight in the captive industry so far is having the chance to attend one of our annual captive conferences. I had the chance to learn more about the dynamic of our captives as well as having the ability to interact with our insureds and agents.
What/who have been your influences in the captive industry?
From a work perspective, I would have to say, my supervisor, Jody Jordan and Chris Mikolay. Both individuals have been excellent role models in the captive industry. I have been fortunate enough to learn under them and continue learning throughout my internship.
What is your impression of the industry?
After attending the National Risk Retention conference in Chicago, Illinois, I have been exposed to different areas of the industry that I would not have been able to receive in my coursework at the university. I believe that not only does the captive industry has potential, but the insurance industry, in general, has a tremendous amount of opportunities for younger individuals to succeed.
What are your aspirations for your career in the captive industry?
With the number of opportunities in the captive industry, I see great potential and a chance to promote the industry.
This side of the industry gives insureds the chance to grow as businesses by sharing their knowledge with each other to ultimately save them money and reduce the number of claims.
What advice do you have for someone considering a role in the industry?
The industry is very broad, which allows individuals to find what they are truly passionate about and gives them the ability to specialise in it.
Most individuals do not have a dream to work in the captive industry, but this industry has given many professionals the ability to learn more and share their knowledge with others.
Lindsey Santana, Claims technical training manager National Interstate Insurance Company “Kyle Whyte has a tremendous amount of passion and dedication to the insurance industry. His hard work, positivity, high energy and commitment make him an asset to our organisation and the entire industry.”
