Michael Rubalcaba
Senior account manager
Strategic Risk Solutions
Personal bio: I currently reside in central Vermont where I was born and raised. My time outside of Strategic Risk Solutions is spent doing almost anything outdoors.
In the winter months, you’ll find me hunting and snowmobiling in the northern parts of Maine and New Hampshire.
Spring and summer also keep me true to my roots maple sugaring and working on my land as well as capitalising on any opportunity for competition. Being a former collegiate football athlete, I now feed my competitive spirit with running and mountain obstacle races.
Professional profile: I joined SRS in June of 2012 after graduating from Nichols College where I received my bachelors of science in business administration with a concentration on finance and accounting. I progressed through to assistant account manager and account manager roles to earn my current position as a senior account manager for SRS.
I am responsible for the oversight and overall management of accounts. I have experience managing single parent and group captives including reciprocals, as well as captives underwriting workers compensation, professional and general liability, and medical stop loss. I have worked with both for-profit and tax-exempt captive owners.
How did you end up in the captive industry?
During my junior year in college, I interned for a public accounting firm outside of Boston. Knowing I wanted to return to Vermont after graduating I started exploring finance and accounting firms based in Vermont. My cousin who was working with Willis Towers Watson at the time got me to look at the captive industry. The exposure and opportunity to consult with business owners in every industry was intriguing. I came across SRS and was immediately intrigued by their client and employee focused approach.
What has been your highlight in the captive industry so far?
The highlight of my captive career so far is the relationships that have formed with colleagues and clients.
The people within the captive industry and captive owners are unbelievable.
They are welcoming, experienced, and have a common goal. It’s one of the few industries that gives you the exposure to company executives, this makes the industry unique and provides an experience that can’t be taught.
What/who have been your influences in the captive industry?
Strategic Risk Solutions’ leadership sets a high standard for client satisfaction and employee appreciation.
I believe this model drives employees to their best self and helps create an invaluable daily experience for the client and employee.
What is your impression of the industry?
As a whole, the industry is extremely complex and constantly looking to innovate. The industry does not get complacent thus creating huge potential for growth within the industry as captive providers.
What are your aspirations for your career in the captive industry?
Having worked at SRS for a number of years, different avenues are beginning to emerge and provide a resurgence to my career at each step. I believe SRS to be a top-notch captive manager and consulting firm. I aspire to be a large contributor to SRS’s pursuit of becoming the top service provider within the captive industry.
What advice do you have for someone considering a role in the industry?
There will always be a new challenge. Be able to adapt and grow with each opportunity. Remain an active listener, this will create opportunities to learn and hone the skills to lead.
Patricia Henderson, director, Strategic Risk Solutions "I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Mike for over eight years, as an integral part of my captive insurance management service team. He is a quiet champion with a focus, drive and maturity that is rarely seen in someone so young." "Mike immediately connects with staff, clients and service providers instilling a sense of trust and confidence in his abilities that has laid the foundation for many long and successful relationships." "No matter the assignment, Mike can be counted on to approach the work with the appropriate mix of professionalism and enthusiasm, as well as respect for the tasks, timelines and complexity at hand." "He is always the first to embrace the challenge of something new and cutting edge, taking the time necessary to obtain the education needed to succeed. He inspires us all to be our best selves."
