Przemek Parkitny
Captive manager
Arsenal Insurance Management
Personal bio: I left home in southern Poland when I was 14 to start making a life for myself as a professional basketball player in Europe. Eventually, I decided to come to America for a education through a scholarship to play basketball. I didn’t choose to play basketball because I loved it; I played because it opened doors for things I wanted to do. I always pursued work and finance over basketball. Basketball was just a tool to get where I wanted to go.
I’m passionate about travelling, experiencing new cultures, and cooking with my fiancé. My favourite way to spend my free time is creating new things and helping friends and family with the financial side of entrepreneurial ventures.
Professional profile: In college, I completed two degrees — Accounting and Business Management — while on full scholarship to play D1 Basketball. Halfway through my college career, I tore up my scholarship contract after my coach told me that I would never succeed if I wasn’t on his team. This made me homeless for a few months as I continued to work three different jobs (tutoring, maintenance manager for the college campus, and manager for campus cooking facilities. I also drove for Uber on the side). This allowed me to pay for the rest of my way through college and complete two degrees in four years, debtfree. My only B was in English.
How did you end up in the captive industry?
Through my management and accounting background, I discovered the niche industry of captive insurance while working as an accounting intern for TaylorChandler. As I was preparing insurance statements, I found myself totally fascinated. After a full day of financial preparation, I would stay late studying to understand the industry. Eventually, one morning I connected with my mentor Norman Chandler, CEO of Arsenal Insurance Management, and asked him to give me an opportunity on the captive side of the business.
What has been your highlight in the captive industry so far?
Definitely, all the unique opportunities that working for Arsenal has provided for me. Arsenal supported me as I earned my CPCU, AINS and ARM designations. Also, through Arsenal, I am involved in creating new captives, troubleshooting issues, and coming up with creative ways to solve complex problems. Every day at work is a challenge that pushes me to my limits. I love being involved in and contributing to the successful programmes that our team creates. I value how our team builds new relationships and is constantly expanding our knowledge.
What/who have been your influences in the captive industry?
Norman Chandler! When I started my role with his company, he said he saw me as someone with leadership qualities. He gave me the opportunity to confirm his gut feeling. He put a lot of trust in me, and I’ve done my best to make sure he feels like he made a good decision.
What is your impression of the industry?
My impression hasn’t changed from when I first started: It’s problem solving, niche, unique, very creative, and completely mysterious to anyone outside of the industry
What are your aspirations for your career in the captive industry?
My goal is to provide the hands-down best service to all of my existing and future clients. I want to treat my risk retention groups, captives, and offshore clients to the same quality of excellent service while creating unique programmes that f it their individual needs as a business.
What advice do you have for someone considering a role in the industry?
From my personal experience, I would advise anyone interested in captives — as a client or professional — to first find a team that will support your development through your career within this emerging, risky, and complicated industry.
The best companies to work for are the ones that invest in you.
Dawn Wilson, senior vice president, Brentwood Reinsurance Intermediaries “I had the pleasure of meeting Peter when he joined Arsenal Insurance Management as an intern, and since being hired as a captive manager, I have been totally impressed with Peter’s desire to provide clients with the knowledgeable guidance and services needed within our industry. Peter has quickly learned many aspects of the insurance industry and has obtained several insurance designations, which demonstrates his eagerness to succeed within the industry. Peter has welcomed and overcome the challenges of coming from another country. He has embraced all that the United States has to offer and appreciates everything that comes his way. It is wonderful to see and hopefully help a young person transform into a leader within our industry.”
