Profile
“I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
Michael Brodzinski is a senior vice president at Alliant Insurance Services.
As the professional liability leader within Alliant Construction Services Group, Brodzinski has been a key member of brokerage teams for the most complicated construction projects of recent times in the US. He recalls when $250 million was a major project, but now regularly oversees projects of over $1 billion in his national role at Alliant.
“The biggest challenge has been helping to guide the risk management philosophies of those in decision-making roles to understand that the old ways won’t work in the new world. Explaining the potential need for $50 million to $100 million in professional liability insurance to those used to procuring or requiring $10 million can often be challenging.”
Brodzinski uses several tools to drive change among his clients, including data and benchmarking, research, and education.
Stemming from his strong relationships with carrier partners and his decision to immerse himself in the construction industry, Brodzinski has the ability to explain complex solutions in easy-to-understand terms – an asset that has resulted in progress in his career.
He says, “I have attended countless industry association training sessions, self-study programs, safety seminars, and site visits. I learned the industry before I learned how to protect it with risk management solutions and before I ever attempted to consult the C-suite of a construction company, a design firm, a real estate developer, or a project owner.”
Another strength has been Brodzinski’s capacity to innovate and adapt. He is an ardent believer in doing all he can to support his clients’ specific situations.
“By staying intentional in the moment and adapting solutions to fit current needs, instead of presenting old concepts for currents needs, our clients can continue to be at the forefront of change in their own industries,” he explains.
Brodzinski has achieved many highs and been involved in major projects spanning his career, including a very recent $150-million limit policy on a $2-billion healthcare project on the West Coast. It is his role as the professional liability broker and consultant for the World Trade Center Site Redevelopment Project that stands out.
Brodzinski recalls watching 9/11 happen from the student union building of the University of Pittsburgh while his brother was attending New York University.
“I had never been to New York City and had no idea where NYU was located, but when the second tower fell and seeing the city engulfed in a rolling cloud of dust and debris while not knowing if my brother was harmed is something I will never forget,” he says. Thankfully, his brother was safe.
And Brodzinski takes a great deal of pride in playing a role in the aftermath.
“There was no way to know then, but 11 years later I found myself walking around the construction site with the project team and would do so many times throughout its rebuilding. It was an honor and a privilege to contribute in a very small way to the transformation of lower Manhattan.”
18100 Von Karman Avenue, 10th Floor, Irvine, CA 92612
716 339 7021
michael.brodzinski@alliant.com
linkedin.com/in/michaelbrodzinski
alliant.com
Michael Brodzinski
Senior Vice President, Alliant Construction
Alliant Insurance Services
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Bio
Milestones
“To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
2005–2012
2012–2017
2017–2019
2019–2021
2021–present
2005–2010: Underwriting, Marketing, Executive Management at Zurich Insurance
2010–2012: VP, Sales Executive at Huntington National Bank
2005–
2012
SVP, National Construction Practice at Willis Towers Watson
Grew segment from $40 million to over $150 million in annual premium in five years
Graduate of the WTW Management Development Program for Executives
2012–
2017
SVP, National Construction Services Group at Aon
Member of US Leadership Team for Brokerage, Analytics, and Risk Strategies
National Brokerage Leader for Construction Professional Liability
CapEx Construction Project Sales Leader for Mid-Atlantic Region
2017–
2019
SVP, Market Leader at Lockton Companies
Co-founder, producer, and market leader of Lockton Pittsburgh office responsible for property and casualty and employee benefits across all industry sectors
Built team from 2 to 13 full-time employees in Pittsburgh
Graduate of the year-long Lockton Producer Development Program
2019–
2021
SVP, Director of Construction Professional Liability at Alliant Insurance Services
Senior insurance advisor and broker within Alliant’s Construction Services Group, working with contractors, design firms, real estate developers, and large project owners nationally
2021–
present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
How does he distinguish himself among fellow brokers?
“I believe all brokers are working very hard in a difficult market,” he says. “However, I have demonstrated continued growth, advocacy and performance on my client’s behalf, which is now recognised [for 10 consecutive years] in the Elite Broker awards.”
In 1990, Dixon got started with FAI, working in claims and as a team leader. From the late 1990s up until 2003, he worked at FAI and Suncorp in underwriting and as an area manager at VACC, CGU (South East Queensland). From 2003 to 2012, he got into broking and eventually started Dixon Insurance in 2013. Since then, he’s accumulated numerous acccolades, including Elite Broker, Diversity and Equity, and Fast Broker awards.
During the pandemic, Dixon challenged insurers over the Quarantine Act application to insurance wordings. His argument was that the Quarantine Act does not apply as an exclusion, as the Biosecurity Act was invoked by the Morrison Government, and this was not a subsequent amendment to the Quarantine Act. The test case in the Appeals court was won for Dixon’s client with a unanimous five-judge verdict.
He remains focused on transport, manufacturing, motor trade, engineering and large farm clients.
What are his plans for the future?
On a business level, “more of the same. I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes.”
On a personal level, Dixon invests significant time, effort and funds, along with his GT3, to support many charities through his passion for motorsport. From participating in and sponsoring the Thunderbolt Run (which provides tens of thousands of dollars in support for Beyond Blue and Prostate Cancer), to organising and running the Track Knights for Amira charity night where 28 Exotic Supercars raised funds through passenger laps in wet conditions, Dixon states “this is our time to give back to the community and those in need. My friendships and association with those seeking to do the same, allows us to contribute to those less fortunate and raise funds and awareness”.
He adds: “To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need.”