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“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
Veronica Martinez, 34, wasn’t quite sure what career she wanted to pursue.
At California State University, Fullerton, she put off declaring a major until necessary – choosing business administration with a focus on human resources. While she describes herself as “green” at the time, she ended up getting an internship in human resources at an insurance brokerage firm.
“With inexperience comes a clean slate and endless opportunities,” she says. “The insurance industry is ever changing and the opportunity to learn and grow will never end. I’m grateful to my employer and colleagues who were willing to guide me when I just got started and those who continue to provide opportunities to expose me to the different aspects of the insurance industry.”
She eventually transferred to the construction services group at Alliant Insurance Services in 2011. Now, Martinez is a vice president and account manager lead in the construction services group at Alliant. She manages master liability and project-specific controlled insurance programs.
“I consider getting to this point, where I am today in my career, my biggest achievement,” she says. “I began as a college intern in the insurance industry, not truly knowing what I wanted to do for a career. Twelve-plus years later and I am still in the industry. I’ve been promoted a few times, I’ve had the opportunity to meet, work, and learn from so many amazing colleagues along the way. I’d like to think I’m now in a position to somewhat pay it forward. I recently spoke to high school and college students about careers and opportunities in insurance for a non-profit.”
She attributes her success to her ability to maintain a positive attitude despite challenging situations when dealing with clients. In the office, she prides herself on having a strong work ethic and perseverance to get the job done in the face of adversity. At the same time, she admits to struggling with time management skills at times.
Looking back, she’s proud of her achievements. “I am grateful for the opportunity to intern in an insurance agency as a college student because it opened up a whole new world – so many other opportunities, professionally and personally,” she says. “I’m eager to continue to learn and continually growth. I look forward to expanding my network and meeting many more experts in the industry.
“It’s an honor to be acknowledged for my hard work and this award proves that this industry is where I’m meant to be. Being named a Rising Star is encouraging; it motivates me to keep moving forward and hopefully achieve many more awards and goals.”
18100 Von Karman Ave. 10th Floor Irvine, CA 92612
315 292 2996
vmartinez@alliant.com
linkedin.com/in/veronica-martinez-9989b1277
alliant.com
Veronica Martinez
Vice President, Alliant Construction
Alliant Insurance Services
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“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
2011
2013
2019
2023
2021
Account Representative at Alliant Insurance Services
2011
Account Manager
2013
Account Manager Lead
2019
Vice President, Account Manager Lead
Developing Leaders Graduate
Invited to Alliant’s National Construction Forum
2023
Vice President, Account Manager Lead
Developing Leaders Graduate
Invited to Alliant’s National Construction Forum
2023
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.”