Profile
“Our mission is simple: we empower financial planners to spend more time building trust, deepening client relationships, and growing their business”
Chris Arthur, Bold Wealth
Monika Bolkun-Robert’s approach to life and business revolve squarely around positivity. With this ‘never say no’ mindset, Schaefer Enterprises’ chief operating officer has built a reputation of dedication to clients and industry knowledge that has allowed her to stand out as a name synonymous with results and reliability.
While she had initially envisioned a career in fashion design, the 2025 IBA Top Insurance Brokers and Agents recipient quickly demonstrated her immense talents after joining Knightsbridge Surety Brokerage, where she tripled the company’s revenue within two years and rose to the title of vice president of the firm’s insurance division.
“They had tremendous faith in me and let me lead from the very beginning,” Bolkun-Robert says. “Their faith in me really paid off.”
The last few years have thrown extreme challenges Bolkun-Robert’s way, with insurance policy pricing ballooning in various sectors due to skyrocketing building materials and construction costs, along with carriers exiting the New York landscape.
“Construction insurance has seen huge price increases due to the overall increase in building materials and construction costs,” she explains. “A claim replacement that would have cost $200,000 five years ago would cost $700,000 this year. Certain types of buildings, such as frame buildings, may not be eligible for insurance at all.”
Bolkun-Robert has been able to navigate these unprecedented times with her top-class client services, which are characterized by natural care for client outcomes and a commitment to year-round communication.
“I genuinely care about what is best for my clients and consistently prioritize their interests, even if it means earning less on a particular contract.”
She adds, “I stay actively involved with each of my clients throughout the entire year. I don’t believe in only reaching out around renewal time; instead, I remain consistently engaged in their business growth and keep them informed of any relevant market changes.”
Paired with her excellent customer service offerings is an in-depth knowledge and non-stop monitoring of her market niches, which allow her to find creative solutions for her clients.
“I also believe that my deep expertise in the insurance field sets me apart,” she says. “To operate at a higher level in this industry, it’s essential to have a thorough understanding of the market and to be able to clearly communicate that knowledge to clients.”
Achieving this level of success in a male-dominated field has been no easy task for Bolkun-Robert, whose listening abilities and decisiveness have allowed her to differentiate herself from the competition.
“Insurance is a male-dominated field,” she notes. “It is a tough, cut-throat business. But I am galvanized by that level of challenge.”
And while Bolkun-Robert has consistently succeeded as an insurance professional, she highlights an ability to balance her career and family responsibilities as the true highlight of her time in the industry.
“Honestly, my greatest achievement has been balancing motherhood with running a business. I’m proud to be the best mother I can be while also being a top-five producer at Patriot Growth Insurance Services.”
77 Chambers Street, Third Floor, New York, NY 10007
877 237 2481
monika@seinewyork.com
linkedin.com/in/monika-bolkun-4827a630
seinewyork.com
Monika Bolkun-Robert
Chief Operating Officer
Schaefer Enterprises
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“Whether I’m in a strategy session or a hiring meeting, I try to lead with understanding. Financial planners are under immense pressure, and so are our internal teams. The best way to earn trust is to truly listen”
Chris Arthur,
Bold Wealth
2007
2010
2021
2024
2025
Launched insurance career at Knightsbridge Surety Brokerage, expanded insurance division and tripled revenue within two years, earning promotion to vice president
2007
Built a reputation for year-round client engagement, combining deep insurance expertise with a commitment to ethics and proactive service
2010
Earned a place on Insurance Business America’s Hot 100 list; Industry Era for Women Leaders, 10 Best COOs of 2021
2021
CIO Magazine, One of the Most Influential Women in the Insurance Industry
Insurance Business America, Elite Women (Construction insurance)
Huffington Post, Notable “Women in Business”
Outstanding Woman at the Women Builders Council’s 16th Annual Champion Awards
2024
Formed Schaefer Enterprises, spearheading growth across diverse industries
Achieved 30 percent revenue growth in one year, named to the President’s and Chairman’s Club at Patriot Growth Insurance
Appointed to leadership committees within Patriot, including Women in Insurance and Saleswoman Impact, mentoring women in the insurance industry
Ranked and included in the President’s/Chairman’s Club of Patriot Growth Insurance, one of the top insurance producers across the country
2025
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
