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Join us here for our Winter Intern Update from Katie Blanchard and Gray Flanagan! Katie and Gray will be chronicling their winter with The Safegard Group by detailing what they have learned and their experience with our company in this Winter Intern Update.
The two weeks I have spent as one the Winter Interns at the Safegard Group have provided invaluable experience and insight into the world of Insurance and an office environment. Working in close proximity with many of Safegard’s knowledgeable and dedicated staff, I have been able to assist in day to day activities and special projects over the past two weeks.
In the first project I worked on, I created step by step instructions for our staff explaining how to replace outdated and inefficient components of our Executive Summaries. These are used to provide clients with an abbreviated version of a full report that includes vital information regarding insurance expenses. Under the old model, the user was required to input the data and manually calculate the figures to provide the client with the necessary figures. This was inefficient and occasionally resulted in errors. Under the new model, the calculations are computed automatically, dramatically increasing efficiency while reducing errors.
Next, I reviewed and documented over two years of relationship building expenses and created a report to break down spending habits, locations, and more. Because Safegard places such an emphasis on our clients, this allows management to determine and target areas for improvement. Additionally, I created reports which break down each department’s monthly Income Expense over the course of 2015 and 2016, allowing management to make better informed decisions regarding our different lines.
Other projects I have worked on include the development of additional marketing materials, such as brochure templates that outline the benefits and processes of Safegard’s Property and Casualty Services, as well as new templates for large portions of Safegard’s website to make it more comprehensive and detailed.
Further, I have met with and benefited from the l guidance of some of Safegard’s many experts and Vice Presidents. We have discussed Marketing, Risk, Commercial Lines and more. Additionally, President and COO Bill Donato was nice enough to include me in a recent Sales Meeting with one of Safegard’s partners, providing a glimpse into day to day business relations and the personal skills required to lead a successful firm. Working directly under Mike Hermansen, I have seen first hand the value of technology and computer literacy in a successful office environment, which provides vital information regarding cost allocation and expense minimization. As I continue to meet with more of Safegard’s experts in the coming weeks, I am excited to learn about their careers and the wisdom they can offer.
Finally, on a personal note, I can say that all of Safegard’s staff could not have been more friendly, welcoming, and helpful during my short time here. As we being the second working week of 2017, I am anticipating continued cooperation and success over the course of this new year.
About Gray Flanagan
James “Gray” Flanagan began with Safegard as a Winter Intern in December of 2016 where he assists with day to day activities and special projects working directly under Director of Operations Mike Hermansen.
Gray Flanagan is currently a Junior at the University of Delaware where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, as well as a minor in History with a concentration in Cold War history. An active brother in Delta Kappa Epsilon, Gray is currently serving as the Vice President where he ensures the smooth operation and coordination of everyday processes. Gray has experience with Advertising and Investments, and has previously worked in professional and retail environments.
Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Gray enjoys rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles. Additional interests outside of work include History, travel, classic movies, and reading.