Erick B. Bond

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President, AssuredPartners Bond Benefits Consulting

Years in current role: 5

What has been your organization’s biggest success over the past year?

Our biggest successes have been driven by developing and promoting fantastic people within our team. Committing time and money to internal development has allowed us to provide ever more valuable consultative resources to our clients, while maintaining a robust, high-touch service culture.

What are your expectations for the next 6-12 months?

We foresee significant growth over the next 6-12 months, both in revenue and in employees. As part of a nationwide, growing organization in AssuredPartners, we now bring more resources than ever to the Rochester market. Our top goal is to spread awareness and share our expertise. As the “Serving Sage,” we can produce best-in-class consulting while also following through with hands-on delivery.

What advice would you give somebody just starting out in your industry?

Insurance is a fantastic industry for a lifelong learner. Our field is constantly evolving through both regulation and innovation. Keep in mind that your absolute priority is taking care of people; if you do that well no matter the circumstances, you’ll go far.

What are the most common mistakes you see from companies you work with?

The most common mistakes in the insurance world aren’t that different from the world at large. One is prioritizing short-term thinking, looking at cost in quarterly or annual installments rather than taking a big-picture look. The second is complacency; a willingness to accept things as “good enough” when there is an opportunity to press your advantage. I tell my clients and my employees both: “when it comes to advocacy, I spend half my time comforting the afflicted and the other half afflicting the comfortable.” In our business, the only constant is change, and those who try to get comfortable will fall behind.

What do you enjoy most about working in the Rochester area?

After growing up in Rochester, I left for a number of years before making an active decision to return. Having seen other parts of the world before coming back, I have a deep appreciation for our local culture. As I’ve gotten to know our business community, there is an interest in non-stop innovation and constant improvement. At the same time, the commitment to people is so strong in a variety of ways. In no other business community have I found it so easy to find a mentor who cares about you. My peers and competitors all show genuine interest in each other’s families. And I hope no one will disagree that our desire to serve those in need runs deep.

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power 30 Accounting & Insurance list for 2023. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.