The Missing Piece

In this episode of Inside Insight, we sit down with David Melick, Senior Technical Advisor at SML Capital Advisors, to explore the often-overlooked yet crucial role of underwriting in insurance. With 35+ years of experience at industry giants like AIG and CNA, David offers an insider’s perspective on what it truly takes to get a deal across the finish line. We often focus on brokers and the sales side of insurance, but this episode flips the script, diving into the binding process, underwriting risk, and the collaboration needed to structure successful insurance programs. Whether you're a broker, underwriter, or simply interested in how insurance decisions are made behind the scenes, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways. Topics Covered in This Episode: The critical role of underwriting in insurance deals How brokers and underwriters work together (and where tensions arise) Key questions underwriters ask before approving coverage Red flags and green flags when evaluating insurance risks The importance of integrity, honesty, and communication in the industry Lessons from major projects, including Apple’s headquarters Plus, in our new Inside Insight segment, David shares the guiding principles that have shaped his career in underwriting and risk management. Learn how underwriting can make or break an insurance deal in this episode! ..... Sign-Up for the Newsletter Stay ahead in the industry with exclusive insights, guest highlights, and more. Sign up for the Inside Insight newsletter and get all the latest episodes delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Now! ..... What Do You Want to Hear? We want to hear from you and explore things you are interested in learning more about. Submit your questions and topics of interest at c-r-solutions.com/podcast OR email us at [email protected] with the subject “Podcast Question”. ..... Follow the Inside Insight Podcast: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/insideinsightpod Instagram: instagram.com/insideinsightpod/ Facebook: facebook.com/insideinsightpod Website: c-r-solutions.com/podcast ..... Connect with our hosts: Beau Lunceford & Trevor Casey linkedin.com/in/beaulunceford linkedin.com/in/trevorcasey3/ Connect with our guest: David Melick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-melick-03332725/ Email: [email protected] SML Capital Advisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sml-capital-advisors Website: www.smlcapitaladvisors.com ..... Find CR Solutions: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/consolidated-risk-solutions Instagram: instagram.com/wrapadmin/ Facebook: facebook.com/consolidatedrisksolutions TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wrapadmin Email: [email protected] ..... Review our show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.