34 episodes

Join Brandon Schuh and Nick Hartmann on RiskCellar where they uncork the latest insurance headlines with a dash of sophistication and a sip of wine. From industry trends to policy updates, we blend insurance insights seamlessly with the nuanced flavors of different wines. Tune in for a captivating podcast that elevates your insurance knowledge while indulging your palate in the world of fine wines. Get ready to unwind, sip, and stay informed in a delightful fusion of insurance and oenophilic exploration.

RiskCellar RiskCellar

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 10 Ratings

Join Brandon Schuh and Nick Hartmann on RiskCellar where they uncork the latest insurance headlines with a dash of sophistication and a sip of wine. From industry trends to policy updates, we blend insurance insights seamlessly with the nuanced flavors of different wines. Tune in for a captivating podcast that elevates your insurance knowledge while indulging your palate in the world of fine wines. Get ready to unwind, sip, and stay informed in a delightful fusion of insurance and oenophilic exploration.

    TikTok Tangles, Courtroom Clashes, and Wine Wonders

    TikTok Tangles, Courtroom Clashes, and Wine Wonders

    Pour a glass and nestle in as we welcome the legendary Zach Freeman to the show, swirling a robust 2021 Earthquake Zin between tales of early sports podcasting glory and tech nostalgia. Our palates dance with the notes of blackberry and huckleberry, while laughter ensues over the surprise presence of huckleberry—yes, huckleberry—in our glasses. Zach takes us on a stroll down memory lane to the days of MySpace hustles and those unforgettable AOL Instant Messenger dings, capturing the essence of a bygone digital era.



    The conversation takes a sharp turn as we sift through the murky waters of data privacy, with TikTok's current debates at the forefront. We dissect the ethical quandaries of insurance companies and data sharing, while pondering the cultural ramifications and national security concerns of TikTok's Chinese ties. It's a candid debate that balances the scales of capitalistic liberties with the weight of international policy and America's media stance against China's restrictive practices.



    Shifting gears to close, we delve into a South Florida man's insurance predicament, a cautionary tale of OnStar's unsolicited data sharing. This opens the door to a broader conversation about the automotive industry's handling of our personal information, set against the backdrop of European and Californian data protection laws. We wrap up with a peek into AI's expanding role across industries, speculating on its potential to reshape creativity and generational dynamics, all while keeping the chat light with local business quips and the latest consumer recalls. Join us for these vibrant discussions, where the wine flows as freely as the banter.



    Timestamps

    00:00 Today's wine: 2021 Earthquake Zinfandel

    3:44 Introducing Zach Freeman

    7:26 Today's topics

    8:37 TikTok ban in the US

    14:03 Illinois insurance agency sentenced for swindling premiums

    15:50 Trump's trial on overvaluation of property in NY

    19:02 Alexa driving data leading to spiking rates in insurance

    26:20 The future of insurance agencies with AI

    35:00 Recall of the week: Best Buy's air friers



    Zach Freeman

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybfreeman/

    Bio: https://www.christensengroup.com/team/zachary-freeman



    Connect with RiskCellar:

    Website: https://www.riskcellar.com/



    Brandon Schuh:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552710523314

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-stephen-schuh/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schuhpapa/



    Nick Hartmann:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjhartmann/

    • 39 min
    The Art of the Appeal: AM Best Downgrades, Tump's Appellate Bond, Lloyds profits and Ligation Funding Survey

    The Art of the Appeal: AM Best Downgrades, Tump's Appellate Bond, Lloyds profits and Ligation Funding Survey

    Ever fancied a trip to the rolling vineyards of southern France, complete with a glass of exquisite Merlot, without leaving your living room? This episode swirls around the heady aromas of a 2021 Rassoul vintage, but that's just the prelude to an intoxicating exploration of the insurance industry's latest gyrations. We're uncorking the complexities of AM Best's ratings dance, Trump's bond buzz, and Lloyd’s impressive performance in 2023. Alongside this, we're sifting through the calls for oversight in the murky world of litigation funding. Paired with tales of southern France, our musings are bound to whet your appetite for both the finer things and the financial intricacies that shape our world.



    The scene shifts as we navigate the intricacies of insurance ratings, likening the tension of downgrades to the final minutes of a football match facing relegation—case in point, Pie Insurance Group's recent slips and stumbles. Bain Capital's strategic leap into GuideOne and lingering echoes of Mitt Romney's tenure at Bain adorn our conversation. We also share insights from our guest expert, who lifts the veil on Lloyd's of London's secretive syndicates and their storied successes. This chapter is a masterclass in decoding the signals sent by credit rating agencies and sifting through the sector's strategic plays—from GuideOne's unique market stance to the peculiarities of Lloyd's inner workings.



    Our talk takes a more serious turn, delving into the significant turnaround at Lloyd's of London and the post-pandemic silence within the walls of its iconic building. A reflection on American attitudes towards legal reforms and the disproportionate gains enjoyed by litigation funders over plaintiffs marks a sobering discussion. We wrap it up on a cautionary note, dissecting urgent recalls that hit close to home: the Jule Baby Nova baby swings and Anchor's lithium-ion battery-powered coolers. The perils of product safety are not taken lightly here, as we navigate the fine line between innovation and consumer protection, all while dishing out relatable nuggets about life's little challenges. Join us for an episode that promises more than just a sip of knowledge—it's a full-bodied experience.



    Timestamps

    0:41 Today's wine: Luc Pirlet Reserve Merlot

    3:56 Today's topics

    5:17 AM Best downgrades

    12:14 Trump posts $91 million bond and files notice of appeal in E. Jean Carroll case

    17:39 Lloyds profits in 2023

    21:38 Litigation Funding Survey: mostr americans want legal reforms against litigation funding

    24:48 Recall of the week: Jool nova baby swing

    28:19 Second recall: Anker's coolers



    Connect with RiskCellar:

    Website: https://www.riskcellar.com/

    Brandon Schuh:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552710523314

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-stephen-schuh/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schuhpapa/

    Nick Hartmann:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjhartmann/

    • 34 min
    Monopolies & Monoliths: Texas Fire, Tree Thrower, RT Specialty, UHG Breach and Antitrust, Tesla insurance tanking

    Monopolies & Monoliths: Texas Fire, Tree Thrower, RT Specialty, UHG Breach and Antitrust, Tesla insurance tanking

    Sip the rich flavors of Washington's Columbia Valley and unravel the complexities of healthcare and cybersecurity with us, as Christopher Logan, our wine-loving colleague, brings both his palate and expertise to the table. While our glasses brim with the notes of a peppery red blend, we'll transition from the lighthearted art of wine tasting to the sobering challenges facing Americans in the healthcare sector. From the rising costs that send individuals to food pantries to the chilling tales of insurance fraud, we traverse a gamut of issues that underscore the need for innovation and protection in an industry that holds our wellbeing in its hands.



    Enter the shadowy world of ransomware attacks on healthcare systems, where RT's cutting-edge solutions shine a light on the path to resilience. My former private investigator self emerges, regaling with tales of trees thrown by the 'disabled', encapsulating the surreal world of insurance fraud. We then peek into Tesla's ambitious dive into the insurance industry, weighing their high-stake losses against the backdrop of the electric vehicle market's financial turbulence. Our musings on biometric gun safes take a turn from serious to amusing as we recount the frustrations and failings of technology that promises safety but doesn't always deliver.



    Raising our glasses, we herald the advent of Risk Seller LLC, our latest endeavor aimed at transforming the face of risk and insurance. As we laugh, reflect, and debate throughout the episode, it's the spirit of innovation and the shared journey with our audience that truly invigorates us. Join us in this episode that's as rich and varied as the wine we sample, leaving you informed, entertained, and perhaps a little more guarded in our increasingly digital world.



    Timestamps

    1:29 Today's wine: Intrinsic 2021 red blend

    6:23 introducing Christopher Lokken

    9:27 Today's topics

    10:57 Huge Texas wildfires

    15:30 Woman loses injury claim after being pictured winning Christmas tree-throwing contest

    21:08 RT Specialty adds cyber liability to Its proprietary digital platform

    23:26 Chris' take on the National Healthcare ransomware and cyber liability

    34:11 Optum's growth and discussion about antitrust

    38:38 Tesla's insurance reports growth

    45:47 Recall of the week: biometric gun safes

    52:31 Officially announcing our new sponsor



    Connect with RiskCellar:

    Website: https://www.riskcellar.com/



    Brandon Schuh:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552710523314

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-stephen-schuh/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schuhpapa/



    Nick Hartmann:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjhartmann/

    • 53 min
    Swirl, Sip, and Shelter: Convective Hail Storms, M&A, Lockton turmoil, Supercharged Hurricane Season & Litigation Funding

    Swirl, Sip, and Shelter: Convective Hail Storms, M&A, Lockton turmoil, Supercharged Hurricane Season & Litigation Funding

    As Nick and I tackle the complexities of a Fableist 373 Cabernet Sauvignon, we find ourselves diving into more than just the notes and finishes of our chosen vino. We discuss the stormy relationship between climate and the insurance industry, where hailstorms now rival hurricanes in their capacity for chaos. The episode uncorks discussions on the roofing innovations that could stand up to Mother Nature's wrath, and the financial fermentations represented by Aon's and NFP's merger, all while considering the potent blend of climate on the very grapes in our glass.



    Every good story has its twists, and the leadership shake-up at Lockton Insurance is no exception. With the departure of CEO Peter Clune, we probe the possible undercurrents of this significant change and speculate on the future direction of the world's 10th largest brokerage. And amidst these seismic shifts, we can't help but address the forecast for a hurricane season that promises to be as memorable as the Cabernet on our lips - a swirl of meteorological predictions and legislative changes, like Florida's stance on litigation funding, that could redefine the landscape of the legal system.



    Our conversation may start with wine, but it's the tales of trial attorneys and the unexpected round of February golf in Minneapolis that add flavor to our discussion. We admire the finesse of courtroom combatants and their ability to weave narrative and knowledge into a compelling argument. And, as we raise a glass to the quirky intersection of legal drama with pop culture - from 'My Cousin Vinny' to 'Catch Me If You Can' - we toast to the shared moments that keep us connected, to both the tales we tell and the trials we withstand. So, join us, glass in hand, for an episode that pairs life's unexpected twists with the timeless pursuit of a good story.



    Timestamps



    0:00 Today's wine: Fableist 373 The Ant and the Cicada

    4:11 Today's topics

    4:56 Hail storms in the US and roof materials appropriate for insurance

    10:23 Current state of AON's purchase of NFP and Point Capital's purchase of Truist

    13:45 Zurich adds $300m top cat layer for Europe to 2024 reinsurance arrangements

    16:11 Lockton CEO Peter Clune exits the company and will be replaced by Ron Lockton

    21:33 AccuWeather Warns of Potential ‘Super-Charged’ 2024 Hurricane Season

    26:17 Florida pushing against litigation funding

    30:52 Talking about attorneys, bars, and Curb



    Connect with RiskCellar:



    Website: https://www.riskcellar.com/



    Brandon Schuh:



    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552710523314

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-stephen-schuh/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schuhpapa/



    Nick Hartmann:



    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjhartmann/

    • 42 min
    The Montepulciano Mix: Leslee Miller, Uber vs. ATIC, Captive (jail)cells, making insurance sexy

    The Montepulciano Mix: Leslee Miller, Uber vs. ATIC, Captive (jail)cells, making insurance sexy

    Join us as we uncork the fascinating world of wine with Leslie Miller, founder of Amusée and Sip Better, who shares her journey of entrepreneurship and her passion for making wine accessible. Leslie takes us through her storied 20-year adventure, from the inception of her first company to her days managing a Keystone Resort restaurant and her role at Archery Summit in the Willamette Valley. She brings us back to her Midwestern roots, detailing how her love for the story behind each bottle of wine inspired her return to Minneapolis, where she continues to cultivate a sense of community through her ventures. Leslie's insights reveal the joy and approachability of wine, whether enjoyed as a thoughtful gift, the centerpiece at dinner parties, or as a simple personal indulgence.



    Listen in as we raise our glasses to the complexities and pleasures of Italian wines, and the confusion surrounding Montepulciano, a grape that doubles as both a place and a varietal. Discover why wines from regions like Abruzzo offer both quality and affordability compared to their more renowned Tuscan neighbors. Our discussion meanders through personal Italian travel tales, touching on the magic of enjoying wine in its birthplace and the broader impact of climate change on vineyards from Tuscany to Napa Valley. Plus, don't miss the enlightening wine tasting tips as we recommend a Montepulciano that promises to delight fans of full-bodied varieties.



    Wrap up your experience with a segment that takes an unexpected turn into the insurance world, highlighting the legal battle between Uber and American Transit Insurance Company, and the peculiar case of a lawyer caught in illicit fund transfers. We debate why the tightly regulated insurance industry remains an alluring target for fraudsters. As we contemplate the talent crisis facing insurers and Lloyd's of London, we also examine Google's foray into risk management with their Lloyd's and Apollo partnership. And because we like to balance the professional with the personal, we'll even toast to a little wine chat to end on a spirited note. So, pour yourself a glass and tune in for a rich blend of business acumen, storytelling, and a taste of the vine.



    0:00 Introducing Leslie and her professional history

    3:51 The founding of Amusée and Sip Better

    6:52 Talking about the North Loop of Minneapolis... and the best restaurant in town

    10:35 How does Sip Better work?

    11:43 Does wine have to be expensive to be good?

    14:01 Montepulciano wine: its origins and price points

    16:48 Do some wine produce less hangover than others?

    17:59 Climate change, wine production worldwide, and insurance possibilities

    21:18 What goes into the valuation of a wine collection and how to insure it?

    27:31 Talking about today's wine: Illuminati Riparosso Montepulciano D'abruzzo

    30:50 How does climate temperature affect the wine's taste and alcohol percentage

    33:46 Wine tasting: tips on how to harmonize with food

    38:20 Uber's lawsuit against ATIC in NY

    41:30 Beaufort Lawyer Pleads Guilty to Transferring Millions of Dollars to Prevent Seizure

    44:51 Lloyd's using TikTok to attract new workers

    49:10 Google pairing up with Lloyd's



    Connect with RiskCellar:



    Website: https://www.riskcellar.com/



    Brandon Schuh:



    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552710523314

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-stephen-schuh/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schuhpapa/



    Nick Hartmann:



    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjhartmann/

    • 53 min
    Catching Fish in Muddy Waters: Fairfax claims, Uninsured CA Flood Victims and New Minnesota Brokerage

    Catching Fish in Muddy Waters: Fairfax claims, Uninsured CA Flood Victims and New Minnesota Brokerage

    Join us as we kick off with a whimsical wine tasting, trying out a Chardonnay that hails from Yolo County, affectionately named "69 Miles." While we're candid about our preference for reds, we don't hold back on sharing our thoughts about this perfumatic white's tropical and vanilla notes. But wine enthusiasts, beware – we have a hunch that this one might come with a side of regret if you overindulge. Our tasting may have started on a light note, but we swiftly pivot to the more sobering topic of insurance headlines, discussing the repercussions of the controversial Muddy Waters Report on Fairfax, the financial aftermath of uninsured flood losses in California, and the unfortunate blaze at Lutzen ski resort. Stick around as we also share some insights on local brokerage developments right here in Minnesota.



    Now we don't just sip and savor – we scrutinize and speculate. The conversation heats up with a thorough examination of the serious allegations levied against Fairfax Holdings by Muddy Waters. Listen in as we unravel the complex tapestry of accounting practices and investments that have stirred up the insurance world, while reminiscing about personal encounters with Fairfax's executives. The stark comparison between Fairfax and the colossal Berkshire Hathaway sets the backdrop for a rich discussion on the nuances of the insurance industry's reaction to these claims.



    Wrap up this episode with us as we reflect on the broader industry trends and generational shifts. We ponder the potential oversaturation of brokerage firms in the Minnesota market, questioning the space for new entrants amidst industry giants. Moreover, we dive into the changing media landscape and its impact across generations, contrasting the social habits of Gen Z with millennials, and chuckling over our own trysts with LinkedIn content creation. So pour yourself a glass (red or white, we won't judge) and tune in for a blend of light-hearted banter and in-depth industry analysis that you won't want to miss.



    Timestamps

    0:00 Today's wine: Yolo county chardonnay

    3:21 Today's topics

    4:05 Muddy Waters report on Fairfax manipulation of asset's values

    11:41 Floods and natural disasters in California where most people are uninsured

    16:55 Burnt lodge in Lutsen, Minnesota

    23:09 Talking about Superbowl

    25:26 Shoutout to Riedell's roller skates

    29:01 New brokage in town in Minnesota: is there room for a new firm in a saturated market?

    33:55 Who performs better today: generalists or specialist sellers?

    38:58 Talking about Fargo, Curb, and gen Z habits

    43:24 Social media, depression, and age gating



    Connect with RiskCellar:

    Website: https://www.riskcellar.com/



    Brandon Schuh:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552710523314

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-stephen-schuh/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schuhpapa/



    Nick Hartmann:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjhartmann/

    • 51 min

Customer Reviews

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10 Ratings

10 Ratings

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