Brooke Mellen Executive Claims Specialist Brooke.Mellen@Markel.com

According to some sources, social engineering is used in 98% of cyber attacks, while others say it's involved in 70–90% of successful attacks. Social engineering is a critical part of an attack that uses manipulation or tricks to coerce victims into sharing sensitive information. Attackers may pretend to be a known person or legitimate entity, or use other tactics like impersonating a brand, using current events, or offering something the victim wants or needs. Social engineering can occur th...

In this episode of the Private Client Risk & Resilience podcast, host Kurt Thoennessen, a high net worth insurance specialist and CEO of RiskRevu, is joined by Ron Fiamma, President of Treadwell Fine Art, an insurance carrier specializing in high value fine art and collectibles insurance. The discussion dives deep into the world of high net worth insurance, exploring the risks, challenges, and opportunities associated with protecting valuable collections. Summary: The episode begins with ...

Kurt Thoennessen, CAPI and David Shapiro of David Shapiro Fine Art discussed the intricacies of art valuations and investments, emphasizing the importance of accurate appraisals and navigating the complex art market. Thoennessen highlighted the role of technology in streamlining the appraisal process, while Shapiro shared his expertise as an art appraiser and advisor. Later, Thoennessen and Shapiro discussed building art collections, understanding the market, and navigating the complex art ma...

In this episode, Kurt Thoennessen, CAPI, Founder and CEO of RiskRevu, discusses with Richard Kerr, CEO of Novatae, various challenges and solutions within the high net worth insurance space. Topics range from overcoming the hard market, networking strategies, the significance of quality submissions to underwriters, and the importance of specialization in the insurance industry. Kerr also delves into the foundation and goals of the Council for Insuring Private Clients (CIPC) and shares insight...

In this enlightening episode of the "Private Client Risk & Resilience" podcast, host Kurt Thoennessen, CEO of RiskRevu, is joined by Joe Rossi, the CEO of Joe Flood Insurance Brokerage. They delve into the intricate world of flood insurance, highlighting the unique challenges and solutions facing owners of high value properties. Key Highlights: Joe Flood's Background: Discover Joe's journey from community activism to leading a flood-only insurance brokerage, advocating for more affordable...

In the latest episode of "Private Client Risk & Resilience," Kurt Thoennessen, CAPI, a Personal Risk Advisor at Ericson Insurance Advisors and CEO of RiskRevu, sat down with Giles Greenfield, CEO of Markham Private Client, for an in-depth exploration of the private client insurance market across the UK and the US. Thoennessen kicked off the episode by introducing himself and expressing his enthusiasm about having Giles Greenfield as a guest, someone he met at the Private Risk Management A...

In this information-packed episode, host Kurt Thoennessen and certified wildfire mitigation specialist, Mike Thayer provides invaluable insights on wildfire risks and prevention strategies. As wildfires continue to rise in severity across the Western U.S., homeowners must get prepared. Key topics discussed: The role of wind events in driving large, fast-moving wildfires that rapidly spreadHow extended drought and historical fire suppression have built up fuel loads, contributing to more sever...

In this episode of the Private Client Risk and Resilience podcast, your host Kurt Thoennessen welcomes Judy Pearson from Nomadx, a trusted name in the world of trustee liability insurance. Judy shares her expertise on trustee liability exposure and complex wealth transfer vehicles, shedding light on an increasingly crucial topic in the realm of asset protection and estate planning. As clients seek advice on safeguarding their wealth through trusts and LLCs, Judy delves into the nuances of the...

In this episode of the Private Client Risk and Resilience podcast, host Kurt Thoennessen discusses social inflation, nuclear verdicts, and their impact on the private client space. He is joined by special guest Chris Schon, a partner at the law firm Tyson and Mendes in San Diego, California. Chris explains that social inflation refers to factors outside of traditional economic inflation that are causing the costs of insurance to rise. He emphasizes that the number one driver of nuclear verdic...

In this engaging podcast, Kurt Thoennessen, CAPI, the host of the Private Client Risk and Resilience Podcast, invites Susan Schoenfeld, CEO and founder of Wealth Legacy Advisors, to explore the intricate world of family governance and communication within high-net-worth families. Kurt explains his role as a certified advisor in personal insurance, emphasizing the importance of addressing risks and challenges faced by wealthy clients. Susan, a self-proclaimed "recovering attorney" and CPA with...

Personal Risk Advisor at Ericson Insurance Advisors and CEO of RiskRevu, Kurt Thoennessen, CAPI and Director of Project Development, Zack Secilmis of Reis Contracting have an in-depth discussion about high-end home/apartment renovations in New York City, the Hamptons and Los Angeles. They discuss the changes the construction industry is battling after Covid-19, technologies role in construction, integrating risk management into the construction process, the ever increasing cost of const...

Personal Risk Advisor at Ericson Insurance Advisors and CEO of RiskRevu, Kurt Thoennessen, CAPI and Paul Buse, CEO of Real Insurance Solutions Consulting have an in depth discussion about how to use standard insurance industry data to create a competitive advantage. Join them for this stimulating conversation and learn how to use industry data to find insights and grow your agency.

Personal Risk Advisor at Ericson Insurance Advisors and CEO of RiskRevu, Kurt Thoennessen, CAPI and SVP of e2Value, Skip Coan have an in depth discussion about the impacts on the replacement cost of property yesterday, today and tomorrow. From supply chains and inflation to the labor market and natural disasters, Skip shares his perspective on these and other areas that impact the replacement cost of property around the world. Join them for this stimulating conversation and learn why the cost...

Personal Risk Advisor and CEO of RiskRevu, Kurt Thoennessen, CAPI, OP Almaraz, CEO of Allied Disaster Defense, and Tim Bauer Senior Vice President of Allied Disaster Defense's Private Client Group have an informative conversation about the strategies being used today to harden homes against the threat of wildfire in California. In this episode OP and Tim share what they have learned from their extensive experience helping high net worth individuals, celebrities and entertainers recover ...