The Risk & Insurance® Power Broker® Awards are an annual selection of the most effective and influential commercial insurance brokers. On February 27th, Risk & Insurance announced that when it comes to workplace insurance, Shantelle Cabir is a true Power Broker. 

With over ten years of experience and a deep knowledge of risk analytics, Shantelle partners with her clients in the construction, agriculture, transportation, and janitorial sectors to implement thoughtful, customized plans that are meaningful to their success. She provides data-driven analysis for the “why” behind program modifications, ensuring clients are comfortable with their spend and resources. 

One way she has separated herself from the field is by using her unique insight into the sectors to advocate for clients. Often a carrier will look at a company’s risk profile and automatically decline coverage or offer an expensive rate due to the risk exposures. “We need to tell a good story on why that decision should be overturned, or why they should offer additional savings or a discount,” Shantelle says. “Underwriters want to hear why it's going to be meaningful for them to take a risk on that client. Because they are taking a risk. So, we need to explain that, ‘Okay, they may have had a few bad years, but we're seeing a positive trend because they're now implementing Newfront’s analytics and risk management processes to ensure improvements in their safety culture.’”

Shantelle spends the extra time explaining how she will be involved to make sure that the coverage will be beneficial for both the insurer and the company. “We are able to step in and ask carriers to take another look at an account because we think they can actually benefit from working with this client,” she says. “I can say, ‘Here's what we've done. Here's what they've done. Here's how this partnership is going to work.’ Basically, we can de-risk the account for the carrier.”

For example, a galvanizing company was suffering a high experience modification rating (EMR) of 118% and trending at eight claims annually. By instituting a risk management and claims advocacy program, Shantelle secured a 60% savings on insurance premiums for her client. This robust, customized program not only reduced premiums for the client but allowed them to take control of their workers’ compensation injuries and create a greater safety culture where their team can continuously thrive. This client has seen a dramatic reduction in their EMR: 58% over a three-year period.

“It's almost like a full-court press,” Shantelle says. “We see this as a partnership and always take it one step further to ensure our clients are earning the best value out of their spend.” 

Shantelle brings value to her clients through her solution-driven approach, taking the time to understand the root causes of challenges. It’s that laser focus that made her a 2023 Power Broker.

Congratulations to Shantelle, along with Cameron Lock, John McCall, and Erik Stenson, who were all named 2023 Power Brokers. Additionally, we want to congratulate our other team members that were finalists for the Power Broker designation:

• Gay Chung

• Shari Cornaggia

• Adam Gabler

• Jonathan Naranjo

What is a Power Broker?

A Risk & Insurance Power Broker® is an individual who stands out among their peers for the exceptional client work they delivered over the past year. While brokers play many key roles in the insurance industry and risk profession, a Power Broker® award recognizes problem solving, customer service and industry knowledge. The Power Broker awards program is a way to broadly recognize and promote outstanding risk management and customer service among the brokerage community.

Who selects the winners?

Power Brokers are selected by risk managers based on the strength of the testimonials they provide to a team of 15 Risk & Insurance editors and writers.