In the fast-paced world of insurance, success often comes to those who strategically navigate the industry, constantly looking for opportunities to learn and grow. Megan Merris (pictured), a real estate broker with CRC Group, embodies this approach.

“Some might say I made too many moves. I think every move was very strategic, and I was always very keen to learn and fill in the skill sets that I felt I was lacking,” she said.

Merris’s journey in insurance has been marked by a deliberate progression from the retail side to understanding the intricacies of discretionary underwriting and delving into technical underwriting with corporates. This diverse experience has proven beneficial to both her team and her clients at CRC.

“The diverse experience I have gained has proven to be truly valuable to our team’s long-standing clients, growing new clients, and finding innovative solutions as part of CRC,” said Merris.

Intimacy through cooperation

According to Meares, what sets CRC apart is the collaborative environment between the brokerage teams. The Women’s Network, which promotes strong comradeship among female professionals, has been an important support system.

Meares believes the insurance industry offers vast opportunities for those willing to learn and stay curious. Whether you choose to be a generalist or a complex real estate professional, continuous development and a desire for knowledge are crucial.

“Staying curious and finding people you trust to continue your education and upbringing is key, whether that requires moves or not,” she said.

Looking ahead to the challenges of 2023, Meares described it as a “generationally challenging market for complex real estate.” Difficulties in submitting acceptable proposals amid reinsurance pullbacks and skyrocketing rates were significant hurdles. Tri-County, Florida, posed a particular challenge, and an evolving landscape of natural disasters, including wildfires and storm surges, added to the complexity.

While the industry is undergoing transformations through 2024, Meris points to a sense of stability, although relief remains elusive; however, she stresses the ongoing difficulty.

“There are certainly many emerging markets in 2024, and we hope that bringing increased capacity to launch large, complex properties will provide some relief to the challenged classes from 2023,” Meares said.

To overcome the challenges of 2024, Meares stressed the importance of staying informed about where capacity comes from, improving access, and creating effective customer programs. Its dedication to growing its client base matches CRC’s commitment to supporting its professionals.

Growth through giving

In addition to helping real estate clients, Merris is also passionate about giving back and recently served as a speaker at Loyola University Chicago, her alma mater. The series focused on risk management and insurance, and Megan’s presentation focused on complex properties as well as the different roles involved in preparing an insurance policy. She is excited to share her knowledge with the next generation entering the field, and highlight the diverse paths available in insurance, from technical roles to brokerage.

Merris’ involvement in both the Loyola Project and the CRC Women’s Network demonstrates her multi-faceted contributions to the industry.

“Working to provide resources for women at the Human Rights Center so they continue to feel supported is a project I have started collaborating on, and I am really excited about it,” she said.

Merris represents a strategic and adaptable approach in a dynamic industry. Her journey, marked by continuous learning and collaboration, reflects the essence of success in the ever-evolving insurance landscape. As the industry grapples with challenges, her ideas and initiatives stand as a testament to the resilience and innovation within the CRC Group.