Growth for the Go-Getter

From the Field to Family: Finding My Team at Gallagher Bassett

42686 gb 2022 brian szarmach 5405 pho

By Brian

October 31 2025


From the camaraderie within our teams to the meaningful relationships I’ve built in the captive insurance space, my journey has been defined by connection, growth, and a culture that feels like family.

A Culture of Camaraderie I Didn’t Expect

1

Coming from a sports background, I’ve always valued camaraderie. When I joined Gallagher Bassett, I brought with me a competitive spirit and a deep appreciation for teamwork shaped by years of playing baseball. What I didn’t expect was how deeply that same spirit would show up here.

I started in claims as a Resolution Manager and eventually moved into Client Services. On both sides, the teams have been incredible. But what truly surprised me was the relationships I’ve built outside of GB with members, brokers, and partners. I genuinely look forward to board meetings and risk control workshops, not just for the work, but for the chance to connect face-to-face.

In the captive insurance space, relationships are everything. These groups operate like true families and when you treat them that way, great things happen. That sense of connection and trust is something I truly treasure.

Staying Connected Through Constant Collaboration

One of the best parts of working at Gallagher Bassett is constant collaboration. I’m not just working with my immediate team; I’m connected to a broader network of Client Service Managers and leadership across the company.

If I run into a challenge or a question I haven’t faced before, I know I can reach out to get guidance from someone who’s been there. That kind of support is invaluable. Communication flows fast and accurately, and that makes everyday smoother and more productive.

Role of Upskilling in My Role

When we adopted iCIMS, a new system, I saw an opportunity to expand my understanding of its functions beyond just operations. I volunteered for additional training to gain insights from the perspectives of recruiters, hiring managers, and Talent Acquisition leaders. This not only helped me resolve stakeholder questions more effectively but also empowered me to contribute at a higher level within my team.

Keeping up with new technologies, best practices, and industry trends has been crucial in helping me bring my best to the table. I’ve learned that staying ahead allows me to offer innovative solutions, streamline processes, and ultimately be a reliable resource for my team.

Balancing My Competitive Drive

I’m a physically active person. I still play competitive sports, work out daily, and spend as much time outdoors as I can. What I appreciate most is that I don’t feel like I have to choose between my personal life and my work; there’s no juggle.

Gallagher Bassett gives me the flexibility to manage both. I stay focused and efficient during the workday, and I make time for my health and passions outside of it. I also use the Personify app and meet monthly with my coach, Jan, who’s been a great resource. It helped me stay on track with my physical and nutritional goals, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a little extra support.

Sharpening My Skills, Expanding My Impact

As a former student athlete, I came to GB with a solid foundation in structure and discipline. But over time, I’ve seen those skills sharpen and amplify through the guidance of my peers and managers.

The growth I’ve experienced — both personally and professionally — has been significant. I’ve matured, refined my approach, and expanded my impact. And I know there’s still more ahead.

1

I look forward to continuing this journey and seeing where it takes me next.


Gallagher cree que todas las personas tienen derecho a la igualdad de oportunidades de empleo y prohíbe cualquier forma de discriminación por parte de sus directivos, empleados, proveedores o clientes por motivos de raza, color, religión, credo, género (incluido el estado de embarazo), orientación sexual, identidad de género (que incluye a las personas transgénero y otras personas que no se ajustan al género), expresión de género, expresión del cabello, estado civil, situación parental, edad, origen nacional, ascendencia, discapacidad, afección médica, información genética, condición de veterano o militar, condición de ciudadanía o cualquier otra característica protegida (en lo sucesivo, "características protegidas") por la legislación federal, estatal o local aplicable. La igualdad de oportunidades de empleo se extenderá en todos los aspectos de la relación empleador-empleado, incluyendo, pero no limitado a, reclutamiento, contratación, formación, promoción, transferencia, descenso, compensación, beneficios, despido y terminación. Además, Gallagher realizará adaptaciones razonables a las limitaciones físicas o mentales conocidas de una persona discapacitada cualificada, a menos que la adaptación suponga una dificultad excesiva para el funcionamiento de nuestra empresa.

Las agencias de búsqueda, agencias de consultoría o personas que envían currículums no solicitados reconocen que dichos currículums están a disponibilidad de la consideración de Gallagher sin ningún tipo de obligación a pagar comisiones de agentes/derivación. Gallagher, o cualquiera de sus subsidiarias, pagará solamente una comisión por la contratación de un candidato exitoso cuando existiere un acuerdo con dicha entidad y la solicitud del candidato cumpliese con las directrices regionales para dichas solicitudes.

Gallagher jamás se comunicará por una oferta laboral o te pedirá ningún tipo de información de identificación personal sin haber recibido una aplicación en línea y llevado a cabo una o más entrevistas en persona o por video. Tampoco utilizamos Skype, Zoom, Telegram o Gmail como parte de nuestro proceso de contratación. Si recibes algún tipo de comunicación con respecto a una oferta laboral en Gallagher y no has enviado una solicitud en línea o te entrevistó un empleado de Gallagher, te pedimos que no asumas que esa oferta fue enviada por un representante legítimo de Gallagher.