River City Six: Dan Mickells
UNICO Group, Inc. (www.unicogroup.com) is a full-service insurance and financial services agency. With four locations and more than 100 team members across seven states, UNICO Group is an industry leader in the Midwest. Dan Mickells is Risk Advisor in the Business Division at UNICO Group.
Tell us a little about your business.
The services we provide range from commercial insurance, workers’ comp, and employee benefits to personal insurance, financial planning, human resource solutions and wellness solutions. I work in both our Lincoln and Omaha market areas with all types of businesses, assisting with insurance solutions and managing business risk exposures.
How did you get started in the business?
I previously worked for a national carrier where I was involved in all areas of insurance including agency, operations and claims management. I was approached by UNICO Group and immediately knew it was a perfect fit as I could leverage all my strengths to complement their team.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Professionally, I pride myself on being a lifelong learner and have achieved several insurance designations, most notably the CPCU designation. I feel that learning is critical. It helps me refresh my point of view, have a new take on the old way of doing things, and approach each day positively. I hope that I’ve instilled this curiosity for lifelong learning in my kids.
Tell us a little about your family.
My wife Tiffany manages the executive and high potential development programs for a large insurance company. We’ve been married for 20 years and have been blessed with three children. Sydney is a freshman at UNL, Peyton is a sophomore at Lincoln East, and our son Cole is a 5th grader at Maxey.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
My dad was an insurance agent for State Farm Insurance and at a young age I was able to see the profound impact of his work up close and personal. This profession allows us to help people in some of the most difficult situations and at the same time build deep relationships in the community. He is my mentor and role model and I’m proud to be in the same field as him.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I’m an avid golfer, so I love a good game of golf.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
When I was 12 years old, I was selected as a batboy for the College World Series.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
I have been actively involved in TeamMates for over five years. I really enjoy the opportunity to be paired in a mentoring relationship with a student. I have found that they are eager for someone to regularly coach them and provide a different perspective. I am also actively involved in the Nebraska Human Resource Institute (NHRI). This organization matches college-aged student leaders with students in elementary, middle and high school based on their capacity to demonstrate servant leadership qualities. This organization, too, focuses on the future – our kids – and I can’t think of a better way to spend my time.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
My favorites in Omaha are Maria’s Mexican Restaurant in Ralston (they have the best tacos around) and La Casa Pizzeria. In Lincoln, we love to have a night out at Vincenzo’s Italian Ristorante.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 429-2048; Email: dmickells@unicogroup.com; Website: www.unicogroup.com.
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