Meet Justin Tomlin, vice president, surety manager at FNIC Group (fnicgroup.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – FNIC has been providing risk management solutions for over 100 years. Our priority is working with clients to protect their people, assets, and reputations. We educate, advise, and add value so that our clients can effectively manage their businesses. I concentrate on helping contractors and business owners understand and qualify for surety bond guarantees to win new projects and grow their companies.
How did you get started in the business? – I took a sales role with The Harry A. Koch Co. out of college selling personal lines insurance for my first year. From there I started consulting with small businesses on their property and casualty coverages until I was given the opportunity to join the surety department in 2008. I’ve been focusing on surety bonding ever since.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Leading and re-building a surety department during the pandemic presented constant hurdles, but I’m proud of the perseverance my team showed.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife of 12 years, Lindsey, is a physical therapist specializing in women’s health. We are on the go chasing our seven-year-old, Hayden, and two-year-old, Jaylee.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – My father, Gary, passed away in 2012 from a rare form of cancer. He was my best friend and mentored me as I got into the risk management business, so losing him forced me to go outside of my comfort zone. Now that I’m a dad I appreciate all the sacrifices he made for our family growing up.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I’m an avid golfer, so any time I can break away to hit the links is a good day. Otherwise, I enjoy smoking meats and outdoor grilling whenever I can.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I managed to make three hole-in-ones in one year back in 2008/2009. Dumb luck!
Who inspires you? – I’m fortunate to have a great family that pushes me to be better every day. My two older brothers are great husbands, fathers, and role models.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Personal growth only takes place when you step outside your comfort zone.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Honest.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Time travel.
Which talent would you most like to have? – To be a pilot.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Golf course design and development.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter.
What is your favorite movie? – The Shawshank Redemption.
What is your favorite TV show? – I’m still a Seinfeld fan.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – The Drover.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 861-7199; justin.tomlin@fnicgroup.com; fnicgroup.com.