John Drew never expected to build a career in insurance, especially in the field of large construction projects. A college internship at a minority-owned brokerage in Minneapolis changed all that. “I thought insurance meant going door to door like my dad did with personal lines,” Drew said. “But construction insurance was a whole different world. Once I started, I was hooked.”
Today, Drew is a senior executive at Alliant Insurance Services. He enjoys the variety his job offers. One day, he might be walking a job site for safety checks; the next, he could be in a claims meeting or helping a contractor get started. His work has covered projects as diverse as hospitals, casinos, and airports. But for Drew, the best part is the people. “I get to work with contractors and professionals from all over the country,” he said. “That’s what I like most.”
The construction industry is facing new challenges, from labor shortages to supply chain issues. These problems force companies to plan projects much more carefully than before. “Just-in-time delivery doesn’t work now,” Drew explained. “You have to order materials well in advance because prices jump around and delivery takes longer.” This unpredictability is also affecting insurance. “Carriers used to cover the whole excess tower alone,” he said. “Now we have to layer coverage with several insurers and watch costs closely.”
Construction companies are also finding new ways to adjust. Some are using tiered subcontractors to cut costs, but that changes their risk and insurance needs. Drew points out that technology is also reshaping the field. Alliant is working on ways to bring AI and cybersecurity protections to clients. “Younger clients are more open to AI tools,” Drew said. “Others still prefer in-person meetings. It’s about striking a balance.”
Environmental concerns are coming into focus too. Drew mentioned projects like the high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and California, which involve strict state rules and attention to ecosystems. From pollution liability to local traffic and community costs, these issues require careful handling.
As projects grow more detailed, Drew sees a chance to teach clients about new risks. Areas like builder’s risk, pollution liability, and owner’s professional liability are where clients want to have more control. “They don’t want to be renegotiating policies with contractors halfway through,” he said. Stormwater management and other environmental exposures are also receiving more attention. “Not all clients think about pollution risks early on,” Drew said. “We do thorough risk checks and work with carriers to get the right coverage.”
Drew is also passionate about mentorship and building diversity. With many experienced professionals retiring, there’s a need to train newcomers, many of whom come from outside insurance. “It takes time to bring them up to speed,” he said. Drew dedicates time each week to mentoring with an open-door style. “I let mentees drop in or send me a text,” he shared. He also co-leads Mosaic, Alliant’s group for diversity, equity, and inclusion. What started as a Black employee resource group during the George Floyd protests has since expanded to include various underrepresented groups and allies. Drew feels fortunate that Alliant’s leadership has supported this effort from the beginning.
Outside work, Drew focuses on family more than he used to. “I traveled a lot before,” he said, “but now I try to bring my family along when I can.” When he needs to unwind, he enjoys fishing. “We all need ways to keep balanced,” he added. “Because the work never stops.”