40 RICHARD GRANT Vice-president with Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature Richard Grant began his career in the surety industry in 2003 after grad- uating from the University of Leth- bridge with a Bachelor of Management majoring in Finance. Just over 10 years later he is vice- president with Trisura Guarantee In- surance Company. “I hadn’t initially planned on a ca- reer in insurance,” Grant said. “Once I was introduced to surety and under- stood the responsibilities of the role, I was interested in the diversity the in- dustry offered.” He says the diversity of analyzing the risk within various industries, busi- ness and projects is both interesting and challenging. Added to the chal- lenge was his age. “Imagine being fresh out of university, building rela- tionships and trying to provide advice to a business owner who had been in the industry for decades.” He said his success in overcoming the age-related circumstance came from really listening to his clients’ challenges, and hearing their issues and concerns first instead of going in with preconceived ideas and solu- tions. Nine years ago he moved from a large international insurance company to the then-small Canadian start-up called Trisura. “Building a company from the ground up has been a tremendous challenge and a tremen- dous opportunity to have been part of bringing Trisura. To the point of being a substantial business has been very rewarding.” Today Grant is a seasoned profes- sional who has demonstrated his skill and knowledge in the profession. His greatest challenge in recent years has been the speed of change. He says economic times, technology, contract language, and new procurement methods and risk and are constantly changing, requiring a focused effort to follow. “In working with clients it becomes even more important to listen, espe- cially to how they have been impacted by the changing times.” Grant says he is constantly read- ing, attending association events and taking advantage of online webinars and other learning opportunities to en- sure he is able to provide the best and most current recommendations to clients. Even after more than a decade in the industry, he says every day is new and different and the constant learn- ing creates a dynamic and interesting environment. “The people you get to work with, both within the construc- tion industry and within the surety business are what this is all about.” His advice to anyone considering their careers: “I would suggest creat- ing a plan but at the same time be open to new opportunities as they arise.” a s step abo ve ste te ep above The Canadian Design and Construction Report — February - March 2015 – 21