WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION — Insurance and Bonding Tammy Grassa applies skill to solve construction insurance challenges Tammy Grassa Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature A lifelong learner with the ability to prioritize, dissect complex contracts and meet deadlines, Tammy Grassa uses her combined skills to achieve success as senior account manager within the construction practice at Jones DesLauriers Insurance Man- agement Inc. (JDIMI). Over the span of her 20 year career in the insurance industry she has worked as a broker, specializing in risk management and other related construction aspects. “Construction work is interesting because it in- volves a lot of large and complex proj- ects with unique insurance requirements and challenges,” she says. While many of the clients she deals with involve men in senior ex- ecutive roles, she has never felt hin- dered as a woman and, in fact, says the industry offers a great opportunity for women with unlimited potential for career growth. “Whether it is an inborn skill or something learned, women tend to be good at juggling heavy workloads, at being detail-oriented, at solving problems and at bringing all of these together to meet deadlines.” Grassa says the most common ex- ample of this ability comes with work life balance and managing family life, something she says JDIMI supports through its reward programs, em- ployee benefits and flexibility to meet the changing needs of her family. A believer in the importance of continuing education, Grassa has earned her CIP (Chartered Insurance Professional) and FRM (Fellowship in Risk Management) designations and is working towards her CPIB (Cana- dian Professional Insurance Broker) designation. She also sits on JDIMI’s Education Committee and acts as a mentor to junior staff, helping them acclimate to and learn the business. “Coordinating courses, encourag- ing career development and partici- pating in industry events are just some of the ways I try to participate and put myself out there,” she says. Grassa says she understands the social aspect of any job is important. Having a presence within her com- munity of clients, ensuring excep- tional customer care, taking professional development courses, and supporting the industry are all ways she represents JDIMI. Her advice to women considering entering the field is to speak with people in the insurance industry and explore the many rewarding career opportunities. “Look for a firm that shares your personal values and will support your professional goals, so you can be passionate about your role and proud to represent the com- pany.” For more information on JDIMI, visit www.jdimi.com. Contractor Guard™ Is your Insurance Investment built to last? Comprehensive Insurance and Risk Management Solutions One of the most efficient ways to improve your bottom line is to maximize the lifespan of your fixed costs including insurance premiums. Contractor Guard™ is the program of choice for quality conscious contractors who appreciate well planned, cost effective strategies to insurance and risk management. 416.248.7136 1.877.232.9996 www.jdimi.com/contractor /JonesDesLauriers @360risk The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Spring 2014 – 47