Clint L. Nokes, 31

Successful Executive Management at Wholesale Brokerage Firm

Clint L. Nokes is the Director of Commercial Lines at Insurance House, based in Atlanta, Georgia. For over 10 years, he has worked in the surplus lines industry as an underwriter and manager of commercial lines. 

At the age of 31, he’s achieved a tremendous level of success. In fact, he’s living proof that the surplus lines industry provides young people with the opportunity to excel, and consequently, be rewarded for their achievements. 

In his career, Clint quickly climbed the corporate ladder. Today, he’s not only the youngest person in his company’s boardroom, but he’s also pursued many of his passions. “Every day is different. You never know what you’re going to come across. I’ve dealt with a variety of risks, including a personal umbrella coverage for a professional boxer, alternative fuels, and insuring NASCAR drivers. At one point, I even had the opportunity to insure paintball facilities, which gave me the opportunity to travel the country playing paintball,” said Clint. 

The Start of a Surplus Lines Career
Clint first became interested in insurance at college. He was a pre-law major, but unsure if he wanted to go to law school, he remembered an old friend of the family who had developed a lucrative, fulfilling career in insurance. With this mentor in mind, he approached the insurance and risk management department head at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, who outlined a career path and plan he couldn’t resist. 

After deciding on this career path, Clint pursued internships with several insurance companies in the surplus lines industry. One of the first lessons he learned was the business is relationship-focused and built on a solid reputation. As his career progressed, Clint continued to be rewarded for his hard work with promotions and additional career opportunities: “If you put the effort in and continue to take initiative, you’ll make a name for yourself and reap the returns.” 

An Executive Who Gives Back 
Today, as the Director of Commercial Lines at Insurance House, Clint manages budgeting, oversees market acquisitions, helps to design performance-based compensation packages for underwriters and brokers, and fosters key industry relationships.

Clint also participates in recruiting college students to the industry. “I understand what students are going through. I was in the same position as they were trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I feel like I’ve found a niche that’s right for me. The business is financially rewarding, has helped me develop as a person, and has even allowed me to travel and see different places.”

When asked what type of skills students need to enter in the industry, Clint noted that “attitude, attitude, attitude” is everything. “We look to hire people who have creativity, initiative, and drive; and who are committed to learning the business.”  

Clint earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in insurance and risk management from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. The surplus lines industry supports and encourages continuing education and professional development. As a result, additional milestones in Clint’s career include earning the certified insurance counselor (CIC) designation, and instructing a continuing education class for the Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) of Georgia. He continues to contribute back to the industry by playing an active role in many member associations, including the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices (NAPSLO) and his local Georgia Surplus Lines Association.