May 8, 2018

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Brice Christensen, a client adviser in the employee health and benefits department at Howalt+McDowell Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company. 

Name: Brice Christensen

Age: 28

Hometown: Clear Lake

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I moved to Sioux Falls after getting my job at Howalt+McDowell in October of 2017. I’ve grown up and spent most of my life in small-town South Dakota, and being in Sioux Falls gives me the opportunity to get all the benefits of a city while keeping my connection to South Dakota.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I love the number of sporting events and amount of entertainment that Sioux Falls is able to draw. I’m also close enough to get back to the country and enjoy all of the hunting and outdoor activities that South Dakota has to offer.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I really enjoy the variety of things I encounter on a weekly basis. Depending on the day, I may be traveling to visit a client, working with data analytics or something in between. Having such a wide range of responsibility allows me to learn and grow daily.

How did you get connected to your industry?

In college, I interned with the underwriting department at Sanford Health Plan. I gained a lot of background knowledge about how risk is managed, the health insurance industry in general and was even able to obtain my life and health producer license. After college, I worked as a school business manager for four years, where I was very involved on the employer side of insurance benefits. Having experienced and enjoyed both sides, I knew that I would jump at the opportunity to get back into the industry.

Describe working at Howalt+McDowell in three words.

Energy, collaboration, knowledge.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

I’m still adjusting to the increase in options that I’ve never had before! I don’t have anything specific, but if I have to choose, I would love to see the variety and energy of downtown Sioux Falls continue to evolve and grow.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

One of my goals is to enhance my knowledge base so I can better assist clients with the complexities of the industry and everyday problems they may encounter. I’ve found that there is a wealth of training and learning opportunities provided at Howalt+McDowell, so I have no doubt that this will be accomplished.