Hiring Manager Insight Amidst the Pandemic – Featured Interview Series

We are honored to feature Michael Fusco, President of Fusco & Orsini Insurance Services, a premier independent commercial insurance agency. “Our People. Your Team”, is the tagline Fusco & Orsini Insurance Services lives by. Their team of experienced brokers and service professionals are dedicated, and take the time to understand their client’s needs. Because of this, the people of San Diego have spoken! Their approach has earned them recognition from their customers, insurance partners and the communities they serve including awards from San Diego’s Best Readers Poll in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018!

Michael’s focus within the industry is dedicated to commercial insurance, namely within the areas of construction, manufacturing, bars and restaurants, law offices, medical practices and tech firms. Michael’s main drivers are “working with people and building relationships with clients and colleagues,” and we couldn’t agree more. Michael continues to be an exceptional leader and thought partner for our organization in addition to the entire San Diego community.

Another Source has partnered with Fusco & Orsini since 2017 and assisted in the hiring of multiple key team members.

 

Michael’s Responses:

How has this transition been for you and your team?  
My team and I had a smooth and straightforward transition in large part because we were previously set-up to work remotely.

Assuming you and your team are working remotely, how is that new dynamic?  
The dynamic is excellent. We communicate just as we did while in the same office through our technology platforms.

How do you see your organization changing in light of this pandemic?  
Except for working remotely and practicing social distancing once we return to the office, we have not changed.  We have shifted the guidance to our customers, however, to assist in ways additional to our usual service offering. Examples include advising clients on compliance, safety, economic, and financial resources.

What is your process in determining essential positions at your organization?  
It is easy for me because our business is considered ‘essential’ services.  Therefore, all of our positions are essential to continue operating at peak performance.

When do you expect to start hiring again at a normal pace?  
My hiring goals are unchanged.  I planned to hire in Q3 or Q4 of 2020 and continue with the same plan.

What advice would you give to applicants?  
I would tell applicants that businesses with growth models and plans to grow will always seek qualified candidates. Yes, we all experienced disruption and a realignment of short-term goals.  But this does not mean that long-term goals should change.

What critical lessons have you learned about yourself and about your team right now?  
I learned that I can lead through adversity and that my team is determined to work hard and assist their customers in trying times.  I couldn’t be more proud of my team and their resolve during this crisis.

What are the positive outcomes you’ve learned so far?   
I have learned that when times get tough, the best companies will shine. I have learned that – more than ever – it is essential to support small businesses. And I have learned that there is always an opportunity to improve, and none more than in economic downturns.

Please share any further thoughts here:   
Thank you for inviting me to contribute.