Luke Nugent, independent insurance consultant at Nugent Santé (pictured centre), speaks to Health & Protection about eschewing university for working with his dad, Paul, starting out cold calling during the pandemic, his love of sport and Manchester City and why insurance is never a boring career.
How did you get your start in the sector?
After leaving school with good results, I chose difficult A-Levels with the aim of continuing on to university. But I soon realised that wasn’t the path I wanted to go down.
I grew up with my dad, Paul, working in the industry and by this time he had set up his own intermediary. It always interested me, so I asked him for a job to which he reluctantly agreed.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
Since beginning my career at the Santé Group I have had several roles, starting with administration.
I wanted to move into the sales team and I started cold calling in April 2020. You can guess how that turned out during the pandemic. To progress and become an adviser, I had to take an exam which I subsequently passed.
Dealing with primarily smaller SME businesses can be extremely rewarding.
I enjoy my role as I can provide good outcomes for these businesses whether that is by saving them money, enhancing their benefits or assisting with claims.
It’s these outcomes that make the hard work worth it.
Who is your role model – in life or in work?
My parents and step parents have always been role models in my life.
I am very fortunate that although my parents separated when I was young, they have a fantastic relationship and my parents and step parents are all really good friends.
I have grown up in two very happy households and they are all to thank for that and I have huge admiration for them because of that.
They have always taught me to be kind and respectful which I see as two of the most important traits a person can have.
In a working environment, my role model would again be my dad, Paul.
My dad started the business while I was in high school and I have seen first hand the highs and the lows, the stress and the jubilation and simply how hard he works.
He is the best boss anyone could wish for and I am sure my colleagues will second that. He inspires us to work hard and looks after all the staff so well.
I am super proud to be his son.
What advice would you give to people thinking about a career in the sector?
People tend to think insurance is boring, but they couldn’t be more wrong.
Every day is different, dealing with different people, different scenarios and different businesses. No two days are the same.
You’re able to expand your network and build fantastic relationships.
Attending the different events the industry has to offer can be a really good way to meet likeminded people.
The industry has so much to offer with so many different opportunities.
What has been your biggest setback and how did you overcome it?
Throughout my school years, I always aspired to go to university to study something sports related.
After good GCSE results, I thought picking academic subjects at college would be the best way forward.
My first year didn’t go well with mediocre results so in the second year, I wasn’t allowed to be in the football team as I had to go to extra classes.
Looking like I may have needed to do two more years, I decided it was time to get a job.
When I started working, more exams was the last thing I wanted to do, however I didn’t want to give up on qualifications after leaving college.
I began revising for some industry exams and I failed both of them.
I didn’t let this stop me, with a bit more serious revision I have since passed both exams and I am striving towards a 3rd to become Cert CII with a protection exam to do this year.
Laugh or cry – what did your most memorable client or case make you want to do and why?
Dealing with medical insurance has its highs and its lows as you can imagine.
We receive news regarding a members condition or someone sadly passing away which is always tough to hear, especially when you have built up a relationship with these people, helping them with their claims and general support.
On the flip side, I have had members who have received a terminal diagnosis and months down the line they are on the road to recovery.
When you help people and this is the outcome, it is such a rewarding feeling and you are absolutely overcome with joy.
I couldn’t name one particular scenario as they are all weird and wonderful in their own ways.
What’s your ultimate goal for your career?
Taking inspiration from my dad, the goal would be to have my own brokerage.
I am fortunate to be surrounded by good people who will help me achieve this goal whether that is family, friends, colleagues or in some cases, a mix of all three.
The ultimate goal would be to be as successful as my dad – if not more successful. But I will play that down while I am still an employee.
What’s your biggest talent away from work?
I am a very sporty person, trying my hand at a variety of different sports.
As a teenager, I was an avid runner and I was pretty good at it too.
Entering my 20s, I preferred watching sport than playing sport so I stopped running and playing football.
I wanted to get fit again so I recently ran a marathon and raised over £2,000 for charity.
I am not as quick as I once was, but running has become a passion of mine again which keeps me physically and mentally fit and has enabled me to get back into the sports I stopped due to my fitness levels.
What mantra do you live by?
I think the cornerstone of any success is always hard work. ‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,’ a cliché but true.
What song would you regard as your theme tune?
I live and breathe Manchester City, so it will have to be Blue Moon.