Teammate Tuesday: Louise Roden, Personal Lines Advisor
It’s been just a few months since I joined McGrady on the 4th of April 2024, stepping into the role of Personal Lines Advisor. I live in Castlewellan with my husband, Chris, and our energetic 8-year-old son, Shea.
Having spent over 20 years in the insurance industry, I’ve held various positions, from Sales Advisor to Branch Manager, working in locations from Belfast to Moira and now Downpatrick. My entire career has been in insurance broking, and joining McGrady has been a wonderful continuation of that journey. It’s an exciting time to join this local firm as we celebrate 60 years in business and prepare to become a more integrated part of Brown & Brown - one of the world's largest insurance intermediaries.
Becoming part of the Brown & Brown team is an exciting challenge. I’m looking forward to introducing new products and benefiting from new training and career support that comes with being part of such a large organisation.
The insurance industry is constantly changing, and Brown & Brown’s entry into the market is another pivotal moment for the Northern Ireland sector. Over the years, I’ve witnessed insurers leaving, reappearing, and merging, along with the rise of online markets, which allows clients to obtain quotes more easily. The introduction of credit scoring and customer profiling has also transformed how we approach selective business.
Outside of work, I cherish spending time with my family. We love taking weekends away in our caravan and exploring the outdoors. Living near Castlewellan Forest Park, we often enjoy activities on the lake, including paddleboarding and kayaking.
My favourite holiday destination is Calahonda in Southern Spain. This charming village in Andalusia is perfect for our family vacations, especially in August when the weather is warm. We enjoy beach days, water sports, and evenings at lovely local restaurants. It’s the ideal getaway for relaxation and adventure.
Joining McGrady has been a rewarding experience so far. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead, particularly as part of the Brown & Brown family. Our slogan, ‘The Power of We,’ speaks to the value of teamwork, the importance of working as partners with our clients, and the strength of being part of something larger. It’s an exciting time for sure!