Dee Willis - Contract Bonds Department Profile

Dee Willis joined Insurors Indemnity in October 2008 moving to Waco from Dallas. Dee will be on the road this week visiting with agents and is one of IIC’s most experienced (and fun) contract bond underwriters. 

This week’s profile tells you a little about Dee who is an important part of IIC’s contract bond team.

Tell me a little bit about your background?

Dee: My father was a mechanic in the U.S. Air Force working on F16 fighter jets. Born in Germany and living in Alaska, New York and coming back to Texas I had always wanted to travel and see the world. As soon as I graduated from high school I enrolled in the United States Air Force as this gave me the opportunity to not only do that but serve my country as well.

After being stationed in Abilene, Texas for 4 years I decided to get out of the service, got married and had my daughter, Krystal.  I went to a technical school where I met a lady leaving her underwriting position and they were looking for a non-experienced person they could train, and that’s where my insurance career began.

How did you become an underwriter?

Dee: Back in mid-1980s I was a Cargo Bond Underwriter for Associates Insurance Company.  I have been in the insurance field since that time and have worked for three different companies and several agents. 

My previous position was as the Bond Account Manager, for 9 ½ years, at an agency who represented IIC. 

When IIC had an opening for an underwriter who would be willing to train and move to Waco, they contacted me. That was how I became contract bond underwriter at IIC.

What do you love about your job and the clients you work with?

Dee: I like dealing with the agents, and occasional contractors when our agents ask for our assistance. Each account is unique in its own way.  Seldom are accounts a cookie-cutter type of business.  I like being able to come up with creative ways that ICC can assist, and write the bond.

As an underwriter what are some of the trends that you are observing in the industry?

Dee: I believe that based on the accounts and information I am seeing, the construction industry has picked up in Texas. This even extends to some neighboring states as well.

Outside of work, what are some of your interests?

Dee: I love to read, spend time with friends and family, bowl and play with my puppy – a ChowBador (Chow and Labrador mix).