At a special ceremony held onThursday, June 24th at the 14th Annual ACE America's Claim Event in Las Vegas,Nev., a beaming Daniel W. Jurgella accepted the 2010 ClaimProfessional of the Year award.

Sponsored by New York-based law firm Smith & Brink, P.C. andClaims Magazine, the award recognizes overall excellencein the claim-handling arena. With an industry tenure spanning morethan 20 years, the director of claims at Sentry Insurance knowsabout striving for continual improvement and how to inspire othersto do the same. Claims' Senior Editor Christina Bramletcaught up with Jurgella at the show, where he relayed what keepshim engaged and energized each day.

Were you surprised that you had been nominated for theaward?

I was extremely surprised of the nomination and even moresurprised to actually win. I had no idea that I'd even beennominated. So when [Editor in Chief] Eric Gilkey called to relaythe good news, I was shocked, to say the least.

You've held claim-related positions for the brunt ofyour career. What about the industry initially caught and retainedyour interest?

My college major was business administration, with emphases onfinance, real estate, and insurance. A retired Sentry employee wasmy professor for most of the insurance-related courses I took.Thus, I got to know him quite well and listed him as a referencewhen I applied for my first position at Sentry. He certainly wasvery influential in my decision to pursue a profession ininsurance.

It's easy to say what has retained my interest. I learnsomething new each and every day. I have been involved in claimhandling now for over 20 years. Each day there are new challengesto face. No day is quite like the last, and that motivates me tocome to work each day.

What is the toughest part of your job? What is yourfavorite?

Having to let someone go is the most difficult aspect of myposition. I feel responsible when a person does not perform to ourstandards. As a result, I feel as though I too have failed. Myfavorite part is being involved in the mentoring of an employee,and then watching that person develop and become successful.

Where will you display your award?

In my office!