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

Sponsored by New York-based law firm Smith & Brink, P.C. and Claims Magazine, the award recognizes overall excellence in the claim-handling arena. With an industry tenure spanning more than 20 years, the director of claims at Sentry Insurance knows about striving for continual improvement and how to inspire others to do the same. Claims' Senior Editor Christina Bramlet caught up with Jurgella at the show, where he relayed what keeps him engaged and energized each day.

Were you surprised that you had been nominated for the award?

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

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

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

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

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

Having to let someone go is the most difficult aspect of my position. I feel responsible when a person does not perform to our standards. As a result, I feel as though I too have failed. My favorite 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!

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ACE Snapshot: A Claim Professional Par Excellence

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