The Power Brokers award, presented by Risk & Insurance, is one of the highest recognitions a producer can receive. The award acknowledges producers who have demonstrated exceptional expertise, innovation, and client service within the insurance industry. To determine the Power Brokers for each industry category, judges rely on client testimonials that compellingly convey the unique value and experience their producer provided, ensuring the most deserving candidates are recognized for their outstanding contributions. Winning this award signifies that a producer is an industry leader, advancing the standards of risk management strategy for an ever-changing insurance industry.
Our winners
Andy Pettise
Jamie Levenshon
Jei’Mar M. Spell
Jennifer Botting
John Unick
Michael Zeeff
Michelle Newton
Andy Pettise
Hospitality & Gaming
Andy Pettise’s recognition as a 2026 Entertainment, Hospitality & Gaming Power Broker reflects his rare combination of operational experience and insurance expertise. A former multi-brand franchisee with two decades in the restaurant industry, Andy brings firsthand knowledge of the pressures operators face — from workers’ compensation costs to complex claims and legal challenges.
Jamie Levenshon
Real Estate
Jamie Levenshon’s recognition as a 2026 Real Estate Power Broker reflects her specialized expertise and client advocacy within the commercial real estate sector. With a portfolio spanning approximately 50 million square feet of shopping centers across multiple states, Jamie is known for navigating complex carrier markets, correcting misaligned pricing, and protecting transactions at critical moments — even when she is not the broker of record.
Jei’Mar M. Spell
Construction
Jei’Mar M. Spell’s recognition as a 2026 Construction Power Broker reflects his relentless advocacy and disciplined approach to complex risk challenges within the construction sector. Known for stepping in during high-stakes renewals, Jei’Mar delivers measurable results—securing meaningful premium reductions, structuring innovative self-funded programs, and guiding clients through the approval of self-insured workers’ compensation plans.
Jennifer Botting
Employee Benefits
Jennifer Botting’s recognition as a 2026 Employee Benefits Power Broker underscores her ability to turn high-pressure renewals into strategic wins. When a client faced a substantial projected premium increase, Jennifer led a rapid, comprehensive market analysis—compressing timelines, evaluating multiple alternatives, and positioning leadership to make a fully informed decision without disrupting open enrollment.
John Unick
Specialty
John Unick’s recognition as a 2026 Specialty Power Broker highlights his command of highly complex and unconventional risk environments. John serves industries where racetracks, sports venues, and training operations intersect—spaces that demand technical fluency and credibility with both clients and carriers.
Michael Zeeff
Private Client
Michael Zeeff’s recognition as a 2026 Private Client Power Broker speaks to his hands-on approach and commitment to protecting high-value assets in complex coastal markets. Specializing in hurricane-exposed properties, Michael goes beyond placement—personally reviewing homes, identifying mitigation credits, educating clients through carrier transitions, and ensuring coverage remains aligned with evolving risk.
Michelle Newton
Real Estate
Michelle Newton’s recognition as a 2026 Real Estate Power Broker highlights her tenacity and strategic guidance during some of the most challenging moments for community associations. She strengthens long-term stability by restructuring fragmented insurance programs, aligning renewal cycles, and securing competitive pricing—bringing clarity, efficiency, and cost control to the communities she serves.
Our finalists
Cindy Verrecchia
David Bridges
Mike Tresidder
Cindy Verrecchia
Transportation
David Bridges
Specialty
Mike Tresidder
Specialty
