2021 Preliminary Speakers

Eric Arnum

Eric Arnum is the editor of Warranty Week, an online publication written for the warranty industry professional. Based in New York and launched in late 2002 as both a free weekly email broadcast and a website at www.warrantyweek.com, the newsletter has quickly gained a following among manufacturers, retailers, servicers, and insurance professionals. Subscriptions to the free weekly email edition have now surpassed 7,000 people, while Web traffic is typically around 12,000 to 15,000 page views per week.

Weekly topics have included specific market close-ups on product warranties, extended warranties, claims rates in industries such as air conditioning, automotive, PCs, disk drives, printers, consumer electronics, solar panels, construction, mining, telecommunications equipment, plasma TVs, jetliners, sports stadiums, new homes, skateparks, and farm equipment. On a quarterly basis, trends in warranty claims and accruals by more than 800 manufacturers are detailed in depth. Also featured are periodic articles about industry conferences and warranty claim processing and analysis software providers.

Before launching Warranty Week, Arnum edited two different newsletters about the data communications industry -- Messaging Online, and Electronic Mail & Micro Systems (EMMS) -- while also engaging in custom research projects tracking the growth of the World Wide Web in Europe and the market for Internet services in South America. He also has worked as a reporter and freelance photographer for various online music publications. Eric Arnum is a graduate of Syracuse University with a degree in economics.

Clarence Bethea

Clarence is a seasoned entrepreneur who has worked with dozens of startups and Fortune 500 companies to drive business momentum and success. He’s been written about in fast company, TechCrunch, MPR and the observer. He brings a wealth of business knowledge, networking acumen and passion to the service contract industry. Prior to starting Upsie, Clarence created 2nd Chance Staffing and secured contracts to staff distribution centers for local businesses.

Clarence is founder and CEO of St. Paul based, Upsie Upsie is a venture-backed tech company disrupting the extended warranty industry by creating a win, win solution for consumers. He has raised over $26m from some of the top venture firms in the country including True Ventures, Samsung, Avanta, Techstars, Matchstick Ventures, Bread & Butter Ventures and has a team of 20. He lives in Minnesota with his wife, Jenny, their daughter, Addison and son, Austin. Clarence is a committed mentor to young people who are seeking a career path in business and entrepreneurship.

Chad Burris

Chad Burris is the Product Protection Program Manager for Nationwide Marketing Group, a buying group for independent retailers in the appliance, furniture, and bedding channel. In his 6 years with Nationwide, Chad has focused his efforts on developing warranty programs that provide unique advantages to the members of Nationwide, with a specialty in assisting the members with implementation of warranty programs in their stores. Prior to working for Nationwide, Chad gained valuable retail and management experience working for Best Buy.

Chad is a proud graduate of Harding University and enjoys spending quality time with his wife and children, always looking to create fun experiences together with his family.

Brian T. Casey

As Co-Leader of Locke Lord's Regulatory and Transactional Insurance practice group, and a member of the Firm's Corporate, Capital Markets and Health Care practice groups, Brian focuses on corporate, merger and acquisition, corporate and structured finance and other transactional, and regulatory matters for corporate clients in the insurance, financial services and health care industries. One significant facet to Brian's practice is a focus on insurance-linked securities and related insurance capital markets transactions. His clients include insurance companies, insurance holding companies, managing general agents and insurance agencies, third party and claims administrators, banks and other financial institutions, investment banks and reinsurance companies.

Michelle Esgar

Michelle Esgar oversees brand strategy, brand marketing and customer experience for the Panasonic consumer brand in the US. She manages the creative content development team and works closely with customer insights to develop data-driven, customer-centric marketing, programs and experiences across the entire customer journey. Recent initiatives include improvement of the digital support experience, content development strategy and brand awareness among younger generations. Michelle works closely with the global Panasonic consumer marketing community and has spent the last 2 years focused on bridging the gap between the sales and support sides of the business through 360° brand experience initiatives. Before Panasonic, Michelle built and managed a full-service boutique creative agency in NYC with clients including the NFL, Verizon, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and JP Morgan. She earned her MBA in 2017 and holds an undergraduate degree from Cornell University.

David Froning

Mr. Froning manages a Product Management team that focuses on Quality & Service Solutions. He works in partnership with manufacturers, suppliers, and industry organizations to develop solutions that apply AI and analytics to industry issues such as fraud detection, early warning, predictive maintenance, and accelerated problem solving. Through participation in industry groups and independent research, Mr. Froning’s team works with companies to develop best practices for technology applications.

Before SAS, Mr. Froning worked for General Motors. He managed the development, operation, and continual improvement of quality and warranty information systems across GM’s North American operations and supplier community. His experience also includes work with leading automotive market research firms. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University and a Master of Science from the University of Wisconsin.

Erik Hickly

Brandon Gell

Brandon Gell is the CEO & co-founder of Clyde, a company whose goal is to completely reshape the warranty market — both in its accessibility for retailers and in its experience and value for consumers — through software that can be deployed in just minutes, allowing retailers to offer extended warranties that cover almost anything. The idea was born out of Brandon's own frustrating experience in attempting to offer customers extended warranties directly during his time at a 3D scanner manufacturer. Clyde now works with hundreds of companies, from hot tech startups to enterprises, including Tuft & Needle, Capitol Lighting, Vaio, and more. Before Clyde, Brandon was a Venture for America fellow where he focused on design and project management. He holds a BA in Architecture from Middlebury College.

Diane Greene

Ms. Greene is Vice President, Legal Affairs of the entities in GSFSGroup. In her role, Ms. Greene serves as the chief legal officer of the group of companies, advises the senior management team on strategic and operational initiatives and oversees compliance matters. She represents GSFSGroup with state insurance departments, state legislatures and industry trade associations. She has served in leadership positions in several insurance trade associations and is currently serving as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Consumer Credit Industry Association. Ms. Greene has successfully drafted, testified and assisted with passage of multiple laws favorable to the Finance and Insurance industry in Texas and other states.

Ms. Greene has been practicing law with a specialty in the insurance and automobile industries since 1995; prior to that time she was in private practice at Baker Botts LLP in Houston, Texas. She received her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University. She was recognized in 2016 by the Houston Business Journal as a Best General Counsel Finalist (small law department).

Steve Gusa

Michael Huff

Michael Huff has over thirty years of Sales, Operations, Finance and Insurance leadership experience in the Automotive OEM sector. He has lived / worked in various countries (US, Canada, Germany, Bermuda) and regional / head-quarter offices globally. He is currently head-quartered out of Bermuda with subsidiary offices in the US, Canada and Malta. Michael has global responsibility for all consumer insurance/service contract products and corporate reinsurance programs at Nissan. Today, he oversees insurance/reinsurance/service contract products in 34 countries.

Dan Hulkower

Dan Hulkower joined After, Inc. in January of 2015 as SVP, Business Development and is focused on broadening the company's reach into the company’s current markets as well as new industries. He has a 30-year history of driving profitable growth in multiple industries. Prior to joining After, Inc. he was with NEW/Asurion as Vice President/General Manager of Client Services. Dan is a graduate of Lehigh University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Marketing.

Eric Johnson

GE Appliances is committed to bring happiness and well-being to every home. This mission has taken on new meaning in the Internet of Things era. With over 20 years of experience leading New Product Introductions across multiple product lines, Eric and his teams have helped to build the necessary product infrastructure needed to support this new wave in diagnostics technology. In his current role, Eric has created the service strategy for North America’s leading manufacturer of connected appliances.

Aleem Lakhani

Aleem Lakhani is EVP at AmTrust North America, Specialty Risk Division. He joined AmTrust in 2003 to establish the administrative practice for extended warranty. Pursuant to the acquisition of Warrantech, Aleem held positions of COO and Chief Innovation Officer. Today, Aleem leads Strategy and Product Development, focusing on IoT markets and cybersecurity, and is responsible for managing Microsoft’s extended service plan program worldwide at AmTrust. He holds several advanced degrees and qualifications in empirical methods, operations research, behavioral economics, and law from institutions including McGill, University of Michigan, MIT, Yale, Wharton and University of Toronto. Aleem recently completed his LL.M., specializing in technology and innovation law. His interests include data privacy, cybersecurity, and blockchain.

Lindsey Mannix

Lindsey is tenured in the service contract industry and has spent the majority of her tenure building and growing client relationships at TPAs and underwriters. Currently, Lindsey is at Samsung Electronics America running the Premium Care Channel Expansion and Operations Development divisions. She is an outgoing, passionate individual who is a problem solver, creative thinker and a mover in the organizations she’s been with.

Outside of work, her passion is for fitness. Her husband is a professional runner and she enjoys traveling with him to his races. For their wedding, they traveled to all seven continents!

Timothy J. Meenan

Timothy J. Meenan is an A.V. rated lawyer in the Martindale Hubbell law directory, and has spent over 30 years as an insurance regulator and attorney representing service contract companies, insurers, managing general agents, GAP providers, and other insurance and ancillary product related industries.

In his role as the General Counsel and Executive Director for the Service Contract Industry Council, Mr. Meenan has overseen the drafting, passage and implementation of fair and balanced regulation for consumer goods, automobile, and home service contract providers throughout the United States, with laws being implemented under his watch in more than 30 states. Mr. Meenan also serves as the General Counsel for the Guaranteed Asset Protection Alliance, and in that role assists lenders, administrators, insurers, and other providers of GAP in compliance, regulatory and legislative efforts. As General Counsel for the Motor Vehicle Ancillary Products Association, Mr. Meenan has worked with industry participants to authorize products such as tire and wheel, windshield protection, paint-less dent repair, key fob, appearance care, and other products across the United States. Mr. Meenan has assisted numerous manufacturers, insurers, administrators and retailers develop and implement national compliance initiatives for warranty, service contract, GAP, and retail insurance programs. Nationally, Mr. Meenan has spearheaded laws designed to streamline the provision of insurance products in the retail environment. Meenan P.A. also provides regulatory and governmental relations out-sourcing for numerous insurers in Florida and throughout the Nation.

Mr. Meenan's legal practice also focuses on regulatory law before numerous state agencies, with an emphasis on insurance company, financial products and agent regulation. He has assisted insurers and other regulated entities to obtain licensure, has represented life and health insurers and health maintenance organizations with various regulatory problems, and has helped numerous property and casualty insurance companies resolve their disputes with the Florida Department of Financial Services, Office of Insurance Regulation. As a legislative lobbyist in Florida, Mr. Meenan has represented many corporations amend statutes governing insurance, service contract, financial products, and other laws.

Taj Mian

Taj began his career in appliance warranty in the UK in 1987, with European Insurer Allianz, learning the business from the ground up in the claims department. From 1992, through to 2002, Taj developed his career and expertise at Aon, leading the growth Pat Ryan’s warranty business in the UK. Having a achieved a market leading position, Taj joined D&G in January 2003, and has held a number of leadership roles.

Taj is acknowledged as one of the most experienced professionals in the Service Contract sector in the UK and Europe. Taj is leading D&G’s launch in the USA.

Taj loves D&G and the role they fulfil for its customers, but first and foremost he is a family man, he has a wife and 3 grown up children, and when not focusing on D&G and family, Taj plays guitar in rock / blues band in the UK.

Tom Miller

Gregory Myers

Greg Myers is an Executive Managing Director of Beecher Carlson leading the manufacturing sector. This also includes all extended warranty and F&I operations. Beecher Carlson specializes in insurance and reinsurance brokerage, consulting, and captive management for large corporations and groups.

Mr. Myers has worked with Fortune 500 organizations in designing and implementing their insurance programs. Many of these programs have included captive insurance companies, rental captives, large deductible, and self–insured retentions. He has been named as an Automotive Power Broker by Risk & Insurance Magazine five times. Most recently he assisted an Asian and European manufacturing company in developing and placing a combined global property and marine insurance program.

One of Mr. Myers specialties is in the areas of extended warranties and consumer insurance programs, many of which utilize a captive insurance company. He began working on extended warranties in 1985 when Beecher Carlson assisted in the development of an automotive OEM’s program. Mr. Myers has/is working on automotive companies, appliance manufacturers, road builders, and retailers. The work has expanded to other consumer insurance programs including consumer insurance and credit insurance. We currently work with 11 of the largest auto companies.

Mr. Myers has been with Beecher Carlson since 1984. Prior to joining Beecher Carlson, he worked as a consultant with KPMG from 1982 to 1984 working on employee benefit programs and specifically developing software systems for calculating pension benefits. He worked with Tillinghast performing similar consulting work from 1979 to 1981. He spent one year between 1981 and 1982 working with Honeywell as a software engineer developing a new Cobol compiler.

Mr. Myers is a frequent speaker at local and international risk management and insurance conferences. He has authored articles for such publications as the John Liner Review, Risk Management, Captive Insurance Company Review, Leaders, Asia Insurance Review and National Underwriter. Mr. Myers received his undergraduate degree and M.B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Anthony V. Rizzo

Anthony has been with Komatsu America Corp. since 2003 serving in many roles across Komastu’s Products and Services Organization and is currently the Director, Market Economics. In his current role, Anthony leads the study of machine and spare parts profitability, to analyze areas where additional revenue generation can be obtained for Komatsu and their distributor network.

Prior to his current role Anthony has held several leadership positions within Komatsu focused on product warranty, product support strategic planning and distributor service operations development. In 2013, Anthony and his team were awarded the Komatsu Limited Presidential Award for the launch of Komatsu’s complimentary maintenance program, Komatsu CARE.

Patrick Scheen

Patrick is a veteran of the warranty industry and a seasoned database marketing executive with 25+ years of experience supporting clients like GE Appliances, Whirlpool, LG, Best Buy, The Home Depot, Panasonic, Samsung, VIZIO, Sprint, FedEx, GM, and American Express. He is currently CEO of AccentFX Marketing, a performance marketing agency that helps clients effectively leverage data, customer insights, and integrated marketing channels to profitably acquire and grow their customer base. AccentFX was originally founded in 1993 with a strategic focus in marketing extended warranties for OEMs, retailers and administrator/underwriters.

Prior to joining Accentf(x), Patrick held leadership positions with Digitas, a leading global marketing agency, and Humana, a US health insurance provider based in Louisville, KY. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Kentucky.

Gary Serbousek

Gary Serbousek has over 15 years of experience related to warranty and service software for several different verticals including Automotive, Heavy Equipment, Consumer Electronics and Home. Much of that time has been focused on building software to reduce warranty costs, increase product quality, and increase supplier recovery. As a senior product manager for Mize, he is responsible for understanding customer needs and providing direction for adding new innovations to the Mize Smart Blox technology. In addition, Gary has a total of over 30 years’ experience working in the software industry in various roles involved in the coding, marketing and selling of cutting-edge software.

Dawn Taylor

Dawn Morris, President, Centricity: With over two decades of experience in the service contract and warranty space, Dawn has never lost sight of the customer. Having held roles in every facet of the industry, Dawn’s extensive experience translates into her unique insights into customer experience, emerging trends and opportunities for her partners to grow top-line sales. As President of Centricity, Dawn has grown the company to become one of Bankers Financial Corporation’s most competitive business lines, while achieving an A+ BBB rating. In 2016, Dawn was named as a Finalist within the Financial Services category for the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Business Woman of the Year Award. She was also recently awarded a Bronze level Stevie Award for Female Executive of the Year in Consumer Services for a company with up to 2,500 Employees. Away from the office, you can spot Dawn wearing the red, orange, and pewter to support her Tampa Bay Bucs on NFL Sundays.

Brett Worthington

Brett Worthington joined Frontdoor in September 2018 as senior vice president of business development. Worthington brings a unique background in the technology and home services industries to this role, where he will be responsible for leading the multi-brand sales organization, expanding relationships in the real estate industry and pursuing new lines of business through partnerships and acquisitions.

Prior to joining Frontdoor, Worthington served as vice president of global business development and strategic partnerships for Samsung SmartThings, and was responsible for the development of partnerships and services globally as well as its go to market strategies. Prior to this, he led the development of an IoT smart home platform and served as director of business development for Ingersoll-Rand. In addition to holding several leadership positions at Wink, and BMC, Worthington served 10 years in the U.S. Army and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom IV and V. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from University of Utah.