Brandon Hicks
Newport Beach
Summary
Full‑cycle sales professional with a background as an insurance broker, experienced in managing high‑value client relationships, navigating underwriting, and selling complex financial products. Former Division I athlete known for competitiveness, discipline, and coachability. Currently an MBA candidate at USC Marshall, where I’ve also led the expansion strategy for my family’s 80 year old Restaurant business Original Tommy’s World Famous Hamburgers franchise, developing market analysis, operational plans, and growth projections. I bring a blend of sales execution, strategic thinking, and real business ownership experience, and I’m looking to apply that skill set in a fast‑growing tech environment.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Commercial Insurance Broker
IOA
Newport Beach
01.2026 - Current
- Brokered over $3,000,000 in commercial P&C premium, primarily across hospitality and multi‑unit franchise operators.
- Built and managed pipeline of multi‑location and distributed‑risk clients with complex operational exposures, ensuring tailored coverage solutions.
- Conducted detailed coverage audits and negotiated with carriers/MGAs to improve program structure, coverage breadth, and pricing efficiency.
- Advised on captive feasibility and alternative risk financing solutions for franchise and hospitality clients, facilitating informed decision-making through executive‑level presentations.
- Strengthened strategic relationships with real estate private equity firms in Southern California, enhancing future deal flow opportunities.
Commercial Insurance Broker
HUB International Insurance Services
Newport Beach
05.2024 - Current
- Built insurance solutions for private equity firms and multi-unit restaurant groups, aligning coverage strategies with growth and investment objectives.
- Designed risk management programs tailored to businesses navigating rapid expansion and operational complexity.
- Delivered comprehensive coverage solutions that safeguard assets and support long-term strategies.
- Cultivated relationships with C-suite executives, investors, and industry influencers, establishing a referral network within private equity and hospitality sectors.
Semi Professional Volleyball Player
Team Sunderland
Newcastle
09.2023 - 02.2024
- Developed strategies that enhanced team performance in international volleyball tournaments.
- Provided leadership on the court by orchestrating plays and guiding teammates to optimize performance.
- Analyzed opponents' playing styles to identify tactical advantages and inform game plans.
- Practiced and refined skills to improve accuracy and consistency during matches.
- Assisted in coaching younger players by demonstrating techniques and providing feedback.
Risk Management Intern
Original Tommy's
Los Angeles
05.2023 - 09.2023
- Developed risk management strategies to identify, assess and mitigate potential risks
- Conducted risk assessments of properties to identify slip and fall hazards
- Implemented policy that protects from mopping of floors/slips and falls
- Implemented policy requiring use of mesh gloves when cutting with sharp objects
- Inspected parking lots for high curbs and asphalt holes to ensure safety
- Implemented a policy for a once a month safety meeting where all employees must attend
- Established network for employee access to nearby clinic for minor injury care
- Verified compliance and currency of fire suppressant and ansul systems
- Implementing a policy requiring all vendors to make sure that they all have a COI to indemnify us in case of a loss that is attributable to them
Division 1 Athlete
UCSB
Santa Barbara
07.2018 - 04.2023
- 1-time AVCA Division 1 All-American
- Final Four Appearance in NCAA Division 1 National Championship Tournament
- Big West Champion (2021)
- Captained team through two competitive seasons, fostering leadership and team cohesion
- Competed as a starter for five years, contributing to team dynamics and strategy
Operations Intern
Original Tommy's
Los Angeles
05.2022 - 06.2022
- Established standards to enhance efficiency of delivery platform for driver sales
- Optimized kitchen space constraints to maximize sales and mitigate risks of delivery service shutdowns
- Set up staging areas/prep stations on how to package and check the correctness of the desired order ready for our delivery drivers on time
- Analyzing data from our delivery platforms in order to correct the potential loss of sales
Marketing Intern
Original Tommy's
Los Angeles
06.2021 - 07.2021
- Developed strategies targeting demographic of 17-34 years old to align marketing efforts with core audience.
- Tracked and analyzed sales increases from short-term media channels, including radio, Instagram, and billboards, to evaluate effectiveness of instant traffic generators.
- Looking at instant traffic generators within that demographic, vs. a longer term branding strategy within that demographic base as well.
- Collaborated on branding initiatives with Fox Sports West to engage sports fans in Los Angeles, focusing on LA Dodgers, LA Lakers, and LA Clippers.
Education
MBA - Finance & Risk Management
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA05-2028
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Political Science
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA, US05-2023
Skills
- Financial product expertise
- Full-cycle sales
- Negotiation techniques
- Market analysis
- Strategic planning
- Relationship-driven sales
- Team collaboration
- Competitive drive
Awards
- 1 X AVCA Men's Volleyball Division 1 All-American
- 5 Year starting Middle Blocker and Captain
- Big West Champion
- NCAA Final Four Finalist
Extracurricular Activities
Division 1 Athlete
Timeline
Commercial Insurance Broker
IOA
01.2026 - Current
Commercial Insurance Broker
HUB International Insurance Services
05.2024 - Current
Semi Professional Volleyball Player
Team Sunderland
09.2023 - 02.2024
Risk Management Intern
Original Tommy's
05.2023 - 09.2023
Operations Intern
Original Tommy's
05.2022 - 06.2022
Marketing Intern
Original Tommy's
06.2021 - 07.2021
Division 1 Athlete
UCSB
07.2018 - 04.2023
MBA - Finance & Risk Management
University of Southern California
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Political Science
University of California-Santa Barbara