Dan Blatch
Why I do what I do
When I was studying Occupational Therapy I saw many patients who had suffered from serious illnesses or injuries.
One patient I will never forget. He had been involved in a motorbike accident and, amongst other injuries, had suffered third degree burns. He was a young Doctor, with his whole life ahead of him, soon to be married, and aside from my initial reaction of sadness and sympathy, I remember thinking that the financial cost will cripple his (and his family's) future as much as his physical injuries.
It was at that point that I became interested in risk and this notion of 'transferring it'. I decided to pursue a career in insurance and have been passionate about it since. I have a strong view on the importance of a reliable cash flow, and secure asset protection.
Whilst I've been lucky to date not to have any of my own family suffer from serious illness or injury, I have witnessed the experiences of several friends' accidents or premature deaths - and their financial hardship as a result of their misfortunes.
These experiences motivate and compel me to educate more people about the importance of transferring the financial burden of life's unpredictable risks.
A few things about me
I am lucky to have my own young family with my wonderful wife Sarah and gorgeous little son, Ted.
We are very fortunate to live near a beautiful Sydney beach and enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle with our rather energetic dog, Colin, who keeps us very fit! Family is incredibly important to me. As one of 5 children scattered around the globe I cherish the limited time I get to spend with my siblings.
I love organising get-togethers and entertaining friends at home, or in a park, or at a pub, or the beach…or anywhere I can get my loved ones together. And not just my loved ones. I have always really enjoyed bringing people together.
I was extremely proud in 2012 to win a Guinness World Record as the founder of "Blatchy's Blues" - the NSW State of Origin rugby league support group, best known for wearing silly blue wigs and t-shirts to the games. I founded the group in 1999. That year there were 25 of us and over the years it has grown to be the largest supporters group in Australia - with 18,000 people donning the blue wigs in 2014. Although we only held the GWR for a year, it was great to know I held the record for something as crazy as "the most people in one stadium wearing a wig".
I firmly believe we are better as a community than as individuals. Deep down we all want to feel accepted, connected and "belong" to something bigger than just ourselves. That's why I love to meet new people, share new experiences and constantly explore opportunities to have an impact in my community - particularly with younger people.
As a specialist risk insurance adviser I'm an expert in providing advice to individuals and business owners on matters of cash flow and asset protection. Throughout my 12 years in Life Insurance I have provided personal advice, developed market leading products, assisted small to medium enterprises with their risk management needs and, most importantly, managed claims.
I am extremely proud to be able to say that I have managed more than $6M AUD in claims for my clients over the past 12 years. Having worked at large insurers - QBE Group and AXA Australia - my clients now reap significant benefit from my in-house knowledge and broad range of experience in risk analysis. My industry insight provides my clients with peace of mind, knowing their protection needs are managed by a specialist.
Expertise
- Asset and cash flow protection
- Business succession and key man insurance
- Group insurance
- Corporate superannuation
- Employee benefits
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy)
- Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning)
- Member of the Association of Financial Advisers
- Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors