Many insurance professionals fell into insurance – that includes Nicholas Bedggood, who moved from selling boats to selling insurance.

Bedggood is the director and founder of Citadel Insurance Services and one of Insurance Business Australia's (IB) Elite Brokers for 2023.

The elite broker grew up sailing with his family in and around Middle Harbour and Pittwater in Sydney and then obtained commercial qualifications to start as a charter and commercial skipper on yachts before commencing a boat sales career with Vicsail. He eventually started a vessel management business – managing, maintaining, and racing yachts for private owners.

After 20 years of selling and managing yachts, a new idea struck him when he visited a friend who was an insurance broker.

“I had an epiphany,” Bedggood told IB. “Everyone needs insurance. Not everyone needs a boat.”

At 43, Bedggood did an insurance apprenticeship and fell in love with the industry. He has since prospered and is now leading Citadel Insurance Services.

When asked what differentiates him from his peers, Bedggood said: “[I have an] unending and relentless drive to get the job done correctly, so that in the event of a claim, it gets paid. I'm that annoying broker who asks more than just the simple questions.”

Learn more about Bedggood and the rest of this year's winners for the best insurance brokers in Australia by reading the IB Elite Brokers 2023 report.