Michelle Lyster
Grand Junction,CO
Summary
Results-driven Senior Underwriter with 11 years of experience managing a $9.5 million premium portfolio. Specializes in Colorado workers' compensation laws and fosters strong client relationships. Enhances operational efficiency through strategic collaboration and a focus on safety.
Overview
1
1
Language
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Underwriter
Pinnacol Assurance
Denver, Colorado
06.2014 - 09.2025
- 11 years of experience as a workers' compensation underwriter for Pinnacol Assurance, writing both Colorado and Multi State policies
- Wrote $780K in new, approximately 14% of the team's new business. I managed a substantial portfolio of 900 policies, generating over $9.5 million in premiums.
- Developed strong, lasting relationships with my agent partners and customers through high standards of customer service
- Prepared renewal reviews for a diverse and complex book of business, advising on retention strategies, workplace safety strategies, as well as claims management strategies
- Educated customers and agents about Colorado Workers' Compensation Law and NCCI underwriting guidelines.
- Analyzed payroll, operations, and safety controls to ensure underwriting accuracy
- Collaborated with agents partners on submissions, pricing, and strategies to win and retain new business
- Collaborated with team members to streamline standard work and improve efficiency in our daily work.
Store Manager
Kisment
Denver, Colorado
03.2013 - 06.2014
- Executed visual merchandising, implemented policies and procedures, hired and trained employees for locally owned women's clothing and jewelry boutique
- Created sales strategies that increased customer growth and retention
- Oversaw Kismet sales floor operations and daily store routines.
Store Manager
Justice
Denver, CO
08.2010 - 03.2013
- Store manager for a nationally known young girls clothing store, where young girls shop in a welcoming, friendly, inclusive and energetic environment
- Highlights: increased store revenue from 400k annual volume to 650k annual volume.
- Hired, trained, and developed staff; scheduled shifts; implemented company policies; executed visual merchandising; maintained store standards; created sales goals and action plans; prevented loss; ensured high standard of customer service
Assistant Sales Leader
Justice
Denver, CO
01.2009 - 08.2010
- Enhanced sales management skills for effective team leadership, led sales in store manager's absence, processed freight and moved merchandise to sales floor, delegated tasks, coached and trained team members, managed cash handling, delivered consistent customer service, safeguarded against theft, and supported store organization.
- Led sales floor coverage and customer service during peak Justice shopping hours.
- Supported store sales goals through coaching associates on Justice selling standards.
- Trained associates on Justice product knowledge, fitting room service, and suggestive selling.
Nanny
Nanny
Fort Collins, CO
11.2004 - 07.2010
- Delivered consistent childcare support for a family over 3 ½ years, worked 3-5 days weekly to foster a nurturing environment.
- Duties included: feeding, bathing, reading with the child, creating activities, and ensuring the overall safety of the child while parents were absent
- Established connections with 3 additional families to provide reliable part-time babysitting services.
Server
Jackson's Sports Bar and Grill
Fort Collins, CO
11.2008 - 01.2009
- Server for well known, fast paced sports bar and restaurant
- Greeted guests and guided seating at busy sports bar and grill service areas.
- Ensured compliance with food safety laws, met customer needs, maintained cleanliness of restaurant, and fostered a welcoming, fun environment at bar and grill
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts, Spanish minor
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO12-2008
Universidad De Pablo De Olavide & CEA
Seville, Spain05-2008
Skills
- Risk assessment
- Regulatory compliance
- Salesforce proficiency
- 20 years customer service expertise
- Team leadership
- 20 years customer service expertise
- Team leadership
Languages
Spanish
Limited
Affiliations
- Camping
- Hiking
- Volunteering at my children's school
Timeline
Senior Underwriter
Pinnacol Assurance
06.2014 - 09.2025
Store Manager
Kisment
03.2013 - 06.2014
Store Manager
Justice
08.2010 - 03.2013
Assistant Sales Leader
Justice
01.2009 - 08.2010
Server
Jackson's Sports Bar and Grill
11.2008 - 01.2009
Nanny
Nanny
11.2004 - 07.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts, Spanish minor
Colorado State University
Universidad De Pablo De Olavide & CEA