From Sales Floor to C-Suite: The Career Path of TruStage's Dave Sweitzer

Join Peter Colis as he sits down with David Sweitzer, President – Business Units, Sales & Marketing at TruStage, in a candid chat that traces his unique career trajectory from a fresh college graduate in sales to a top-tier executive. Discover how David's commitment to a customer-centric approach has fueled TruStage's expansion, supporting credit unions and touching the lives of millions of consumers. He shares his personal journey, one that took an unexpected turn away from a passion for music to forging a fulfilling career path in insurance and financial services. Along the way, David infuses humor and reflective wisdom on the serendipitous nature of professional growth, emphasizing the role of adaptability in today's ever-changing work landscape. 

Our conversation delves into the seismic shifts transforming insurance, where technology meets empathy to enhance customer interactions and safeguard against fraud. David offers a treasure trove of insights, from the spike in COVID-19 claim payouts to the democratization of life insurance for the middle market. He also casts a forward-looking gaze at the fusion of insurance products within the burgeoning digital-first economy. Wrapping up with sage advice for the up-and-comers in the industry, David's philosophy of proactive learning and the art of collaboration stands as a testament to his success—and might just be the catalyst you need to navigate your own professional voyage. 

The What’s Your Ethos podcast is brought to you by Ethos Insurance and is hosted by Ethos’ CEO Peter Colis. In each episode, Peter sits down with some of the life insurance industry’s biggest movers and shakers. You’ll hear them talk through their biggest breakthroughs, business insights, and leadership challenges — and get to know them on a more personal level.  

Founded in 2016, Ethos is a technology company providing access to instant, accessible life insurance online. Ethos’ mission is to help millions protect their families with access to simple, affordable life insurance. The company has redesigned the application process from start to finish to ensure the customer always comes first. Ethos offers flexible coverage options, access to valuable online tools, and a team of licensed agents ready to help you through it all. Ethos always puts the customer first.  

Discussion points: 

• David Sweitzer's musical background to insurance leadership 
• Customer experience is at the heart of TruStage success 
• Transition from sales graduate to executive management 
• Automated underwriting balances convenience with fraud prevention 
• Collaborative efforts enhance service delivery in insurance 
• Pandemic highlights the need for industry transparency 
• Career advice: continuous learning, embracing collaboration 
• Volleyball passion and insights from Gerald Ford biography 
• Sweitzer's 33-year journey with TruStage 
• Emphasis on simplified access to insurance products 
• $2 billion in claims, including COVID-19 payouts 
• Future focus on digitally native payment protection products 

Resources: 

David Sweitzer LinkedIn 

TruStage 

Peter Colis LinkedIn 

Ethos Life Insurance