40 Under 40 Awarded to Peter MacDonald

From the Cape & Plymouth Business: June 2015: 40 Under 40

Peter MacDonald

Age: 27

Title: Risk Advisor

Company: Murray & MacDonald Insurance

Education: Bachelor in Mathematics Cum Laude, Wheaton College; Uppsala University (Sweden);and Tsinghua University (China)

Career background/highlights: I started in insurance after working abroad and traveling around the world for six months. I'm now in my fifth year, and in that time I earned my sales licenses and three professional designations: Certified Insurance Counselor, Licensed Insurance Advisor, and Certified Risk Manager. I lobby in DC on behalf of our clients, wrote some articles and presented to associations on emerging risks to get our company name out there. I recently bought into our company and became an owner.

Community involvement: Falmouth Aquatics Steering Committee (to provide a first-class aquatics and wellness facility in Falmouth); Falmouth Academy Alumni Council (Outreach Chair); The Marine & Oceanographic Technology Network; and various chambers of commerce and professional associations.

Favorite professional moment: I recently closed a large deal that originated from my prospecting efforts, persistent follow-up and identifying concerns and providing additional value

If you weren’t in the career you’re in, what would you be doing? Technology startup or leading adventure tourism groups.

Who is your No. 1 role model? My dad. He displays the strongest perseverance, integrity, honesty and care for his family, employees and business.

What mistake has taught you the most? One semester in college I slacked off on Abstract Algebra and earned a D, having put the time to other involvements. I took the class again the following year, worked my tail off and earned an A. I learned to keep the main thing the main thing, and that persistence pays off.

What’s something about you that would surprise people? I had traveled to over 35 countries by the time I was 24.