Professional Background

Prior to joining Collins in 2005, Mr. Friesz worked for five years for Harleysville Insurance, where his positions included material damage manager and material damage-auto liability supervisor. In addition to numerous administrative responsibilities, he created and implemented cost containment programs for expense and indemnity management. He helped lead a team that analyzed and implemented improvements in accord with Six Sigma process improvement methodology.

Mr. Friesz began his career in 1993 with American Family Insurance, where, as a field casualty claims examiner, he worked with the company's Legal Department in various methods of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration, pre-trial conferences and summary jury proceedings.

He is president of the Twin Cities Claims Association, which provides an educational forum for claims professionals to keep abreast of legal and regulatory developments affecting the insurance industry.

Mr. Friesz holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota.