John Patrick Unick

Mr. Unick specializes in the thoroughbred racing industry at Insurance Office of America, dba in California as IOA Insurance Services. He is nationally recognized as an insurance expert in this sector and well known for crafting specialized and difficult to place insurance programs, including captives and self-insurance models. Mr. Unick has developed innovative insurance programs that have stood the test of time within numerous industries outside of racing as well. He has brokered deals with nearly all racetracks and horsemen’s associations in the United States, totaling in excess of $300 million in premium.

During the height of the California workers compensation crisis, which garnered much media attention, Mr. Unick brokered a workers compensation captive that was vital to the economic sustainability of the California horse racing industry. Prior to joining IOA, he worked with John Bolton & Company and served as president of the thoroughbred racing division of San Francisco-based MOC Insurance Service for 15 years.

Mr. Unick is a graduate of Rider University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. He has served on the board of directors of the Orinda Association, volunteered many hours working with the Special Olympics, and is active in various thoroughbred racing charities and related causes.

Mr. Unick first fell in love with the sport of horse racing at the age of five when he was in attendance to witness Secretariat’s iconic Belmont Stakes performance in 1973. He developed a further passion for horse racing by attending the races in Saratoga with his grandfather every summer during his childhood.