John Unick joined Insurance Office of America (IOA) in September 2016 as a commercial insurance producer specializing in the thoroughbred racing industry. 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. John 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.

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. During the height of the California workers compensation crisis, which garnered much media attention, John brokered a workers compensation captive that was vital to the economic sustainability of the California horse racing industry.

John 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.

John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Rider University. 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.