As Holborn closed its 2015 Fiscal Year, another important chapter closed as well. After 43 years in the industry, and with the past three of those years at Holborn, Tom Lehrke (EVP & Director) has retired as a broker; however, he continues on as a key member of Holborn’s Board of Directors. Dedicated to the end, Tom even worked on Leap Day, February 29th – a Monday. In clas
sic Tom Lehrke fashion, he quipped, “Holborn’s corporate year normally ends on February 28th…figures I retire at the end of corporate year that is also a Leap Year!”
For those privileged to work with and know Tom, it was a bittersweet day. Tom joined Holborn in 2013 with the merger of his firm, W.J. Lehrke Co. with Holborn Corporation. It was a seamless transition made possible by his strong leadership. He worked tirelessly to transition his account relationships and to develop Holborn’s younger talent right through to his scheduled retirement as a broker. In yet another typical Tom Lehrke-like display of altruism, he assures us, if needed, he is just a phone call away.
His illustrious career began in 1973, when he and his father, Walter, founded W.J. Lehrke Co., following graduation from the University of Colorado (Boulder). Tom’s early days were spent in the Accounting department and as a facultative broker. He is widely seen as an expert in the reinsurance industry and is, in fact, a contributing author on the topic of aggregate/stop loss reinsurance for Strain Publishing. Tom rose through the ranks, finally being named President of W.J. Lehrke in 1998 upon his father’s retirement.
Tom enters retirement with the support of his four children, two grandchildren and his wife of 40 years, Colette. His interest in downhill ski racing, flying single engine planes and any number of summertime outdoor activities are sure to keep him busy. Plans are underway to volunteer his newfound time with Habitat for Humanity as well as to become an assistant ski coach for the local high school.
Holborn formally honored Tom with a reception and dinner in Minneapolis, which was attended by friends from far and wide, including clients, reinsurers from Germany, Lloyd’s and the U.S., as well as his loving family.
Congratulations Tom and all the very best from all of us at Holborn!
