7 Questions with Craig Menzl

Last modified on June 17th, 2021

In this Solutionist Spotlight, we’re catching up with Craig Menzl, our past President & CEO. His steady hand and forward-thinking leadership over the years transformed FFVA Mutual into an industry-leading workers’ comp carrier.

Get to know Craig a little better through his answers to our 7 questions!

Solutionist Spotlight: Craig Menzl

1. 1. What 3 words best describe FFVA Mutual?
      “Respected, Reliable and Responsive.” Our Solutionists bring these words to life in the work that they do and the strong relationships they have with our agents and policyholders.

1. 1. Describe what you were like at age 10.
      I was very fortunate growing up on eastern Long Island, surrounded by water. I took Red Cross swimming courses and Power Squadron boating courses at a very young age. Spent my entire summers fishing, clamming and surfing. Great memories! My grandfather built my first boat, a 9-foot dinghy with a 7.5 horsepower engine, when I was 7 years old.

1. 1. Favorite travel spot?
      Without a doubt, Ireland. I love playing golf on the Irish courses. I enjoy the Irish people, especially the crotchety Irish caddies with their unique humor.

1. 1. If you could meet anyone in the world…
      My great grandfather. He came to America from Germany in the mid-1800s and managed the Steinway Piano Company in Astoria, NY. I have original photographs of him at various functions, where he would hobnob with the likes of J.P. Morgan, John Astor, and Andrew Carnegie. Quite an impressive group.

1. 1. If you were an animal…
      This is easy: One of the many Labrador Retrievers I’ve had in my life. Great companions.

1. 1. What was the most important innovation you have witnessed?
      The Lunar Module that landed on the moon in 1969. I may be a little biased because my father, an aerospace engineer, helped develop the guidance system for the module.

1. Which qualities do you believe are most important for success?
   Passion, Drive, Self-Reliance, Patience, Integrity, Self-Confidence and Communication.

View more Solutionist Spotlights to get to know our employees better and learn about the workers’ comp solutions they bring every day to our agents and policyholders!