Daniel H. Kugler, Assistant Treasurer and Corporate Risk Manager at Snap-on Incorporated, was the Risk Manager-in-Residence December 5-8, 2011, at Appalachian State University. His visit was sponsored by the Spencer Educational Foundation. Over these four days, Risk Management & Insurance (RMI) majors at Appalachian State University had a variety of interactions, including one-on-one time, with Kugler.

On Monday December 5, Kugler arranged a guided tour of the Snap-on plant in Elizabethon, TN, where RMI students witnessed the latest in robotic technology. After the plant tour Kugler addressed the students about the Risk Management practices in place throughout the Snap-on facility. “The plant tour was a special treat for our students. Snap-on’s safety practices in a heavy industrial environment are amazing,” said Associate Professor of Risk Management & Insurance Karen Epermanis. Kugler taught RMI Junior and Senior level Insurance classes throughout the day on December 6, and then met with the RMI Society officers.

On Wednesday morning Kugler conducted one-on-one mentoring sessions with RMI students where he shared his 30+ years of Risk Management expertise. “It was such a great experience hearing the thoughts and opinions of an industry leader like Mr. Kugler. He confirmed my desire to pursue a career in the Insurance industry when I graduate in May 2012,” added RMI student Ryne Herring. Later in the day Kugler taught a Senior level Commercial Insurance class. Wednesday ended with a standing-room-only presentation to Appalachian State’s RMI Society where Kugler covered the topic of “International Risk Management” and provided examples within Snap-on, Incorporated.

The highlight of his visit was the final class presentation of RMI students in their Risk Management “capstone” class. Kugler and other risk managers and brokers listened to presentations by RMI students who provided a complete risk assessment analysis for a semester-long case study project. At the end of the presentations, Kugler, other Industry professionals and RMI students gathered for a celebration and review. Kugler stressed to the students to have “empathy” for those they work with and support, and to boldly embrace the economic challenges they will encounter throughout their careers. He also advised students to learn at least one foreign language so that they will more capably adapt to global competition in an expanding international market.

RMI faculty and students alike had positive things to say about Kugler’s visit to Appalachian State. “He was another great speaker that the RMI Society and Brantley Center brought to campus,” added RMI student Justin Litaker. “All in all the week was a tremendous success. Having the opportunity to have a former Risk Manager of the Year on Appalachian’s campus for an entire week was truly an asset to our RMI program and students,” said Associate Professor Epermanis. “We are very thankful for the Spencer Educational Foundation grant which made all of this possible.”

About Daniel H. Kugler:
As Corporate Risk Manager for Snap-on Incorporated, an S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Kugler is responsible for directing all risk management, security, and loss prevention activities worldwide. Kugler is also an Adjunct Professor at Concordia College of Wisconsin in Risk & Economic Studies, as well as an instructor for the National Alliance, ICCIE in Captive Insurance Studies, and RIMS Professional Development courses.

About Snap-on Incorporated:
Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and systems solutions for professional users performing critical tasks. Products and services include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centers, as well as customers in industry, government, agriculture, aviation and natural resources. Products and services are sold through the company’s franchisee, company-direct, distributor and Internet channels. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2.6 billion, S&P 500 Company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

About the Appalachian State University RMI Program:
Appalachian State University is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. The Risk Management & Insurance (RMI) program consists of 120 majors, more than 825 alumni and is currently ranked as the 6th largest program in the country.