Thomas Sowinski Email Address

Vice President of Application Development

The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies is a group of six insurance carriers that are part of the Berkshire Hathaway group of insurance companies. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, with more than 40 years in business, BHHC has grown from a regional organization to a national insurance group, offering insurance products from coast to coast. Each BHHC insurance company has earned an A++ (superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best. Our unparalleled financial strength and superior claims-paying ability sets BHHC apart from other insurance companies in the industry.

I use technology to solve complex business issues and challenges! I digitally transform organizations. I believe that all organizations – regardless of industry – are tech companies. Yet, as some may think, this is not an IT only function. I work cross-collaboratively across all departments – with entry level team members to C-Suite management in transforming the internal organization by focusing on customers and business outcomes. I align the two and backward plan; that is my niche. During my professional career, I’ve learned the following about myself, my leadership style, and organizational development: I build and lead global Software Engineering teams up to 135 people. •I break down silos between departments fostering collaboration and open communication among team members. •I started and managed offshore teams in India, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, and Australia. I implement new methodologies, reflective of customer’s feedback, while promoting efficiency. •I introduced Design Thinking for a 125-member product team. We conducted customer research, hosted workshops interviewing customers, and quickly pushed out product releases based on our learnings. •I led the move from Waterfall to Agile methodology in our Software Department within 12 months, while respecting employees added value to the organization. I provide thought leadership in digitally transforming mature and well-established companies into companies that quickly adapt based on market need. •I identify where customers are going, and I met them there. I share my knowledge at multiple national conferences. •I was the 2020 Keynote Speaker for Laserfiche Empower. My talk was about, “Going Beyond” the traditional. I also balance life with work. I am an AVID fan of soccer serving as Secretary of US Youth Soccer and as a member of US Soccer Federation Youth Council, among many other leadership roles in local and national soccer associations. Professional Skills Product Development and Management | Customer Engagement | Customer Research | User Experience (UX) | Architecture | Software Engineering | Product Analytics | Team Development Domain Knowledge IT Management Software | Cloud Software | Enterprise Software