With 49 years in the industry, Dennis Byrne knows the surplus lines business inside and out. He began as an underwriter in 1973, working in medical malpractice before moving to the Broker side.

Managing E&S books in southern California since 1978, Dennis has seen the industry grow and change exponentially over the course of his career – from handshake deals written on napkins at The Brown Derby, to today’s digital age of email-based transactions with agents across the country.

One thing that has remained constant is his commitment to delivering best-in-class customer service for his agents near and far. Having been mentored by M.J. Hall’s founder, Michael Hall, Dennis developed an expertise in aviation risks early on. He prides himself in his areas of focus, and has grown his reach beyond aviation to include DIC/Earthquake, professional and products liability, and excess markets.

Dennis firmly believes in the founding philosophy of M.J. Hall – that this is an industry of possibilities, and an E&S Broker’s job is to create opportunities to think outside the box, providing solutions for the hardest risks to place.

When he is not working, the former sports enthusiast now enjoys a slower pace of life, but still enjoys a round of golf. He’s often found tinkering in his backyard, tending to his garden, traveling and visiting his grandkids. He has also developed a passion for giving back, volunteering his time with local charities and food banks near his home.