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McGowan Wholesale (MW) is the Wholesale brand of The McGowan Companies. Each MW division is focused on a particular line of coverage so that they can provide our retail partners with the necessary expertise in the placement of a risk.
MW offers First Class Markets and Top-Notch Service from a highly experienced, friendly, and service-oriented staff that will be pleased to assist you with their wide array of Coverages & Products.
Austin James, CPCU, ARM
Austin started his insurance career on the retail side as a producer, after graduating with a degree in Finance from Florida State University. Eventually, he moved into the wholesale space, working for two large national brokerages. In 2014, he joined McGowan to launch McGowan Wholesale. Since then, he has focused on building the organization to be a best-in-class property & casualty wholesaler to serve the needs of agencies nationwide. Outside of work, Austin enjoys golf, biking, traveling, and spending time with his family. He currently resides in Colorado Springs with his wife and three children.
Karl Olson
Karl has more than 20 years of insurance industry experience. From 2001 to 2008, he was Director of Carpenter Moore Insurance Services (focusing on Professional Liability and Healthcare insurance). From 2008 to 2015, he was VP, Branch Manager, and Practice Leader – Professional Liability of Sullivan Brokers Wholesale Insurance Solutions, Inc. (focusing on Professional Liability, Management Liability, and Healthcare/Medical insurance). From 2015 to 2024, he was VP & National Practice Leader – Professional & Management Liability of Burns & Wilcox Brokerage. Olson is a frequent speaker on Professional & Management Liability, advisor to private equity companies on insurance matters, and consultant to carriers on developing forms and proprietary endorsements.
Peter A. Wilkens, MBA, CPCU
Mr. Wilkens received both his BS (Finance) and MBA degrees from Fordham University in New York City, and in 1984 earned his CPCU designation. After service in the U.S. Army, he started his insurance career with Wohlreich & Anderson, Ltd, a prominent Lloyds’ broker, rising to the position of National Marketing Manager. In 1980, Peter opened Swett & Crawford’s New York office; ultimately becoming Eastern Regional Manager/ Senior Vice President. In 1992 he joined Quaker Special Risk of NJ, and was involved in the development of a professional liability unit for that organization. Mr. Wilkens formed Professional Risk Placements, LLC in 1996; which became McGowan Risk Specialists on July 1, 2013.
Mr. Wilkens has over 40 years experience in the specialty insurance field, and has been active in many industry trade groups. He was on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices (NAPSLO), and the Society of CPCU Excess/Surplus Lines Section Committee. He is also a Past President of the New Jersey Surplus Lines Association. In addition to NAPSLO, CPCU and the NJSLA, other industry associations that he is active in include the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS), Professional Insurance Agents, IIABNJ and NJBIA.
Peter is a frequent speaker on Professional Liability topics and has served on the faculty of Brookdale Community College’s Continuing Education Department. Additionally, he has been an instructor for the PIA CIC program.
Peter and his wife, Laney, have three children and seven grandchildren. Outside of work, Peter is a “recreational” golfer, swimming official, and avid bicyclist. He is also devotes as much time as possible to volunteer work; and is on the Economic Development Committee for his hometown of Middletown, NJ.
