25: From COBOL Developer to Insurance Data Engineer: Brad Cronkrite
Tue Sep 02 2025
Description:
In this conversation, Brad Cronkrite shares his journey from a developer to a lead data analytics engineer at Mercury Insurance. He discusses the critical role of data in the insurance industry, the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, and the importance of mentorship and self-awareness in career growth.
Brad also emphasizes the significance of maintaining a work-life balance and understanding the dynamics of introversion in the workplace. He shares insights on empowering analytics teams through dbt mesh and reflects on past data disasters that shaped his approach to data engineering.
Takeaways:
Brad's journey in data began as a developer on a mainframe. Data is foundational in the insurance industry, influencing pricing and risk assessment. Empowering analytics teams with dbt mesh allows for greater flexibility and ownership. Finding your niche in data can lead to greater job satisfaction. Day-to-day work in data engineering involves project management and troubleshooting. AI can enhance workflows but must be used responsibly in decision-making. Data disasters can lead to valuable learning experiences and improved processes. Interviewing for data roles often reveals knowledge gaps that need addressing. Understanding introversion can improve team dynamics and productivity. Measuring success in data work involves visibility and trust from leadership.
Chapters:
00:00 Brad's Journey into Data 02:44 Navigating Imposter Syndrome 05:38 Data's Role in the Insurance Industry 08:22 Empowering Analytics Teams with dbt Mesh 10:58 Finding Your Niche in Data Engineering 13:27 The Structure of Brad's Data Team 16:10 Building a Robust CI/CD Pipeline 19:07 The Role of AI in Data Engineering 21:44 Navigating Data Disasters 24:15 Interview Insights and Challenges 26:53 Understanding Introversion in the Workplace 32:22 Proud Projects and Their Impact 36:03 Mentorship and Career Growth 37:14 Advice for Aspiring Data Professionals Speakers:
Guest: Brad Cronkrite, Lead Data Analytics Engineer, Mercury Insurance Host: Bolaji Oyejide, Community Manager at dbt Labs
We’re Building the Future of Data. Together.
We’ve always believed the best way to get better at data is by sharing what you’re learning. That’s why we built the dbt Community—a place where data pros at every level can ask questions, debate ideas, and push each other forward.
It’s not just about solving today’s problems—it’s about building what’s next, together.
Crowdsource solutions—70,000+ people who’ve been there, done that. Find your crew—meet others who use the same tools you do. Stay at the cutting edge—discussions, meetups, and game shows keep things fresh. 👉 Jump in and say hi—join the dbt Community now.
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Description: In this conversation, Brad Cronkrite shares his journey from a developer to a lead data analytics engineer at Mercury Insurance. He discusses the critical role of data in the insurance industry, the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, and the importance of mentorship and self-awareness in career growth. Brad also emphasizes the significance of maintaining a work-life balance and understanding the dynamics of introversion in the workplace. He shares insights on empowering analytics teams through dbt mesh and reflects on past data disasters that shaped his approach to data engineering. Takeaways: Brad's journey in data began as a developer on a mainframe. Data is foundational in the insurance industry, influencing pricing and risk assessment. Empowering analytics teams with dbt mesh allows for greater flexibility and ownership. Finding your niche in data can lead to greater job satisfaction. Day-to-day work in data engineering involves project management and troubleshooting. AI can enhance workflows but must be used responsibly in decision-making. Data disasters can lead to valuable learning experiences and improved processes. Interviewing for data roles often reveals knowledge gaps that need addressing. Understanding introversion can improve team dynamics and productivity. Measuring success in data work involves visibility and trust from leadership. Chapters: 00:00 Brad's Journey into Data 02:44 Navigating Imposter Syndrome 05:38 Data's Role in the Insurance Industry 08:22 Empowering Analytics Teams with dbt Mesh 10:58 Finding Your Niche in Data Engineering 13:27 The Structure of Brad's Data Team 16:10 Building a Robust CI/CD Pipeline 19:07 The Role of AI in Data Engineering 21:44 Navigating Data Disasters 24:15 Interview Insights and Challenges 26:53 Understanding Introversion in the Workplace 32:22 Proud Projects and Their Impact 36:03 Mentorship and Career Growth 37:14 Advice for Aspiring Data Professionals Speakers: Guest: Brad Cronkrite, Lead Data Analytics Engineer, Mercury Insurance Host: Bolaji Oyejide, Community Manager at dbt Labs We’re Building the Future of Data. Together. We’ve always believed the best way to get better at data is by sharing what you’re learning. That’s why we built the dbt Community—a place where data pros at every level can ask questions, debate ideas, and push each other forward. It’s not just about solving today’s problems—it’s about building what’s next, together. Crowdsource solutions—70,000+ people who’ve been there, done that. Find your crew—meet others who use the same tools you do. Stay at the cutting edge—discussions, meetups, and game shows keep things fresh. 👉 Jump in and say hi—join the dbt Community now.