Spotlight Q&A QuickTakes
As a Track & Field and Cross Country team member for University of Portland, Daniel Racle also put in long hours and time into pursuing his graduate degree. Racle graduated with an MBA in 2024 and recently relocated to Denver, CO. He quickly jumped into building his business with Country Financial, “I’ve worked with UP alum in assisting them with finding their best long-term insurance solutions, so it’s been great to help out friends in a professional capacity.”
How did you end up at UP?
I moved out to Portland after finishing my undergraduate degree back home in England to pursue my MBA and run track and cross country at UP. I really enjoyed my time there, for a variety of reasons: the course; the people; the team; and working at Beauchamp!
What are you doing now for work?
I recently relocated to Denver, Colorado, to begin my career with COUNTRY Financial. We are ranked #1 by Forbes, and are known for a reliable and client-focused approach. We specialize in offering life, commercial, auto and home policies.
I began in September and it has been both rewarding and challenging as I build my agency and develop my presence in the insurance and finance industries.
Although I now live away from the Pacific Northwest, I am licensed in Oregon and Washington and would love to be a trusted advisor for any UP staff, alumni, or current students. I’d be happy to provide information/advice to anyone looking at going into a similar career.
How did UP’s School of Business prepare you for your career?
UP was incredibly helpful in assisting me making the transition from student to the working world. I think it can be very challenging these days job searching and the potential relocation.
I had a couple of added hurdles being international, but Mike Pelley and his team in the International office at UP were brilliant in guiding me through the process.
On the academic side, I found the MBA classes far more applied than my undergraduate degree and this helped prepare me better for post-college.
One example is Professor Joe Barhoum‘s sales class. This introduced me to a career that I hadn’t previously considered, and which now plays a big part of my job. I also enjoyed the opportunity that the MBA provided to network and learn from people from a wide variety of professions and walks of life.
The final thing I’ll add is to thank Melissa McCarthy for all the work she does and the current student and alumni opportunities she coordinates – I think everyone should take advantage of them.
Connect and Learn More
Connect with alumnus Daniel Racle and learn more about professional opportunities. “You can get in touch with me through my email daniel.racle@countryfinancial.com and I’d be happy to help!”