PL Risk is proud to spotlight Chris Boden, Senior Broker for the Property & Casualty Division, in our employee spotlight for the month of May. Chris is an exceptional professional with a robust career, bringing over 21 years of insurance expertise to our team.
Professional Journey
Chris began his career in the insurance industry by owning and managing his retail agency for over 12 years. During this time, he honed his skills and developed a specialization in all aspects of cannabis insurance and risk management. In 2016, he made a strategic move by selling his respected agency to a large national brokerage. This transition allowed him to shift from retail to wholesale insurance, where he took the opportunity to build a Cannabis Practice Group for a large, national wholesaler. He joined PLRisk in 2022 at the infancy of its developing a cannabis division. He has been instrumental in growing the cannabis along with the other members of the cannabis team over 400% in his short tenure.
Expertise and Certifications
His extensive list of professional designations shows Chris's dedication to his field. He holds the following certifications:
- Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC),
- Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS),
- Transportation Risk & Insurance Professional (TRIP),
- Master's of Cannabis Certification from Cannabis Training University.
These credentials reflect his commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and his desire to offer his clients the best solutions. Chris is a member of the Insurance Agents and Brokers Association of America and is a frequent speaker and author of cannabis industry articles. Most recently he was on the Safeherb Advisor council and is a common fixture at MJ Biz and other conferences He has been with California Cannabis Industry Association and was on their inaugural Risk. Additionally, he has been featured in the Insurance journal among other publications on several occasions including the following:
Cannabis Broker Spotlight: Boden With Crouse Went All-in on the Budding Industry 6/25/2020
https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2020/06/25/573400.htm
Insurance Journal – Think Cannabis Insurance 101 – and Beyond Webinar
https://www.insurancejournal.com/research/research/cannabis-and-insurance-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-budding-business/
Insuring Cannabis Podcast - EP. 89: A Hard Look at Commercial Auto, Telematics and Cannabis - 4/11/2024 https://www.insurancejournal.tv/videos/23555/
Clarifying Law Around Insurance of Marijuana Act Would Reduce Gaps, Expert Says 4/8/2019
https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2019/08/08/535299.htm
Early Cannabis Insurance Claims Experience Differs from Expectations 5/29/2025
Contributions to PLRisk
Since joining PL Risk’s Property & Casualty Division as a Wholesale Insurance Broker, Chris has brought a wealth of experience from both retail and wholesale insurance sectors. His specialization in cannabis insurance, with over 21 years of experience, has made him an invaluable resource for retail agents nationwide. He is known for helping them secure streamlined Property & Casualty package insurance solutions, including management and professional liability, tailored for their cannabis insureds.
"In cannabis, no two risks are the same. Whether it’s cultivation, manufacturing, retail, or vertically integrated operations, each client has unique exposures. That’s where we come in. My role is to bridge the gap between retail agents and specialty carriers, ensuring every submission is positioned for success."
Chris’s further insurance specialization, placing cannabis insurance, has made him a go-to resource for retail agents throughout the country. We are thrilled to see Chris’ continued growth as a Wholesale Insurance Broker and look forward to his continued success.
Personal Interests
Outside of his professional life, Chris resides in Northern California with his family. He enjoys golfing, fishing, and coaching youth sports. In 2024, he served as head coach for an undefeated team that won the SAC Pee Wee Football Championship.
We are proud to have Chris Boden as part of the PL Risk team and look forward to witnessing his continued success and contributions to our company and industry.
