An insatiable curiosity

Roby Shay, Grinnell Mutual’s new chief operations officer, insists he’s not an adrenaline junkie. Rather, he’s more of a curiosity junkie. From a small southwest Iowa farm in Maloy, Iowa, where he was raised alongside three brothers, Shay’s ambitions always stretched beyond the confines of his rural upbringing. “Growing up in small-town Iowa, I always had dreams of doing more and exploring life,” he reflected.

It’s this insatiable curiosity that makes Shay into a man open to interesting adventures and hobbies ranging from the strategic complexities of poker to the smoky thrills of barbeque competitions and the artisanal craft of brewing his own beer.

FULL IMMERSION

For Shay, it’s not simply about sampling the eclectic flavors of life; he dives deep into his interests with conviction and passion. It isn’t enough to try out a new brand of beer, he’d rather learn to make his own beer. This sentiment also propels him beyond the pages of a book. Reading about an Iowan’s 30-year Alaskan escapade is leading Shay to pack his bags and venture off to visit remote Alaska himself. (More on that later.)

At the heart of his personal life is a profound gratitude for family. “I count myself lucky to have a wife who puts up with my curiosities and hobbies. She’s a saint, and I think the world of her.” Shay and his wife Natalie celebrated their 32-year anniversary in April.

He’s also a big Iowa State University fan and said that ISU blood runs through the family. Shay, his brothers, and his three children all embrace the Cyclone legacy. “Iowa State is a big part of our family,” he said, describing their enthusiastic traditions around season tickets and games.

Agriculture, too, is a defining part of Shay’s life, deeply ingrained during his formative years amid the ’70s farm crisis. “I sometimes joke that when it’s time to retire, I’ll settle on an acreage and start my cow herd.”

Shay is a voracious reader who also relishes podcasts, such as his favorite, “All-In,” and enjoys spirited discussions.

He applies his keen interest in human behavior and behavioral economics to the psychological game of poker and to the subject of the FBI’s behavioral interviewing techniques. These interests have not only enriched his perspective but have become the bedrock of his approach to both personal and professional endeavors.

BECOMING COO

That fascination with psychology has become not just a hobby but a critical component of his professional life, a trait handy in his new role as COO, Shay said.

“In my new position, which feels familiar after working for eight and a half years here, my excitement remains fueled by the same aspect that drew me initially: our people.” Shay shows genuine care for Grinnell Mutual and a collective commitment to something greater than individual success.

Grinnell Mutual has faced numerous challenges in the last four years, especially the challenging economic climate for property-casualty insurers. But Shay credits the culture of support and collaboration for its ability to endure and thrive. “It’s this environment of mutual challenge and deliberate, thoughtful collaboration that I believe sets us apart and points us toward sustained success.”

ALASKA CALLS IN THE FALL

Now about that Alaska book... This fall, Shay and his brother will be trading the buzz of civilization for the pristine silence of the Alaskan wilderness. He was inspired by that book that so captured his attention, Dick Proenneke’s “One Man’s Wilderness,” and the documentary based on Proenneke’s life on the shores of Twin Lakes in Sterling, Alaska.

“This trip demands more than just wanderlust,” Shay said. “It requires rigorous physical preparation such as taking long walks with weighted backpacks. Packing is an art and a science that balances the essentials with the need to travel light.” That will come in handy, since Shay and his brother will be hiking 27 miles with a backpack.

This journey to his cabin is a quest not just for adventure, but for insight into a life lived in solitude.

Shay’s journey — and all his explorations — is about more than personal satisfaction or passing interests. It’s about the continual pursuit for a deep and meaningful engagement with the world around him.

3/2024