Q&A with Bruce Kraft

Bruce Kraft, AAI, CIC is a principal of Arbor Insurance Group, a full-service independent insurance agency based in Allentown, PA. He also serves on the IA&B Board of Directors.

Q. It’s always interesting to learn how people land in insurance. What prompted you to enter the industry?

A. I had a good friend who was working at CNA Insurance and looking for commercial underwriting trainees. I had been working for a finance company and was looking for a different opportunity in order to further my career. Just like many other people, I hadn’t really considered insurance as an option. I ended up spending 13 years at CNA before making the change to the agency side of the business.

Q. After underwriting for a carrier, you made the transition to commercial lines sales at an independent agency. What prompted you to make the switch?

A. After working for a carrier for so many years, I felt that I needed a new challenge. I found that I really enjoy interacting with commercial clients, learning about their businesses, and assisting them with their insurance programs. I learned that so many business owners don’t really understand what they are buying and how it potentially affects their business. I take pride in educating my clients which allows them to make better decisions about their overall insurance program.

Q. You’ve been with Arbor Insurance Group since 2003. Tell us about the agency and how it has evolved.

A. When I first started at Arbor Insurance Group, the agency was looking to transition and grow. I was tasked with managing the commercial lines division and assisting in that growth. As time went on, I realized that I missed the day-to-day client interaction and transitioned to a full-time producer. Over the last 20 years, the agency has grown substantially. We continue to look for additional opportunities to expand and grow the agency, both organically and through acquisition.

Q. We’re nearly three years past the start of the pandemic. What changes – from an insurance and/or management perspective – appear here to stay?

A. It has been interesting to see how people have reacted to the situation. We continue to do video calls, and in some ways this has been good. In some ways it has not. I miss the face-to-face interactions that occurred daily prior to the pandemic. In my mind there is a time and place for video calls, but it should not replace our common daily interactions. Flexible work schedules – with employees being in the office some days and working from home some days – are here to stay. Everyone wants the flexibility.

Q. What advice would you give to new commercial lines producers just getting their start in the industry?

A. I recommend that new producers take advantage of the educational courses that are available through IA&B. Education is key to their success, and IA&B should be an integral part of that development.

Q. Tell us what keeps you busy outside of work!

A. In my spare time I enjoy golfing, attending sporting events and concerts, and spending time with family and friends.