Q&A with Gretchen Ruddy

Gretchen Ruddy, CISR is a business insurance agent partner with AMSkier, a full-service independent agency in Hawley, PA. The largest direct insurance provider for children’s camps in the country, AMSkier also offers a full suite of personal and commercial insurance programs.

Q. Why did you enter the insurance industry, and how has your career progressed?

A. In 1998, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies from Bloomsburg University and immediately began working for a local, family-owned insurance agency, obtaining my insurance license two months later. I have worked in the industry ever since and joined the AMSkier team in 2014. My entire career has focused on selling and servicing Business Insurance for a variety of different industries.

Q. You now specialize in writing coverage for the hospitality industry. What was that like during the pandemic? And how is that market evolving?

A. Many of the accounts that I work with are in the hospitality industry and suffered tremendously during the pandemic. Our clients really relied on us for guidance and support as they navigated the challenges associated with shutdowns, layoffs, and overall uncertainty. For as difficult as this time was, we were able to strengthen so many of our customer relationships, while being empathetic to each individual situation and circumstance. There were so many things to consider, but in the end, we knew that we were all in it together! Finding creative solutions became our team’s entire focus. It is great to see that so many of our clients and friends are getting back to business as usual.

Q. What’s your favorite part of your job?

A. There are so many things that I love about what I do. I consider myself very lucky to work with the people that I do and to have the opportunity to learn and grow professionally every day. Insurance is just the product that we sell. It is the relationships built along the way that make the lasting impact. Insurance markets and coverages are constantly changing, and staying on top of that keeps things interesting. Every industry is a little different, and learning about what others do and how we can be helpful is very rewarding.

Q. AMSkier is nationally known for its camp program. Tell us about it!

A. For over 90 years, summer camp has been an integral part of the AMSkier world. As a strategic partner for summer camps, we build personal relationships and provide valuable resources and innovative programs that help to improve camps and make them safer. We insure all lines of coverage for this industry as a program administrator.

Q. Thank you for allowing IA&B to place AMSkier’s own E&O insurance. Why do you choose IA&B, and what’s the best part about working with our team?

A. There are so many member resources offered by IA&B. It is comforting to know that their knowledgeable team members are only a phone call away when we are faced with a coverage question or issue where some guidance might be needed. The continuing education courses offered by IA&B also help to keep our entire team up to date on hot topics in the industry. We trust the support offered by IA&B and that they will continue to work hard for us to secure the best E&O protection for our agency.

Q. You live and work in the Poconos region. For those readers who aren’t familiar with Northeastern Pennsylvania, tell us about the area.

A. I have lived in Northeastern Pennsylvania my entire life. I love all that our area has to offer. With every changing season, there is something exciting to see or do. There are so many different places to visit, relax, and unwind, which is why so many people visit from bigger cities within driving distance. It is truly a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Q. What keeps you busy outside of work?

A. “The days are long, but the years are short.” The older I get the more this rings true, especially when it comes to my kids and how fast they have grown up. My husband Dennis and I are blessed with three sons – Thomas, Ryan, and Connor. We enjoy attending college football games, lazy Saturdays at the pool, and family/friend get togethers whenever possible. I also enjoy reading and watching movies in my free time.