Celebrating 50 Years in Surety: The Career Journey of Rich Anderson
This year marks a remarkable milestone:
Rich Anderson is celebrating 50 years in the surety industry.
Over the course of five decades, Rich has witnessed tremendous change, built lifelong relationships, and shaped the careers of countless professionals. His journey is filled with lessons, stories, and reflections that paint a vivid picture of a career well-lived.
Rich Anderson Celebrates 50 Years in the Surety Bond Industry
The First Day
Rich’s first day in the surety business was spent in introductions—meeting people across departments from underwriting and engineering to claims and marketing. He was handed stacks of materials to study, including underwriting manuals and surety bonding guides, along with a massive metal carriage calculator that seemed to signal the seriousness of the task ahead. The learning curve was steep, but the foundation was laid.
Entering the Business
Rich didn’t take a direct route into surety. His entry came through a chance connection—his wife’s colleague’s mother-in-law mentioned an opportunity in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Though initially skeptical about working for an insurance company, Rich quickly realized that his marketing degree was a perfect fit for surety. He started as an underwriter trainee at Aetna Life and Casualty, then the largest financial institution in the world.
The Aetna Years
At Aetna, Rich learned the culture of strong underwriting, mentorship, and loyalty. With 50 branch offices—five in New York alone—Aetna was a place where young professionals were trained rigorously and often relocated to meet company needs. Rich thrived under the guidance of his managers, benefitting from strong pay, benefits, and mentorship that shaped his future path.
Evolving Roles and Taking Ownership
Rich’s career evolved from employee to owner, eventually founding his own agency in 1988. Along the way, mentors like Frank McNamee at Aetna and Arthur Blanche on the agency side played pivotal roles. Frank taught Rich how to understand contractors and make business fun, while Art provided the blueprint for running an agency. When Art sold his firm, he gifted Rich ownership of his book of business—a generous gesture that allowed Rich to build his own foundation.
Perhaps the most important mentor, however, was his wife, Paula. With her own expertise in commercial insurance, she provided insights, perspective, and unwavering support. Rich credits much of his success to her partnership.
Rich Anderson's Original Offer Letter from 1975
Rich Anderson Celebrates 50 Years in the Surety Bond Industry
Rich has always believed in the power of mentoring. Just as others invested in him, he has guided many underwriters and producers, helping them flourish in their own careers. He has also built deep, lasting friendships—like with the late Harry Rohlfing, who introduced him to Joe Catania, now co-owner of Anderson & Catania. These relationships, both personal and professional, are the heartbeat of his career.
The Changing Industry
In 50 years, the surety industry has transformed dramatically. From carbon paper and memos to instant communication, technology has both improved efficiency and diminished opportunities for face-to-face connections. While information flows faster than ever, Rich still values the in-person relationships that shaped his early career.
Memorable Stories
Rich’s career is filled with memorable moments—some challenging, others touching. During the 2008 financial crisis, his bank nearly collapsed while holding trust funds earmarked for bond companies. The experience was a stark reminder of how fragile stability can be. On a more human level, Rich recalls a contractor breaking down in tears while explaining the pain of laying off a longtime employee and friend—moments that underscored the deep personal stakes in business.
There are also stories of perseverance, like the month-long negotiation of indemnity language for a major client in Philadelphia—a client the agency still serves 35 years later. And there are countless funny, silly stories that could fill volumes.
Rich Anderson Sat Down with Joe Catania to Discuss His Length Career
Lessons Learned
Rich’s reflections carry wisdom for anyone entering the surety industry:
- Meet as many people as you can, and ask lots of “why” and “how” questions.
- Visit job sites—contractors love showing their work.
- Learn to read and explain financials; sometimes even CPAs need guidance.
- Look people in the eye, smile, and give a firm handshake.
- Never take a client for granted. The most important bond is always the next one.
A Legacy of Integrity
Through it all, Rich has built his career on honesty, empathy, and consistency. He hopes to be remembered as someone who told the truth, valued relationships, and made business both productive and enjoyable.
As Rich reflects: “Fifty years means you showed up and did your job. This could never have been achieved alone, and those people that worked with me, and put their trust in me, is the greatest compliment I could be given.”
Life Beyond Work
Though technically retired, Rich continues to support his team and participate in industry events. Outside of work, he treasures time with family, travel, and staying active. Above all, he knows the secret to a fulfilling life and career: “You are never alone when you have good people around you.”
Rich Anderson: “You are never alone when you have good people around you.”