Let's Get Surety #152 The Corner Office: A Conversation With Arch's Steve Ruschak
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Jan 13, 2026 Steve Ruschak, Executive Vice President of Surety at Arch Insurance Group, shares insights from his impressive career spanning claims, underwriting, and leadership. He discusses pivotal moments, including his transformative experience in Bermuda and how it shaped his professional growth. Ruschak emphasizes the importance of building strong producer partnerships and urges industry volunteers to foster talent development. He also raises concerns about market complacency and highlights Arch's strategic focus in the surety landscape.
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Chance Call Launched A Long Career
- Steve Ruschak described landing in surety after law school when his father urged him to call CNA, leading to interviews and a quick hire in 1995.
- That call launched a varied surety career spanning claims, underwriting, broking, and later running a company and becoming CEO.
Bermuda Years Shaped His Perspective
- Steve recounted moving to Bermuda with his company, working there for five years, and having two kids during that period.
- He highlighted learning business lessons, personal growth, and close collaboration with the few other surety people there.
Small Steps Build Major Growth
- Steve explained he launched a five-year growth plan when taking over a listless surety operation and built premium steadily each year.
- Incremental planning and consistent execution grew the business from roughly $30M to about $90M over multiple plan cycles.