Underwriting the Unusual: 30 Years of Expertise in E&S MGA for Hard-to-Place Risks

In this episode of the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance Insights podcast, hosts Mitch Dunford and Dr. Lisa Gardner talk with Deborah Buettner, CIC, personal lines underwriter and manager at Risk Placement Services. Deborah shares her inspiring story—from making cold calls at age 12 in her father’s agency to building a thriving career in underwriting hard-to-place risks like homeowners, farms, aviation, and drones.

She discusses how early experiences as a CSR shaped her understanding of underwriting, why continuous learning and designations like CIC matter, and how RPS’s values-driven culture has kept her passionate for over two decades. This conversation is packed with insights on resilience, career growth, and the importance of integrity in the insurance industry.

Key Topics Covered:

✅ How Deborah started in insurance as a child
✅ Transition from nursing to insurance
✅ The role of a CSR and its impact on career development
✅ Underwriting hard-to-place risks and E&S markets
✅ Importance of professional designations like CIC
✅ How company culture and core values drive success

Why Listen:

If you’re an insurance professional, aspiring underwriter, or simply curious about career growth in the industry, this episode offers practical advice and an inspiring story of perseverance and passion.

Focusing exclusively on risk management and insurance professional development, the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance provides a practical advantage at every career stage, positioning our participants and their clients for confidence and success.