Member Case Study: Hanson & Ryan Continues a 150-Year Legacy With the Support of ISU Steadfast

Carrie Ryan of Hanson & Ryan Inc. stands as a fierce advocate for independence, integrity, and community connection. As the fourth generation to help lead the agency, which was founded in 1876 in Paterson, New Jersey, Carrie continues forward a mission shaped by resilience and personal commitment, while leveraging the strength of ISU Steadfast to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Initially founded in the horse-and-buggy era, Hanson & Ryan has weathered the Great Depression, multiple wars, economic downturns, and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ryan family’s involvement began in 1939 with Carrie’s great-grandfather, Louis A. Ryan. Although the Hanson namesake remains, there hasn’t been a Hanson at the agency in decades, a testament to tradition and legacy. “We kept the name because it represents continuity, history, and trust,” Carrie notes.

Today, the agency continues as a multi-generational family business. She and her sister are majority owners, while her brother is part of the agency’s daily operations. “It’s not just a company, it’s our family’s legacy,” Carrie says. “We each have our own strengths and roles, but we’re united in the goal of keeping the agency strong and deeply connected to our community.” 

The Challenges of Staying Independent

But independence in today’s insurance industry isn’t always easy. “Carriers are asking us to grow our books and keep loss ratios low, yet they’re giving us less compensation,” Carrie explains. The challenge for smaller, independent agencies is to compete with massive brokerages and PE-backed firms that aggregate volume to negotiate favorable deals.

That’s where ISU Steadfast came in.

The ISU Steadfast Advantage

Hanson & Ryan joined the ISU Steadfast network 12 years ago to gain access to more competitive carrier contracts and higher profit-sharing potential, without compromising the agency’s independence.

“Before ISU Steadfast, we earned a low profit-sharing percentage for a high-volume personal lines book with one carrier. After joining ISU Steadfast, our profit share jumped significantly. We were finally getting paid for the quality business we produced,” says Carrie.

Beyond financial alignment, Carrie soon found a professional home in ISU Steadfast’s culture. “I wanted to understand all that the network could provide, so I started going to conferences. As a result, I’ve built lifelong friendships with agency leaders across the country.” That camaraderie has evolved into a support system of knowledge sharing, referrals, and mutual respect. “We protect each other’s relationships,” explains Carrie.

Opening New Doors Through ISU Steadfast’s Network

The power of ISU Steadfast’s network also extends to strategic growth. When Hanson & Ryan wanted to break into more mixed-use habitational business, a tough class to write in their region, ISU Steadfast introduced them to a carrier that specialized in the industry and had an appetite for writing business.

Within a year, Carrie and her team had written a substantial volume of premium and earned their own contract. “It wasn’t just about market access; it was about nurturing a long-term carrier relationship that made sense for our book.”

Community Roots, National Reach

While rooted in northern New Jersey, Hanson & Ryan’s capabilities now stretch beyond the Tri-State area thanks to ISU Steadfast.

“We’ve written business in multiple states through relationships we built at ISU Steadfast events,” says Carrie. “That’s been a game changer, especially for clients with multi-state operations.”

Collaborating for the Future

Technology is another area where Carrie is helping to lead. As part of ISU’s technology and AI working groups, she collaborates with other members to evaluate and share tools that boost efficiency. “We’re all in different markets with different challenges, but we come together to test and share what works. It’s about making each other better.”

Investing in the Next Generation

Carrie is also passionate about mentoring new talent. “We bring in interns and recent grads to give them real-world agency experience,” she says. “It’s our way of giving back to the industry that’s given us so much and ensuring the next generation understands the human side of insurance, not just the transactional part.” With the backing of ISU Steadfast’s collaborative network, she’s also exploring mentorship exchanges with other member agencies.

Standing Firm in a Changing Market

Carrie is candid about the challenges ahead: AI disruption, shifting consumer expectations, and regulatory complexity. “It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but when you’re part of something bigger, you don’t feel alone,” she says.

“ISU Steadfast has allowed us to retain our independence while making smarter decisions with better data, insights, and support.”

It’s not just about keeping up with the industry; it’s about helping shape its future.

Leading With Purpose, Not Just Growth

That support has enabled Carrie to focus on what matters most: preserving the agency’s values while evolving for the future. “We’re not chasing growth at all costs. We’re writing good business, staying rooted in our community, and investing in our people. ISU Steadfast helps us stay competitive while remaining authentically us.”

Carrie adds, “Our agency and community have been through a lot, including wars, recessions, and pandemics. What remains unchanged is our unwavering commitment to caring for our clients. That’s what has gotten us this far — and with the right partners, we’ll be here for another 150 years.”

Independence Through Strength and Unity

ISU Steadfast empowers agencies like Hanson & Ryan to thrive for generations to come. Talk to us to see how ISU Steadfast can help your agency continue its legacy. Join ISU Steadfast today.