To meet the needs of the United States' surety market and provide solution-oriented surety capacity, The Guarantee Company of North America USA, a member of multiple AGC chapters, has opened its 19th US branch to service the Ohio Valley region – which includes Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana. The new office, located in Columbus, Ohio, has been operational since September 2, 2014.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to bring a talented group of surety professionals to The Guarantee to support the Ohio branch," says Stephen C. Ruschak, president and COO, The Guarantee US. "Establishing a presence in Ohio and surrounding states is key in our growth as a leading surety company. Bruce Reiff and Nick Estell have strong, long-standing relationships with key agents in the territory, and we look forward to them developing those partnerships at The Guarantee US."

Bruce Reiff joins The Guarantee US team as Ohio Valley regional manager and will be responsible for underwriting and operations. Most recently, Mr. Reiff was the Ohio branch manager for International Fidelity Insurance Company. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Finance & Transportation Logistics from The Ohio State University.

Nick Estell joins The Guarantee US as Ohio branch manager and will work with Mr. Reiff to develop business in the Ohio Valley region. Mr. Estell was previously with International Fidelity in Ohio. Mr. Estell has a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Miami University (Ohio).

Laura Koscielski joins The Guarantee US team as associate underwriter for the Ohio Valley region. Mike Page continues as Indiana branch manager located in Indianapolis, Indiana, and will be servicing the surety market in Indiana and Kentucky. 

"The Guarantee brand is continuing to strengthen across America," says Alister Campbell, CEO, The Guarantee. "We continue to grow our presence state-by-state by attracting top surety underwriters who fit our culture and share our passion for service to specialist surety agents. The new Ohio team are a welcome addition to our growing team."

The Guarantee US underwrites Contract, Commercial and Environmental Surety through its Home Office in Southfield, Michigan and 19 branch office locations across the United States. The Guarantee US is licensed to write Surety in 50 states, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.  Our US Treasury Listing is currently $15.5M as of July 1, 2014 with an A.M. Best rating of "A" (Excellent) and a Financial Strength Category of VIII ($100M – $250M). For more information visit theguaranteeus.com.

The Guarantee Company of North America is a leader in specialty insurance within the North American marketplace. We offer in-depth knowledge and expertise in niche segments, including the construction industry, transportation industry, corporate programs and customized personal insurance. For more information visit theguarantee.com.