At J.J. Ruddy, insurance is more than a transaction—it’s a relationship built on trust, integrity, and unwavering advocacy.
Founded in 1909 by John J. Ruddy, our story began as a small, home-based operation in West Medford. What started as a modest family business has grown into a leading independent insurance agency.
Today, J.J. Ruddy is in its fourth generation of family leadership, carrying forward the same principles that have defined us for over a century: unwavering advocacy, honest guidance, and a deep commitment to the people we serve.
This sincere commitment to our clients is why generations have trusted us with their most important assets.
You should never have to wonder if you’re covered when it matters most. That’s why we advocate for your best interests with insurance carriers, providing honest, straightforward guidance tailored to your needs, and go the extra mile to support you every step of the way.
Our team is made up of licensed professionals with deep industry knowledge and a commitment to continuous learning. As members of respected organizations like the National Risk and Insurance Education Alliance, Trusted Choice Independent Agent Network, and the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents, we stay ahead of industry trends to better serve our clients.
The insurance landscape is always evolving, and so are we. At J.J. Ruddy, we are committed to ongoing education to stay ahead of industry trends and emerging risks. Our team undergoes regular training and certification updates, ensuring we provide the most informed, strategic guidance possible.
By continuously refining our expertise, we help clients confidently navigate new challenges and proactively protect the lives they built and people they love.
While it’s rare to find this many advanced certifications in an independent brokerage, we believe they’re essential for providing the best guidance, protection, and advocacy.
Our team is highly trained in risk management techniques for commercial policies and applies that expertise to personal coverage for clients. Though this approach is uncommon in the industry, we believe it’s essential to take a proactive approach to loss prevention and risk strategy in every policy we write.
We help all of our clients plan ahead for the unexpected, regardless of whether they’re businesses or individuals. This commitment to applying sophisticated risk management across all policy types is what truly sets our insurance services apart.
President
Vice-President
Past President 1962-2005
For generations, we’ve been active in supporting local businesses, families, and organizations that make our region thrive. Our team is deeply involved in community service, participating in Rotary Club initiatives and supporting local events and charitable programs.
We’re proud to be neighbors, advocates, and partners in strengthening the places we call home.
As we look to the future, our commitment remains the same: protecting the individuals, families, and business leaders who make our region a great place to live and work.
We strive to set the standard for independent insurance agencies while honoring the values that have guided us for over a century.
John Hackett, Jr. leads J.J. Ruddy Insurance as President, overseeing commercial lines with the same commitment to advocacy that has defined the agency for over 115 years. A Saint Anselm College graduate with his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation, John excels at identifying gaps in coverage and solving complex insurance challenges.
His analytical approach has made meaningful differences for countless clients across all types of industries. From small businesses to real estate developers and municipalities, John finds the holes in insurance programs and develops comprehensive solutions that address all kinds of loss exposure. He has guided businesses through complex risk analysis and contractual requirements—exemplifying his belief that “advocacy is a crucial part of the trusted partner relationship.”
John constantly updates his industry knowledge through ongoing education and close relationships with carriers, enabling proactive risk management strategies that prevent losses before they occur. His leadership extends beyond J.J. Ruddy having served on the Agency Advisory Council for Travelers Insurance and many other carrier leadership groups.
Following his family’s tradition of community involvement, John has been an active Rotary member for over 30 years as Past President and Paul Harris Fellow while also serving on the Hallmark Health Risk Management Committee and coaching youth sports in Andover. When not advocating for clients, John enjoys skiing, golfing, and time with his wife Amy and their two children.
As Vice President of J.J. Ruddy Insurance, Ed overseas Personal Lines and agency operations with a focus on building trusted client relationships. His degrees from Providence College and Bentley University, combined with is professional designations like CRM, CPRM, CIC and CISR bring a unique perspective to service standards, risk management, and client advocacy.
Ed’s approach to insurance combines risk management, analytics, and practical solutions personalized to each individual client relationship. He regularly identifies coverage gaps, develops strategies for complex client needs, and negotiates effectively with carriers to deliver comprehensive insurance plans. His commitment to ongoing education through multiple professional designations ensures clients receive current, relevant advice addressing both traditional and emerging risks.
Inspired by his father’s example, Ed is committed to giving back to the community—coaching Reading Youth Hockey for 15 years, serving on the Hallmark Health Audit and Compliance Committee, and holding multiple roles with Medford Rotary. His Paul Harris Fellow recognition honors his deep commitment to the communities J.J. Ruddy has served since 1909.
Ed carries forward the agency’s legacy with a clear sense of purpose: “We stand on the shoulders of the generations before us. That might seem like a lot of pressure, but really, it’s an opportunity to be part of something special.” Outside of work, Ed enjoys time with his wife, Kathy, trying to keep up with their four children and he is always looking for the next home improvement project.
