“When I initially started with JJ Ruddy, it was through Ed’s dad (I also tend to always use a family business where ever I can). I got to know Ed better and still insure everything we own through him. Houses, boats, vehicles, umbrella insurance etc. Over the past 35 years working together they have never let me down. I’ve stayed with them and insured everything through them because of their service, trust, knowledge, and their nothing is too much trouble attitude.”
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.
