Get to Know: PIA Director Ryan Bedroske

Ryan Bedroske of MacGillis Insurance Agency in Fredonia sits on the PIA Board of Directors and is also serving as PIA's Treasurer. Before he found the insurance industry, he worked as a sales professional for thirteen years and provided professional development for other aspiring sales professionals. Outside of work, he volunteers with his church, children’s school, and also coaches his children’s baseball & basketball teams. After being introduced to PIA back in 2019, Ryan has become deeply involved in many PIA events and committees, most notably as the Chair of the PIA Scholarship Golf Committee and as Board Liaison for the Young Professionals Insurance Network.

Getting to Know Ryan

How did you get into the insurance industry?

I knew Brian MacGillis, the owner of MacGillis Insurance, for a number of years, and he introduced me to the idea of becoming an Insurance Agent in the late 2000s.  It was something that intrigued me as I've always been in sales but was missing the aspect of working with local connections. It was perfect timing and opportunity to make the leap into insurance.

What is your favorite part of working in insurance?

Developing connections and relationships that will last a lifetime.  I enjoy the aspect of providing education to others and articulating the complexities of insurance in a manner I feel they would understand.  I also love giving back to the industry by being a part of the PIA Board of Directors and committees.

Answer Quick!

Did you play any sports?

YES and still do! Growing up, I played football, basketball, baseball, and slow-pitch softball. I played competitive baseball into my 30s, and my slow-pitch softball days just recently ended. I now enjoy less physically demanding sports like bowling and golf and spend most of my summer nights as a baseball coach for my two boys.

What is your favorite candy or sweet treat?

Skittles

What comedian would you want to get stuck in an elevator with? 

Frank Caliendo. I love that he does so many voices and characters, especially his John Madden sketches and the word "BOOM!"

What is your go-to karaoke song?

Get Along by Kenny Chesney. I like the chorus:

Get along on down the road
We've got a long, long way to go
Scared to live, scared to die
We ain't perfect, but we try
Get along while we can
Always give love the upper hand
Paint a wall, learn to dance
Call your mom, buy a boat
Drink a beer, sing a song
Make a friend, can't we all get along?

What is the worst haircut you've ever had?

Not necessarily a haircut, but when I was in college it was cool to frost-tip our hair. My friend tried the homemade kit - like the hair cap where you thread your hair through the tiny holes and use a brush to apply the blonde-frost product. Needless to say, he ended up putting the cap on me crooked, and I came out with my hair looking like a spotted cougar and the frost tips looked like a mullet imprinted on my head. After an embarrassing trip to a high-end salon, they were able to re-dye my hair back to my normal color.

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas. I grew up with a close-knit family on my dad's side. It was a longstanding tradition to go to church on Christmas Eve with my grandparents, aunts/uncles and cousins, then go to my grandparent's house to socialize, play sheepshead, and open presents.

Getting Deeper...

Where did you grow up? What is your favorite part about it? 

I grew up in Colby, WI (the home of Colby Cheese).  I love the sense of community and hard work (lots of farms and manufacturing).

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Annual 4^th of July camping trip to the same campground.  43+ years

Do you have a hidden talent?

Many people chuckle when they hear that I was a two-time All Conference choir singer in High School.

Do you have a favorite quote?

"Keep it between the ditches."