Broker Spotlight: Lisa Rodriguez, Brown & Riding

Broker Background

With over 25 years in the insurance industry, Lisa Rodriguez has dedicated her career to delivering exceptional results for her clients — all while mentoring the next generation of brokers. A Senior Vice President and Principal based in Seattle, Lisa began her journey in personal insurance lines and transitioned to management liability, where she has thrived for 24 years at Brown & Riding. Known for her expertise, creativity, and leadership, Lisa shares her perspective on the industry and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

How have you seen the insurance industry change?

“Over the years, there’s been so much change with new exposures and protected classes evolving. For example, wage-and-hour claims were hardly discussed when I started, but now they’re a significant focus for the policies we write. We’ve also seen shifts due to social media and legal developments, which means we have to stay vigilant and be creative to make sure our policies cover what our clients need. It’s not just about filling gaps, it’s about being proactive and dynamic as the industry shifts and evolves.”

How does your team efficiently manage such a large volume of submissions and applications?

“We’re very targeted in our approach. With the number of policies we handle on my team — the largest ‘small business’ team at Brown & Riding in the management liability space — we can’t waste time. We pre-vet markets to ensure we’re placing submissions with carriers that have the right appetite, preventing us from wasting anyone’s time, including ours. Efficiency is key, and I appreciate that Counterpart offers both digital applications and the flexibility to work through old-school underwriting when needed.”

What’s one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned working in insurance?

“The biggest lesson is to pay attention to the risk. A policy title might look like it says one thing, but when you dig in, it’s not always what it seems. It’s so important to educate yourself and really understand what you’re working with. That’s how you make sure you’re providing the best solution for your clients.”

If you were to give advice to a young person working in insurance, what would it be?

“Always keep an open mind, invest in building strong relationships, and ask questions. There’s so much to learn, and it’s an exciting industry if you dive in. Find a mentor, stick with them, and don’t just skim the surface — go deep. Join at least one industry organization — there are many out there that will help you create meaningful connections to learn from your peers. The more you engage, the more rewarding this industry becomes.”

What is your proudest or most fulfilling career moment?

“I’m most proud of developing my team. Watching interns grow into full brokers with their own books of business has been incredible. Seeing their success and knowing I’ve been part of their journey is so fulfilling. It’s the absolute best part of what I do.”

What do you value most about your partnership with Counterpart?

“It’s the creativity and commitment that stand out to me. The team works with us to make sure policies meet the specific needs of our clients, and that collaborative approach is invaluable. I also appreciate how Counterpart prioritizes the wholesale market and always delivers great service. It’s a partnership my team truly values.”