Since 1999, Aartrijk has earned a reputation as the insurance industry’s most trusted and skilled marketing-communications firm.
The A Team is known for our understanding and knowledge of the industry, experience in it, and long-standing contributions to successful strategies.
Composed of creative professionals with diverse and dynamic industry experience, the A Team has decades of experience in insurance marketing and communications. This saves our clients precious time while we effect change faster.
Vice President, Communications. Roni began her career as a college grammar teacher, but moved to the publishing industry as communications director for an international newspaper industry association and editor-in-chief for a marketing magazine. After a long stint as a volunteering-mother-cum-communications-consultant, she joined the insu
Vice President, Communications. Roni began her career as a college grammar teacher, but moved to the publishing industry as communications director for an international newspaper industry association and editor-in-chief for a marketing magazine. After a long stint as a volunteering-mother-cum-communications-consultant, she joined the insurance industry and has spent a decade on the A Team. An eternal English student, she owns dozens of grammar textbooks and dictionaries, including an unabridged, multivolume edition of the Oxford English Dictionary, complete with magnifying glass. roni@Aartrijk.com
Writer. Kevin is president of the Florida Insurance School of Continuing Education (FISCE) and the CE Partnership. He started his insurance career as a marketing intern before pounding the pavement as a commercial lines agent in Orlando, Florida. He is a national faculty member for the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Researc
Writer. Kevin is president of the Florida Insurance School of Continuing Education (FISCE) and the CE Partnership. He started his insurance career as a marketing intern before pounding the pavement as a commercial lines agent in Orlando, Florida. He is a national faculty member for the National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research’s CIC and Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) programs. As an industry journalist, his articles have appeared in a variety of trade publications. His insurance television career, short-lived but glorious, once saw him serve as the expert adviser on an insurance-themed infomercial (yes, you read that correctly). info@Aartrijk.com
Managing Editor, Account Executive. Maureen began her career out of graduate school at the Defense Intelligence Agency before leaving to raise five kids. Her second career started in 2000 with Aartrijk, the result of wifely conversation over cantaloupe frappés in the backyard. She’s been editing and writing for financial services, travel
Managing Editor, Account Executive. Maureen began her career out of graduate school at the Defense Intelligence Agency before leaving to raise five kids. Her second career started in 2000 with Aartrijk, the result of wifely conversation over cantaloupe frappés in the backyard. She’s been editing and writing for financial services, travel and Catholic theology publications ever since. In her home life, Maureen likes to keep it simple, with a love of anything outdoors (above 65 degrees, that is) and a deep appreciation for everything Virginia. She’s a person without any goals but with a thousand aspirations. If you want to define her, just say she’s an undeserving recipient of Divine Mercy. mbrody@Aartrijk.com
Brand Strategist. Cindy is a marketing and sales strategist with more than 25 years in the industry. Considered an innovator and thought leader on personal and company branding, Cindy’s strength is creating “buzz” and excitement for industries that traditionally didn’t have to do outbound marketing and sales, such as insurance, financial
Brand Strategist. Cindy is a marketing and sales strategist with more than 25 years in the industry. Considered an innovator and thought leader on personal and company branding, Cindy’s strength is creating “buzz” and excitement for industries that traditionally didn’t have to do outbound marketing and sales, such as insurance, financial services and health care. Prior to launching her marketing and branding firm, Red Barn Consulting, in 2013, Cindy worked as director of marketing and sales for a large CT agency. During her tenure, she gained national recognition for the agency’s social media marketing, branding and sales efforts. Cindy quickly became a go-to in the insurance industry for marketing and sales strategy and was asked to sit on several carrier marketing think tanks. She is a member of the Agents Council for Technology and previous board member of PIA CT. She holds her Connecticut property and casualty insurance producers license. cindy@Aartrijk.com
Creative Director. Fiona is an explorer in life and work. After 20 years of living in the U.K. and working globally, she packed her bags for the U.S. and emigrated to Washington, D.C., where she can be found kayaking on the Potomac when she's not adding value as a brand and creative strategist. Fiona likes making things happen. Agile in h
Creative Director. Fiona is an explorer in life and work. After 20 years of living in the U.K. and working globally, she packed her bags for the U.S. and emigrated to Washington, D.C., where she can be found kayaking on the Potomac when she's not adding value as a brand and creative strategist. Fiona likes making things happen. Agile in her approach, she brings creative and design-led thinking to problem-solving, delivering exemplary solutions as part of the Aartrijk team. We truly adore her British accent, and we know you will, too. fiona@Aartrijk.com
Writer. Emily has been writing and editing since 2012. She has worked in market research, project management, and the production side of the wine industry. She began freelancing in the insurance industry in 2019. She has a degree in liberal arts from St. John’s College, Annapolis, Maryland, and studied Italian in Siena, Italy. Before COVI
Writer. Emily has been writing and editing since 2012. She has worked in market research, project management, and the production side of the wine industry. She began freelancing in the insurance industry in 2019. She has a degree in liberal arts from St. John’s College, Annapolis, Maryland, and studied Italian in Siena, Italy. Before COVID-19, she traveled extensively to dance Argentine tango. Post-work, she can be found experimenting with photography, cooking and baking, or wine tasting. She loves snails and has had several as pets. egrazier@Aartrijk.com
Art Director. From small town beer breweries to global big brands, Virginia creates digital and print design for virtually every industry imaginable. She's a master of freelance, an art director, an IMCA award winner, and has been effectively problem-solving since 2004. She practices her craft deep in the woods of southern Mississippi (le
Art Director. From small town beer breweries to global big brands, Virginia creates digital and print design for virtually every industry imaginable. She's a master of freelance, an art director, an IMCA award winner, and has been effectively problem-solving since 2004. She practices her craft deep in the woods of southern Mississippi (let’s hope it’s not raining for internet’s sake). She's a mom who loves to cook, she’s a gamer, a gardener and a Survivor enthusiast, but she especially enjoys writing about herself in third person. virginia@Aartrijk.com
Research Director. Kevin is a boomerang, plying research skills learned in 15 years at Washington Mutual Bank to work with the Aartrijk team for a couple of years until the U.S. Navy packed him off to Korea. Upon his return home, Kevin led the agent research team at Safeco and Liberty Mutual for seven years, earning the Marketing Research
Research Director. Kevin is a boomerang, plying research skills learned in 15 years at Washington Mutual Bank to work with the Aartrijk team for a couple of years until the U.S. Navy packed him off to Korea. Upon his return home, Kevin led the agent research team at Safeco and Liberty Mutual for seven years, earning the Marketing Research & Insight Excellence Award for Client-Side Team of the Year in 2020’s international competition. He really is certifiable, earning the Insights Professional Certification (Master level) from the Insights Association. When he’s not learning how people (agents, customers, members, employees and other humans) feel about things, he enjoys hiking with the family and responding to the whims of two cats who permit him to live in their home. kevin@Aartrijk.com
Writer. Mary Ellen began her writing and editing career in the insurance industry at A.M. Best Company. After a decade of writing about insurance and then the energy industry, she ventured out on her own to start a consulting company. As a writer and editor, she’s covered a range of topics, from analyzing drone data in utility inspections
Writer. Mary Ellen began her writing and editing career in the insurance industry at A.M. Best Company. After a decade of writing about insurance and then the energy industry, she ventured out on her own to start a consulting company. As a writer and editor, she’s covered a range of topics, from analyzing drone data in utility inspections to Generation Z marketing strategies. Along the way, she’s cultivated an interest in how businesses pivot and remain innovative in the wake of rapid change. A lifelong resident of her New Jersey hometown, Mary Ellen is married and the mother of three (mostly) grown children. She most often shares her writing space with a needy Labrador retriever who thinks he’s a beagle. maryellen@Aartrijk.com
Writer. Lucie has been writing, editing and consulting for 20 years. Her background includes working for a large human resources consulting firm, a physical therapy association and a giant manufacturer of candy and pet food. When she’s not writing or editing, she is teaching undergraduate communication classes at the University of Denver,
Writer. Lucie has been writing, editing and consulting for 20 years. Her background includes working for a large human resources consulting firm, a physical therapy association and a giant manufacturer of candy and pet food. When she’s not writing or editing, she is teaching undergraduate communication classes at the University of Denver, her alma mater, and the oldest and largest private university in the Rocky Mountain region. And when she is not doing that, she is raising three small children — chauffeuring them to numerous soccer and lacrosse games — attempting to cook edible meals, and training for marathons and ultra races. lucie@Aartrijk.com
Senior Associate & Account Executive. Jay Morris began his career as a newspaper reporter and editor before moving to the Washington area to practice public relations and marketing at several D.C.-based trade associations. For the last 25 years, he’s worked in financial services, including the life insurance and brokerage space. His stint
Senior Associate & Account Executive. Jay Morris began his career as a newspaper reporter and editor before moving to the Washington area to practice public relations and marketing at several D.C.-based trade associations. For the last 25 years, he’s worked in financial services, including the life insurance and brokerage space. His stints include director of public affairs for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, senior vice president of marketing and communications for the National Association of Federal Credit Unions and president of Jay Morris Communications LLC, a public relations consulting firm. Jay is an award-winning communicator and loves to work with teams to bring out the best in his clients. He also has been active in the Public Relations Society of America – National Capital Chapter, where he served on the board and chaired the group’s Independent Public Relations Alliance. Last year he received the chapter’s Diamond Award for outstanding service. Originally from Ohio, he now resides in Northern Virginia. In his spare time, he blogs at waywardjourney.com, tries to get in an occasional backpacking trip and volunteers at his church. jay@aartrijk.co
Office & Finance Manager. Certain her brain had two left lobes at birth, Didi is all about the numbers — budgets, financial reports and points scored by her beloved Nittany Lions. She adapts her considerable experience with spreadsheets to the serious business of professional tailgate organizing for large groups at Penn State football gam
Office & Finance Manager. Certain her brain had two left lobes at birth, Didi is all about the numbers — budgets, financial reports and points scored by her beloved Nittany Lions. She adapts her considerable experience with spreadsheets to the serious business of professional tailgate organizing for large groups at Penn State football games. Didi has been a Girl Scout for nearly three decades, serving faithfully in volunteer leadership roles. She applies her organizational talents to themed Girl Scout programs and loves to camp in the woods, where she is frequently seen trying to carve pivot tables into large oak trees. didi@Aartrijk.com
Senior Associate & Account Executive. After 15 years in TV news and 15 in agency PR and corporate communications, John started his own consulting practice and enjoys the challenges and triumphs of working with insurance clients. John and his wife love to be surrounded by natural beauty. After basking in the southern California sunshine fo
Senior Associate & Account Executive. After 15 years in TV news and 15 in agency PR and corporate communications, John started his own consulting practice and enjoys the challenges and triumphs of working with insurance clients. John and his wife love to be surrounded by natural beauty. After basking in the southern California sunshine for seven wonderful years, they decamped to the mountains of Colorado to be closer to their grown kids in the Midwest. And no, they do not ski. john@Aartrijk.com
Vice President, Marketing & Client Relations. Laura works with Aartrijk clients to identify goals and create marketing strategies to achieve them. She has nearly 20 years of insurance marketing experience, having previously served as VP, Sales and Marketing, at American Collectors Insurance, where she worked with Aartrijk as a client. Sh
Vice President, Marketing & Client Relations. Laura works with Aartrijk clients to identify goals and create marketing strategies to achieve them. She has nearly 20 years of insurance marketing experience, having previously served as VP, Sales and Marketing, at American Collectors Insurance, where she worked with Aartrijk as a client. She is experienced in growing organizations through client engagement through the use of consistent branding, leveraging content marketing and social media, and articulating brand differentiators. A native and proud New Jerseyan, she lives in Houston where she continues to search for good pizza and fun places to watch Philadelphia sports teams. laura@Aartrijk.com
Writer. Caterina "Cat" Pontoriero has been producing B2B insurance content since 2011 when she joined National Underwriter Property & Casualty/PropertyCasualty360.com. Her former role as associate online features editor centered on creating myriad multimedia content focused on the P&C insurance industry, including written pieces, online v
Writer. Caterina "Cat" Pontoriero has been producing B2B insurance content since 2011 when she joined National Underwriter Property & Casualty/PropertyCasualty360.com. Her former role as associate online features editor centered on creating myriad multimedia content focused on the P&C insurance industry, including written pieces, online videos, and conference photography. Since 2017, Cat has continued to freelance for PC360 while working in various marketing communications roles for the life insurance/annuities and heavy duty trucking industries. Cat has her degree in English and Journalism from Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ and is fluent in Italian. Outside of insurance, Cat is a big fan of the bands Queen and One Direction and is a self-proclaimed cat lady (the nickname is just a very fitting coincidence).cat@Aartrijk.com
Brand Strategist & Account Executive. Amy has more than 20 years' marketing and corporate communications experience. After graduating from Bowling Green State University with a degree in public relations, she earned a master's degree in advertising from Northwestern University. Amy began her career at Campbell Mithun advertising agency in
Brand Strategist & Account Executive. Amy has more than 20 years' marketing and corporate communications experience. After graduating from Bowling Green State University with a degree in public relations, she earned a master's degree in advertising from Northwestern University. Amy began her career at Campbell Mithun advertising agency in Chicago before switching to the client side and a 10-year stint with Bob Evans Farms Food Division. She was director of marketing with oversight of research, product development, marketing plans and advertising execution. As a consultant, Amy has worked with clients including Assurex Global — the world's largest network of independent insurance brokers — and the Griffith Insurance Education Foundation. amy@Aartrijk.com
Creative Designer. Greg has more than 20 years' experience in visual communications. As the long-time creative director of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, he developed a cohesive image for all of the association's communications, including its national magazine. As a freelance graphic designer, he has created logos,
Creative Designer. Greg has more than 20 years' experience in visual communications. As the long-time creative director of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, he developed a cohesive image for all of the association's communications, including its national magazine. As a freelance graphic designer, he has created logos, annual reports, media kits, print ads, brochures and newsletters for a wide range of clientele, including educational, insurance, high-tech and financial investment firms. His work has earned an ADDY and an Insurance Marketing and Communications Best of Show Award. Greg is a graduate of West Virginia University, with a BS in journalism and advertising. info@Aartrijk.com
Writer. A born-and-raised Hoosier and Indiana University alumna, Morgan Smith joined the Aartrijk team in September 2016. As the previous assistant editor for Independent Agent magazine, Morgan dove head-first into the insurance world — quickly learning the lingo and finally understanding the inner workings of health insurance. Her freela
Writer. A born-and-raised Hoosier and Indiana University alumna, Morgan Smith joined the Aartrijk team in September 2016. As the previous assistant editor for Independent Agent magazine, Morgan dove head-first into the insurance world — quickly learning the lingo and finally understanding the inner workings of health insurance. Her freelance writing supported her recent six-month solo backpacking trip to South America where she jumped off bridges, played with llamas and summited one of Chile’s most active volcanoes. When she isn’t off on an adventure, Morgan finds joy in hearing and sharing people’s stories. morgan@Aartrijk.com
Principal. Peter is a sports junkie with uncanny insurance industry insight and a fondness for fun. After 20 years as a team-player journalist and public relations specialist, he decided it was time to call his own shots. In 1999, he started building a team of professional communicators — fun factor is a condition of employment — to cla
Principal. Peter is a sports junkie with uncanny insurance industry insight and a fondness for fun. After 20 years as a team-player journalist and public relations specialist, he decided it was time to call his own shots. In 1999, he started building a team of professional communicators — fun factor is a condition of employment — to clarify communications in an industry that’s often misunderstood and rarely considered the life o’ the party. To prove he has a great sense of humor, Peter gave his company the unpronounceable family name he inherited from his Belgian ancestors. If only he’d given us their chocolates instead. peter@Aartrijk.com
Account Manager. As a child, Ellen dreamed of a career as an insurance actuary. But she has way too much personality for that. A support specialist with operations experience at various service firms, Ellen joined Aartrijk in 2001 as office manager. She now coordinates administrative services for Aartrijk clients. In her spare time, Elle
Account Manager. As a child, Ellen dreamed of a career as an insurance actuary. But she has way too much personality for that. A support specialist with operations experience at various service firms, Ellen joined Aartrijk in 2001 as office manager. She now coordinates administrative services for Aartrijk clients. In her spare time, Ellen hangs out in courts and alleys: She's an excellent doubles tennis player, and she bowls a mean strike. ellen@Aartrijk.com
Director, Media Relations. A media career was predestined for this native of Grovers Mill, N.J., site of the 1938 "War of the Worlds" Halloween night Martian hoax that launched America's media culture. Heeding that call to other-worldly pursuits, Charles became an insurance communicator. He expertly navigates the trade media on behalf of
Director, Media Relations. A media career was predestined for this native of Grovers Mill, N.J., site of the 1938 "War of the Worlds" Halloween night Martian hoax that launched America's media culture. Heeding that call to other-worldly pursuits, Charles became an insurance communicator. He expertly navigates the trade media on behalf of clients, "the terrific folks in the indispensable insurance industry," as he refers to insurance comrades. An admitted word nerd, Charles takes quiet delight in seeing published communications he has ghostwritten for clients. In other spirit news, Charles's life force often inhabits the body of a rabid fan at sporting events involving the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers. charles@Aartrijk.com
We are privileged to work with these great organizations
Several members of the Aartrijk team serve with the Jeremiah Project, a ministry organization for middle school and high school youths. At summer work camps, participants help with home repair projects for communities in need. Jeremiah Project also offers spiritual growth retreats and leadership development opportunities.
Didi “Comet” Marco serves as core staff coordinator for Ashgrove Adventure, a two-week Girl Scout summer day camp program that annually serves about 350 girls who range in age from pre-school through 8th grade. “It’s a magical place,” says Didi. More than 150 adult and teenage volunteers, dressed in crazy costumes and brightly colored knee socks, teach archery, zip lining, outdoor cooking and survival, arts and crafts, nature, culture, science, music and ice-cream making. Each group of campers spends one night sleeping under the stars, complete with campfire, skits and s’mores.
Middle Earth, a nonprofit agency, has serves teens and adolescents in Somerset County, New Jersey for more than four decades. Middle Earth’s goal: Help youth develop into responsible and productive members of their community. Charles Wasilewski has served on the board since 2013 and currently serves as president.
This Denver organization is dedicated to helping children recover from severe abuse, neglect or trauma. The primary goal of all TCC programs is to reintegrate children back into safe families, supportive schools and vibrant communities. With TCC’s help, children can bravely and safely change their life’s story. Every other Wednesday, Emily Holbrook plays board games or card games with the teens living at the facility. Every other Friday, she helps out in the kitchen.
This nonprofit outreach organization helps with the needs (and wants) of underserved children and their families in Walthall County, Mississippi. Virginia James, whose stepmother started the organization, donates her time and marketing talents to help promote the message, recruit mentors and gain interest and donations.
NJ Festival of Ballooning: The largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America can only take off with the volunteer support of hundreds of balloon chase crew members, who help inflate and take down the balloon after midsummer flights. Charles Wasilewski has volunteered for 20+ years.
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