In this episode of the Risk & Insurance Education Alliance Insights podcast, hosts Mitch Dunford and Dr. Lisa Gardner sit down with Deborah Buettner, CIC, a seasoned personal lines underwriter and manager at Risk Placement Services. Deborah shares her inspiring journey—from helping in her father’s agency as a child, to a career pivot from nursing, to becoming a respected expert in hard‑to‑place risks including homeowners, farms, aviation, and drones. She reflects on how early experiences as a CSR shaped her underwriting strengths, how continuous learning through designations empowered her growth, and why RPS’s culture of integrity and genuine employee support has kept her thriving there for over two decades. Her story highlights resilience, curiosity, and the power of a values‑driven workplace.