Landing a job in 2010 at Old Republic Surety (ORS) wasn’t part of Amanda Potratz’s master plan. But, as with many things in life, it turned out to be a piece of good luck that has led to a fulfilling career.
When she graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering with a degree in technical communications and a minor in marketing, the job market was tough. The recession was in full swing and opportunities were scarce.
“I was lucky to be offered the job with ORS,” Potratz says. “Most companies were not offering jobs to new graduates when they could get someone with more experience based on the market.” She found the job by researching companies that were within a 10-mile radius of where she lived. “The job posting said that they needed someone to have Adobe Pro Skills, so I took a chance and applied. However, the manager at the time hired me based on her vision of me helping to create the department manual, which was not in job description.”
Potratz says her technical communications degree and natural curiosity to understand how things work and why have served her well. She has been able to document the “why” of a process and suggest other ideas to increase efficiencies throughout the company, which is a big part of what she does in her current position.
Learning and growing along the way
Potratz’s first role at ORS was on the helpdesk, walking agents through access to the commercial bond system. She enjoyed the direct interaction but quickly noticed that team members were answering the same questions about the process over and over again.
To make it easier for both agents and the support teams, Potratz wrote documentation that clearly laid out the process. It became a win-win for everyone. That early initiative showed that she had a knack for problem-solving and could use her technical writing skills to make the company’s work smoother.
Since then, Potratz has held several positions across different departments. Before becoming a Business Process Analyst in 2022, she was a BONDSTAR Support Manager, Business Services Supervisor, Business Service Coordinator and a Documentation Specialist. “In each role, I’ve been able to adapt and learn more about the surety world,” she says.
That flexibility has become her hallmark, whether she’s supporting agents, helping colleagues, or now working as a business analyst. In her current role, Potratz supports ORS employees as the company continues to modernize its technology. “A key part of my job involves working closely with individuals to understand their roles, processes and concerns, ensuring their needs are fully met throughout the transition,” she explains. “My previous position gives me an advantage, allowing me to speak their language and connect more effectively."
As each process is carefully documented and analyzed, it guides the team to the next steps. Once they align on a solution, they move into testing, documentation and training. Potratz also follows up to confirm that everything is running smoothly and to identify any additional changes that might be needed.
Although her work isn’t always visible to clients, it matters a lot. Supporting employees internally has had a positive ripple effect on how ORS serves its agents and customers.
Things have changed a lot over the last 15 years. Potratz has watched ORS grow from about 80 employees to nearly 250. She’s seen a change in leadership, the move from file cabinets to cloud systems, and an office relocation.
“However, through all the changes that I have seen, one thing hasn’t changed: how Old Republic Surety is committed to its employees’ growth,” she says.
“Every day is different,” she adds. “I’ve found great friendships and mentors within ORS that I value dearly. Having managers who hear you and value what you have to say allowed me to get to the current position that I am in today.”
The sense of stability and commitment within the company really stood out during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Potratz worked on the team transitioning the company’s commercial bond system to a new platform. Many meetings happened on Zoom, sometimes with her toddler daughter on her lap. “I vividly remember joining calls where upper management waved to her,” she laughs.
“When I started, I didn’t think I’d stay this long,” she admits. “But what kept me in the surety industry is the mentorship and constant learning. If anyone is interested in pursuing a career in insurance or surety, I have one piece of advice: Do it!”
15 years in perspective
Looking back from her first days on the helpdesk to her current role as a business analyst, Potratz says she loves that her career at ORS has been defined by adaptability, embracing each new challenge and learning opportunities along the way. “Every role has taught me something new,” she says.
When she’s not working at ORS, Potratz spends time with family and friends going to farmers markets, Girl Scout troop events, and attending local theater productions.
Her willingness to learn and embrace unexpected opportunities makes the past 15 years a launchpad for what’s still ahead.
