Hi, I’m Joe Chapman and I enjoy my role here as the Commercial Lines Director. I am here to encourage the growth of our team members and, in turn, the agency. I like to work in a lighthearted and collaborative environment that emphasizes the identification of client needs prior to client requests.
Prior to coming to Burke & Burke, I have worked at other regional agencies driving commercial lines growth with great success. I attended American University here in the DC area and worked as an owner/operator for local restaurants before going into insurance.
My joy comes from raising my two kids and my one Rhodesian Ridgeback. All three bring me happiness but the dog is the best listener. I enjoy reading (Vonnegut, Twain, Sandford), fishing, UFC and when I get a chance try to sleep.
I grew up being an Army brat, following my stepfather wherever he was stationed. I ended up going to three different high schools and did a post graduate year at Wyoming Seminary Prep School in Kingston, Pennsylvania. Thereafter, I attended East Stroudsburg University. As an alumnus of the Wyoming Seminary Wresting program, I still support the program which has attained three National Prep Wrestling Championships in the last decade. My Dad, being a Kutztown, Pennsylvania native; I spent my summers there working on the railroad tracks in the family business. I fell in love with all the professional Philadelphia sports teams and the Penn State Nitty Lions when I was kid. Since moving to the D.C. area, I have also become a fan of the local sports teams.
After spending 30 years in the restaurant business, I went into the insurance industry. I love knowing the I can guide my clients to making the best decisions when picking a policy that fits their needs.
When not at work, I assist my wife showing our Irish Setters. My wife has been showing for over 40 years and is very well known in the Irish Setter community. I have been her hard-working assistant for 28 years. We have had many Champion dogs over the years. I love seeing live music – – the 9:30 Club will always be my favorite venue, but the Anthem is a great place for national acts. My wife and I love dining out and could be call regulars at many establishments throughout the metro area.
Hi, I’m Courtney Ruhling, the Commercial Account Manager at Burke & Burke Insurance. Growing up in Northern VA and attending Centreville HS, I had the privilege of being immersed in the world of insurance from an early age. My father, who built his own insurance business, instilled in me a deep appreciation for the industry. As a child, I would sit in his office with my coloring books, and throughout college, I worked summers in various roles within his agency.
After graduating from The Catholic University of America in Washington DC, I ventured into the IT industry, gaining valuable experience as an account manager, inside sales manager, and sales operations manager over the course of 7 years. Now, I’m thrilled to be part of a strong team at Burke & Burke Insurance, where I can leverage my operations knowledge to streamline processes and contribute to the company’s success.
Besides my professional pursuits, I’m a proud mom of three little ones who bring me immense joy. They are my ultimate adventure buddies! Whenever I manage to steal a few moments to myself, you’ll find me immersed in a good book, occasionally pretending I remember where I left my now cold coffee.
I’m originally from Colombia, South America, and I have more than 14 years of experience in the insurance industry.
What I am most proud of is being able to help the Hispanic community in a meaningful way. Personally, I really enjoy explaining how important it is to be a smart driver and therefore have good prices and discounts.
My hobby is taking unique portraits and landscape pictures, and over the weekends you’ll find me riding a bike and taking photos of nature. Although, some weekends I take care of my friend’s cats when they go out of town!
I grew up in Northern Virginia and graduated from Westfield High School, and I have been working in the commercial department of Burke & Burke for 5 years.
The most exciting thing about working in commercial insurance is being able to help business owners understand why they need insurance and what kind of policies provide the strongest protection.
When I’m not working, I’m on the golf course! I really enjoy playing golf in my free time, as well as rooting for Washington sports teams.
I was raised and have lived in or near Falls Church, Va. all my life. The more you learn, the less you know. I have been with Burke and Burke for over 17 years, 15 of them in the Commercial Department doing customer service, and now in personal lines as back office support.
At work, I most enjoy finding new ways to add information to the database, new ways to collate the info that’s there already, and learning more about the capabilities of our software systems.
I am close to my Family, fond of pets, music, learning, inventing, solving problems, the outdoors, waterfalls, and the beach. And I enjoy all kinds of music, but I’m partial to lead guitar.
When I’m off I’m usually at home with a tv or a guitar, or at my parents or my sister’s house with my nephew. I also spend time cleaning up across from our firehouse or local women’s shelters.
