Jacobson Employee Spotlight – Q3 2025

Posted by The Jacobson Group

Get to Know Jacobson

We are thrilled to announce The Jacobson Group has again been named to Business Insurance's list of the Best Places to Work in Insurance! At Jacobson, we’re dedicated to our team members’ growth and success throughout all stages of their careers, and are honored to be recognized as a workplace where employees can thrive. In this employee spotlight, we’re proud to highlight three outstanding team members whose dedication and character help drive Jacobson’s success.

Toya Vincent

Contract Administrator, 3 years 9 months at Jacobson

Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana

Alma Mater:Herzing University - MBA

Describe Your Role: I support our contracts and legal department, including ensuring compliance with contractual obligations by tracking, monitoring, reporting and sharing this information within the organization.

Favorite Restaurant: True Food Kitchen

In Your Time at Jacobson, What Has Been Your Favorite Project?  Either when we created Contracts and Legal or IntelAgree pages for our Jacobson intranet.

Last Show You Binged: "Grey's Anatomy" 

Who or What Inspires You To Excel in Your Role? My kids, River and TJ

You Are Happiest When You Are: Living in the moment

Describe Jacobson in three words: Fun, family oriented and flexible

Joanna Kruzel

Assistant Vice President, 3 years 11 months at Jacobson

Hometown: Justice, Illinois

Alma Mater:  University of Illinois at Chicago

Describe Your Role: I partner with leaders across the insurance industry to understand their talent needs and deliver tailored workforce solutions. As a thought leader, I also speak at industry events, share market insights, and actively contribute to shaping the future of insurance talent.
Last Movie You Watched: I recently watched My Oxford Year on Netflix.

Advice for Newcomers to the Industry:  Stay curious and never hesitate to ask questions. The insurance industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important to educate yourself and build meaningful connections by networking within the field.
Random Fact: I have a Shiba Inu named Nismo. Shiba’s are the dog breed most closely related to wolves, so he brings just the right mix of charm and wild energy.
If You Won the Lottery, What Is the First Thing You Would Do? I’d move back to Tennessee and buy a big farm where we could enjoy peace and nature. A place to relax, raise some animals, and just soak in the peaceful country life away from the city hustle.

Karrie Ruch

Recruiter, 6 years 11 months at Jacobson

Hometown: Byram, New Jersey

Alma Mater: I attended Middlesex College and Johnson & Whales University.

Describe Your Role: I identify, attract, and place qualified candidates in roles that align with client needs across the insurance and healthcare industries. My responsibilities include sourcing and screening talent, formatting and presenting resumes, writing compelling candidate pitches, and coordinating the hiring process between clients and candidates.

Last Show You Binged: "The Chosen" 

Advice for Newcomers to the Industry:  Build relationships!

Favorite Food: Mexican

Who or What Inspires You To Excel in Your Role? I’m inspired by the challenge of finding and placing “purple squirrels”, those rare, hard-to-find candidates with the exact skills and experience clients need. What drives me in my role is the ability to dig deeper, think creatively and connect exceptional talent with the right opportunities.

You Are Happiest When You Are: My happiest moments are often the simplest, sitting outside in the sunshine.

If You Won the Lottery, What Is the First Thing You Would Do? Build a new school for my kids and free athletic facilities for my community.

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