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Craig Hansen

2025 Surety Elite Hall of Fame Inductee

Senior Vice President, Surety | Holmes Murphy & Associates LLC | Waukee, Iowa

In a career defined by excellence, Craig Hansen has made lasting contributions both professionally and within his community. His enduring partnership with Merchants began in 1988, and since then Craig has been instrumental in the steady growth of business between Holmes Murphy and Merchants. Craig has consistently ranked among our top individual producers and earned a place on every Merchants Masters trip since the program’s inception, a rare distinction. This most recent honor is a fitting capstone to his career, as Craig plans to retire at the end of 2025. We asked him to reflect on the surety industry, his career, and what it means to be inducted into the Merchants Surety Elite Hall of Fame.

“Craig has set a standard of trust and leadership that elevates everyone around him. His induction into the Surety Elite Hall of Fame is a testament to the strength of character and commitment he has shown throughout his career. This recognition honors not only what Craig has accomplished, but the inspiration he leaves behind. Merchants celebrates his legacy with deep gratitude and lasting respect.”
— Larry Taylor, Chairman of the Board and President / Merchants Bonding Company

Q: What trend do you see coming that you think most people are underestimating right now?

Craig: Our industry has certainly relied on public construction spending to drive growth which should continue to sustain demand for our product. However, we are seeing strong growth in private construction spending with data centers, energy, and other infrastructure projects. Our product will continue to evolve to support these large and complex projects.

Q: What are the biggest opportunities in the industry?

Craig: Many producers of my vintage are retiring which creates opportunities for the next generation. While technology certainly will change how we process and underwrite bonds, relationships will continue to be critical to success. Consolidation of the brokerage industry will create opportunities for those focused on the client.

Q: What do you see as your legacy?

Craig: Holmes Murphy has a very strong “pay it forward” culture and I certainly benefited from strong mentors and the reputation they created. Hopefully, I was able to create the same opportunities for the next generation. We’re a privately held brokerage and I’m proud of the growth and ownership opportunities that we have created for our employees.

Q: What does it mean to be one of the inaugural inductees to the Surety Elite Hall of Fame?

Craig: This is an incredible recognition and I am extremely honored to be an inaugural inductee. The relationship that I have with Merchants is special and Merchants has played a big part in my success over the past 37 years.