From April 22 through August 12, we will be recognizing each one of our Ambassadors on Fridays! Learn more about this highly visible public relations team and how they are responsible for engaging, encouraging, nurturing, and expanding relationships on behalf of The Chamber.
Ryan Sanford is a Commercial Lines Risk Manager for First Security Insurance in Hickory. He specializes in writing business lines of insurance such as General Liability, Workers Compensation, Business Auto, and others.
Ryan was raised in Sanford, Florida (yes, he grew up in the same town as his last name!) and moved to Hickory in 2009 to play football at Lenoir-Rhyne University. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Management in 2013 and almost a Division II National Championship in Football. He worked for the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce for three years after graduation and has been in the insurance industry since early 2017.
Ryan lives in Bethlehem with his wife Tera and their three children. He loves anything recreational and the outdoors and loves serving on the praise and worship team with his wife at Escalate Church. Ryan enjoys giving back through coaching high school football for the Hickory Hawks football organization.
Why did you apply to become an Ambassador?
I want to support the Chamber and its endeavors in the business community. I also want to build relationships with local business partners.
What are you looking forward to most about being an Ambassador?
I look forward to engaging in person with business partners in 2022.
What is your favorite Chamber event?
Ribbon Cuttings. I love sharing in the celebration of new businesses.
Tell us about a special connection you have made as a result of being a Chamber partner.
Being close with the Staff!
Lightning Round!
Favorite restaurant in Catawba County? Hickory Station
Favorite way to spend $100? Clothes
Favorite family tradition? Disney Hotels at Christmas
Favorite TV show to binge? The Mandalorian
What is something unique we do not know about you? I’ve done theater.