After his family and his faith, Ron Essary is most passionate about the insurance industry in which he has had a career for more than 30 years. He began in 1979 as a field agent, then went on to start a marketing organization which eventually serviced more than 15,000 agents. After leading that successful company for over 20 years, he resigned and for a short time considered retirement.

Ron quickly realized there were too many Agents needing support, marketing concepts to be shared, and former employees needed jobs! So, in January 2009, Ron and his Partners started a new marketing organization; however, this time around he had a different vision, and Ideal Producers Group was formed. The purpose of the producers group concept is to provide Agents with an opportunity to join an organization that offers networking and personalized services which have never before been available. "I want to promote an organization where the Members help each other achieve success", Essary explains. "When this happens, everybody wins--including the consumer. All it takes is strong communication and some fresh ideas. I think that's what I can bring to the table."

Ron and his wife, Annetta, live in Shawnee, Kansas with their two daughters, Alexis and Madison.

As a busy mother to five children, Karen Essary is no stranger to hard work or to the joys of helping others. While she is the leader of the Marketing Team at Ideal Producers Group, she is also quick to put herself in the middle of a task when it means helping an Agent toward success. Karen says, "I've been helping Annuity and Life Producers for more than 16 years, and it never gets old. I think part of the reason is that we encourage our Members to bring us their difficult cases or unique needs, because if they know they can count on us when the job is tough, then they are confident in our services every day."

Prior to developing and leading the Marketing Team at Ideal, Karen was the successful manager of a team of annuity advisors responsible for over $300 Million in annual premium. And, though her previous position was with a much larger organization, Karen believes the competition has nothing on IPG. She explains, "It is so exciting to be able to work at Ideal Producers Group where we are a young company, yet we offer our Members so much! From knowledge and education to incentives and bonuses to service and support--we provide it all. We invest everything we can back into our Agents because, after all, they are the reason we exist."

Karen lives in Shawnee, Kansas with her husband, Danny, and children: Kyle, Dalton, Kennedy, Delaney and Kaitryn.

Matt Coleman leads a team of actuaries that have developed numerous fixed and indexed annuities, guaranteed lifetime income benefits (GLIB's) and universal life products for a variety of carriers. His team provides the full scope of actuarial consulting regarding these products including market analysis, best actuarial practices, expert financial modeling, risk analysis, policy form development, marketing strategies and web-tools. Client companies range from large to highly rated to the monoline and boutique companies. The IPG Actuarial team's products affect several billions of dollars in premium each year

In addition, the Actuarial Department strives to simplify the daily complexities agents face. Through interactive educational programs and custom-built software, the department provides clear and simple insights into annuities, income benefits and life insurance. The department engineers these programs specifically to enhance the credibility and marketability of IPG's life and annuity agents.

Before Ideal, Matt founded AnnuityWorks, LLC. He began his actuarial career at BMA Insurance Company in Kansas City, Missouri.

Matt received his master's degree from the University of Kansas and is both a fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries. He lives in Overland Park, Kansas with his wife, Mikelan, and their three children.

Darwin "DC" Couch has been in the industry since 1979, and began as a career agent. He excelled in his field and soon became a manager of Farm Bureau Financial, setting multiple records and receiving serveral awards for success. In more recent years as an independent agent, DC began workign with Ideal Producers Group, and saw a need within the organization that he hopes to fill. DC explains, "Agents want someone who can help with sales ideas. We can certainly provide the quotes and find the best deals out there, but I hope to add the knowledge of understanding what it feels like to sit across the kitchen table selling a $100,000 term policy for $20 per month all the way to completing a buy/sell with a corporation with life insurance premiums in excess of $40,000. I've experienced this kind of spectrum in my career, and believe I have something of value to offer."

By adding DC's talents to the Marketing Team, the Management of Ideal Producers Group is focusing on the trememdous advantage for an Agent to be able to place his Life business with the same organization servicing his Annuity business. DC agrees, "To me it's all about relationships. If you can get the support you need, why wouldn't you take advantage of IPG's stature and position in the insurance industry? Let alone the IRS program and bonuses our providers credit to agents. It's a win/win/win situation!

DC and his wife, Amy, live in Olathe, Kansas.

Kevin Kinsella has enjoyed 14 years of making friends and helping people in the insurance industry. He is excited to continue in the profession as a Sales Advisor at Ideal Producers Group, and explains his reason for joining the company: "I heard that Ron Essary and Karen Essary had put together a different type of marketing company where Agents, families and employees are treated the way I believe God wants people treated. I wanted to be part of such a company. It's also nice that I already knew most of my co-workers!"

Kevin's approach in assisting Annuity Agents has always been to let them know he cares about them as individuals--not just about the business they bring to the door. This philosophy resulted in tremendous success at a previous marketing company where he serviced hundreds of producers. And now, Kevin is ready to share his passion, knowledge and assistance within our Producers Group.

When asked for the best advice he ever gave an Agent, Kevin replies: "Don't write this case, it will come back to bite YOU." The freedom that IPG allows for this kind of honesty with an Agent is what Kevin likes best about being at Ideal Producers Group. He also likes the fact that IPG offers a large portfolio of products that he would recommend an Agent write!

Kevin and his wife, Cindy, live in Overland Park, KS with their son KJ, a graduate student. They all share the house with Spike, the cat.

After college, Kim began working as a Credit Union loan officer. Soon she realized her talents were more compatible within the marketing department; and when offered a position in a young Annuity Marketing Organization, Kim jumped at the challenge. Fourteen years later, Kim was a top producing, highly successful member of one of the top AMOs in the country.

In 2008, when approached by a new AMO, Kim was eager to use her talents at Ideal Producers Group, Kim has never been afraid of a challenge, and with this type of courage, she approaches her job. "I enjoy doing everything I can to help an Agent find the right product to meet their client's needs. It's not always easy, but it is very rewarding."

If there is a secret to Kim's success, it's her ability to form lasting relationships. She understands the Agents' needs and focuses on meeting those needs. This results in Agents that become both loyal producers and good friends--her favorite perk of the job.

Kim and her family, to which she is devoted, live in Overland Park, Kansas: husband, Jarrod; son, Tanner; and daughter, Tori.

Marc Molina entered into the industry after graduating from Wichita State University. His field experience includes offering multiple lines of insurance and directing sub-agents, which gives him a valuable perspective for offering assistance to those wanting to create or grow an Agency. Marc also has a background in Medicaid Planning, and continues to service a few clients in addition to his Sales Advisor position at Ideal. He feels this helps to keep him in touch with other producers. Marc explains, "I understand the needs of the independent producer. I truly know why expertise, follow up and honesty are so vital to their daily business."

Marc is known around the office for being a hard worker, and eager to help others. He's also known for thinking outside of the box, which has resulted in his name on a couple of patents for products he has invented! His type of dedication and innovation are the perfect fit for Ideal Producers Group and the Agents he services.

Marc and his wife, Jill, raise their three children: Andrew, Abby and Asher in Overland Park, KS. This hard-working dad is PTA President and Junior High basketball coach, as well as a tremendous asset to Ideal Producers Group.

Mason Morasch is a graduate of Kansas State University, and has years of experience providing agents with first class marketing and service support. Mason's case-development skills, ability to problem solve, and wealth of industry and product knowledge come together for a winning combination. From submitting your contract through getting that first commission check, Mason knows what it takes to get it done right, and right now!

The Agents Mason services are thrilled with his responsiveness, and he keys in on that benefit. Mason explains, "I understand these Agents have a lot going on and they can't wait days to get information and answers. Sales are too hard to come by these days to lose a client because you're waiting for material or can't get through the voicemail trails at the insurance carrier. I do everything I can to bridge that gap for my Agents." Allowing Mason to provide you with this kind of dependability could make a difference in your business this year!

Mason and his wife, Tara, have two beautiful daugthers: Michaela and Allie. The most recent addition to their family is son, Jacob. Mason and his family live in Overland Park, Kansas.

Richard Billings started as an independent Agent more than 30 years ago. During his successful career as a Producer, Richard met Ron Essary and began a lifelong business relationship as well as friendship. Initially renting office space from Ron, eventually Richard went to work for him and began a second successful career as an Annuity Marketing Consultant.

Richard has helped hundreds of Agents increase their sales and income. In his personal sales experience and in helping other Agents, Richard has come to believe that paramount for Agents is to be honest with their clients. As a result, he is dedicated to providing his Agents with accurate, up-to-date information. He is a great addition to Ideal Producers Group, which touts itself as “an old company with a new face”. Richard has known most of the staff at IPG for years and is excited to be a part of the new/old company.

Richard is dedicated to helping his Agents be successful. He understands that every Agent has different needs and says, “I help my Agents with case development, closing the sale, or whatever their particular need may be.” Richard’s years of industry experience, plus training which has earned him both the LUTCF and CAS designations, give him a well-rounded approach to servicing Agents.

Richard lives in Kansas City with his wife, Paula. They have three children: Brittany, Katrina and Richard; and two grandchildren: Mary Kate and Charlie.

Rick Rooks entered the insurance marketing industry more than 10 years ago into an intense training program designed by Ron Essary to develop educators for Agents. Rick quickly emerged at the top of this program and went on to a very successful career as an annuity consultant and producing Agent. With a background in church ministry and a Masters degree in counseling/coaching, Rick is well qualified for listening to and communicating with Agents to determine their needs. In turn, Rick often shares this talent with the Agents he services. Rick explains, “I think many agents need to be better listeners so they can properly profile the money to best meet the needs of the client, and give the client what they want.”

Rick believes in furthering his knowledge at every opportunity. He has earned his CAS (Certified Annuity Specialist) designation and is known around Ideal for his research of news articles which he willingly shares with both his co-workers and Agents. The Agents who work with Rick appreciate that he keeps them informed and see him as their “Product Guru”.

Rick and his wife, Cathy, live in Olathe, Kansas with their son, Ryan. They are visited often by his Grandchildren, but not often enough—according to Rick.

Rick will tell you the best thing about his job is the relationships he builds with Agents...and he's built quite a few over the last 27+ years he's been in the industry. At the foundation of these relationships is the knowledge that Rick has cultivated through his experiences as Agent, home office employee and District Sales Manager. This background and his attitude of service result in Rick's drive to help his Agents find the perfect solutions for complex problems.

Rick is a Master Gardener and enjoys golf, karaoke, reading and learning. But, when it comes to helping Agents, he takes his job seriously. Rick understands the needs of his Agents, and he's determined to make a difference. He explains, "The best compliments I've received are Agents and Reps telling me that my sales help and training kept them in business during tough times."

Rick and his wife, Anne, live in Stillwell, Kansas.

Stephanie discovered her niche early in life. After a short time in the banking industry, Stephanie found her way into Annuity Marketing, and has been in the field for over seven years. She began her career as a New Business Processor, but quickly knew she was ready to help Producers as a Senior Sales Advisor. Along the fast track to earning the position she wanted, Stephanie also passed the test to receive her CAS (Certified Annuity Specialist) designation.

Stephanie works with Producers who are at all different levels of experience -- from those new to the business to seasoned, high end producers. Her skill with case development and her excellent customer service have earned Stephanie the respect and appreciation of the many Producers with whom she works. Stephanie's enthusiasm for her job is inspiring. She states, "Even after years in the business, I get very excited about helping a new Producer get licensed with us. We have so much to offer, I know I can make a difference in their business."

Stephanie lives in Gardner, Kansas with her husband, Justin, their daughter, Emily and newest addition, Andrew.

Troy is known as the guy who will "tell it like it is", and this trait has helped him become very successful in working with Annuity and Life Insurance Agents for more than a decade. His experience, talent for listening and commitment to follow through on his word have earned him the business and respect of many Agents across the country.

While Troy will tell you his "dream job" is that of being daddy to his son, Dylan; Ideal Producers Group is thrilled to have him as a Sales Advisor on our team. Troy has a strong creative side which offers a unique approach to problem solving and case development for the Agents he serves. In Troy's words: "My favorite thing to do for an Agent is exceed their expectations." We believe if you work with Troy, he will do exactly that.

Troy and Dylan live in Kansas City, MO.