Annuities & Life: Sales Advisors
Karen Essary
Senior Vice President/Marketing
Karen leads the marketing support team at Ideal Producers Group. She is a 15 year veteran of the Annuity
Industry, and has helped hundreds of independent producers increase their annuity sales.
Karen offers a wealth of knowledge, hard work and dedication to agents she works with. She also lends a variety of experience in agent services. Her past success in managing a team of annuity advisors responsible for over $300 Million in annual premium was a strong springboard for her current leadership role. According to Karen, “My philosophy, and that of our company, is to build a relationship of trust, integrity and service that results in an
Producer believing we have added value to their business. This is the way I have worked for over 15 years, and it makes what I do very worthwhile.”
Yes, Karen is related to Ron as his daughter-in-law. She lives in Desoto, Kansas with her husband and five children. Her greatest joy is being a wife and mother.
Kim Strickbine
Senior
Sales Advisor
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.
Stephanie Chapman
Senior
Sales Advisor
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 work with. Stephanie’s enthusiasm for her job is
inspiring. She states, “Even after years in this 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.
Mason Morasch
Senior Sales Advisor
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!
Jay Watts
Senior
Sales Advisor
With his position at Ideal Producers Group, you might say Jay has come full circle. Back in 1982, Jay partnered with Ron Essary to build an annuity marketing organization which became tremendously successful. And now, Jay has joined the
our team to offer his support once again!
Recently, Jay accepted the position of Vice-President of Annuity Marketing for a large brokerage firm, in Overland Park, KS which markets to estate planners who work with high net worth individuals. Annuity production quickly increased and under Jay’s direction set record numbers.
In June 2008, Jay agreed to reunite with Ron Essary and joined the staff at Ideal
Producers Group. Jay is excited about the new company. In his words, “My
favorite part of this opportunity is reconnecting with old friends, meeting new
ones, and helping find the tools to best meet the clients’ ultimate financial
objective.”
Jay lives with his wife, Kimberly, and their two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Maggie
and Lainey, in Overland Park. He is the proud dad to two daughters, Kayla and
Breana.
Marc Molina
Senior
Sales Advisor
Marc Molina entered 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 indpendent
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.
Scott
Skalisky
Senior
Sales Advisor
Agents working with Scott Skalisky will learn that he has a tremendous amount of
perspective in this industry as he has done it all. Starting in 1984 as a
captive agent, Scott then enjoyed bouts as a Regional Marketing Rep at two
different major insurance carriers. Then, following a successful term with one
of the nation’s largest AMOs, Scott went into personal production for six years,
rounding out a career with a wealth of experience.
Today, Ideal Producers Group is pleased to have Scott on the team as one
of the talented Sales Advisors working with Agents across the country. Scott
truly enjoys the one-on-one support he gives Producers, and uses his personal
experiences to help educate, encourage and make successful Agents. He especially
enjoys taking on the question of why should I sell a fixed or fixed indexed
annuity over a variable annuity?
Scott feels with his position at Ideal that he is “back home”. He explains, “My
favorite job in the industry has been coaching and serving the agents, why?
Because I feel it is what I am meant to do. It comes naturally to me and I love
to help agents with their success.” And this is what he does well. Whether he is
mentoring a newer Producer or helping a seasoned Producer find prospects
(another one of his favorites), Scott is all about serving.
Scott and his wife, Diane, whom he believes is his own special angel, live in
Gardner, KS. Their son, Elijah, is nine years old.