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.

 

 


 

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.

 

 


 

 

Troy Groves
Senior Sales Advisor

 

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.

 

 


 

 

Rick Tramposh
Senior Sales Advisor

 

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.

 

 


 

 

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! 

 

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