Rob Rickard VP Senior Advisor Development Consultant with Simplicity InsurMark Interviewed on Influential Entrepreneurs Podcast Discussing Is It Time to Outgrow Your IMO?
HOUSTON, TX September 3, 2026
Rob Rickard discussing is it time to outgrow your IMO?
Listen to the interview on the Business Innovators Radio Network: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/interview-with-rob-rickard-vp-senior-advisor-development-consultant-with-simplicity-insurmark-discussing-is-it-time-to-outgrow-your-imo/
In this episode of Influential Entrepreneurs, has the pleasure of speaking with Rob Rickard, a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in the financial industry. Rob shared his journey from starting as a broker with Morgan Stanley (formerly Dean Witter) to his current role in the insurance side of the industry, where he has been for the past 11 years.
Choose IMOs that Enhance Success
In the ever-evolving landscape of the financial services industry, the role of Independent Marketing Organizations (IMOs) has become increasingly pivotal for agents seeking to enhance their success. As Rob Rickard highlights in a recent podcast, the process of switching IMOs should not be perceived as a daunting overhaul of one’s entire business model. Instead, it should be viewed as an opportunity to innovate and enhance within the existing framework. This nuanced understanding can empower agents to reignite their passion for their work, differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace, and foster growth without sacrificing the foundation they have painstakingly built.
The first step in this journey is to recognize that a successful advisor is often sought after by various IMOs. This attention is not simply a reflection of their success but an acknowledgment of the potential for mutual benefit. When agents receive calls from IMOs, it is essential for them to approach these conversations as an opportunity to interview the organization rather than merely being sold on a new position. As Rickard emphasizes, agents should articulate their needs and expectations, effectively flipping the script on the traditional dynamic of recruitment. This proactive approach allows agents to take control of their career trajectory and ensures that any new partnership aligns with their unique goals and aspirations.
Moreover, the transition to a new IMO does not have to equate to starting from scratch. Many agents harbor the misconception that switching organizations means abandoning their existing client relationships and business practices. However, the right IMO can serve as an enhancement rather than a disruption. As Rickard notes, agents may find that they have outgrown their current organization, leading to a situation where they are burdened with responsibilities that detract from their core competencies. By partnering with an IMO that prioritizes support and collaboration, agents can refocus on what they do best—building relationships and meeting clients’ needs.
A key aspect of this supportive relationship is the notion that the success of the agent directly correlates with the success of the IMO. When an agent thrives, both parties benefit financially. This symbiotic relationship underscores the importance of choosing an IMO that is genuinely invested in the agent’s success. As Rickard articulates, the team behind the IMO should act as an extension of the agent’s own office, ready to provide assistance whenever needed. This level of commitment fosters a culture of collaboration, where the agent feels empowered to reach out for support without fear of overstepping boundaries.
In evaluating potential IMOs, agents should go beyond the surface-level metrics of compensation and product access. While these factors are undoubtedly important, they should not be the sole determinants of a partnership. Instead, agents should delve deeper into the values and support structures of the organizations they are considering. Questions to explore include: How does the IMO facilitate communication and collaboration? What resources are available to help agents prepare for client meetings? How does the organization support agents in their professional development? By probing these areas, agents can identify IMOs that align with their vision for success.
Ultimately, the ability to innovate incrementally within the framework of an established business model is crucial for enduring success in the financial services industry. As agents seek to enhance their success, they must choose IMOs that are not only capable of providing the necessary support but also share their commitment to growth and excellence. By fostering partnerships that prioritize collaboration and mutual benefit, agents can navigate the complexities of their profession with renewed vigor and purpose.
In conclusion, the journey of selecting the right IMO is one of empowerment and strategic decision-making. By approaching this process with a mindset focused on enhancement rather than disruption, agents can unlock new levels of success while remaining true to the foundation they have built. In a world where change is the only constant, the ability to choose an IMO that enhances success may very well be the key to thriving in the financial services industry.
Rob shared: “The concept of changing IMOs is not necessarily that you should change everything, but maybe you need to add something to what you’re doing.”
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/embed/8p_8CxwNASA
About Rob Rickard
Rob have over four decades in sales and marketing within the securities, real estate and insurance industries. As a senior executive with a Fortune 500 company, managing partner of his own investment firm, past school board president and member of multiple boards, his track record and affiliations demonstrate a high level of professionalism, as well as providing advisors with unique viewpoints to every situation that might arise in the growth of your practice.
His years in senior management with a national independent marketing organization gives Robe firsthand knowledge of the obstacles a producer encounters, as
well as the steps to take in moving beyond them. His dedication to service is what sets him apart from other marketers. Accessibility, enthusiasm, and personalized service are my trademarks. In 2018, a hand-picked group of advisors were chosen to develop Advisor Mentorship Program (AMP) to link themselves to a network of successful advisors across the country and share best practices. This program helped our advisors double their production collectively as a group. In 2019, this same group of advisors grew their business an additional 25%., 2020, up 23%, 2021 up 24% and 2022 up 34%. (source: Robert Rickard – Advisor Mentorship Program
If you are an independent advisor establishing a practice based on integrity, leadership, and growth, then a relationship with Simplicity InsurMark and his team should be on your immediate “to do” list. They are dedicated to you, the independent advisor, and everything they do is committed to making sure you have the resources and support necessary to provide the very best solutions to their clients, and their practice. Are you ready to catapult the business to the next level—and beyond? Then they invite to meet their team and customize a growth plan suited especially to you. At Simplicity InsurMark, it’s about people, it’s about relationships and it’s about the long-term. Give them a call, let’s learn more about each other and see if there.
Learn more: http://insurmark.net
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