Meet the Team

Karen Essary

Karen Essary
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

As the co-founder and CEO of Ideal Producers Group, Karen leverages more than two decades of IMO experience to deliver an unmatched experience for every producer her team serves. She believes in principled leadership focused on ethics and integrity, ensuring Ideal’s promises are kept and expectations are met — or exceeded — at every interaction. Karen enjoys building relationships, developing solutions that resonate in today’s marketplace, and partnering with carriers who share the same commitment to financial professionals and their clients.

Prior to starting Ideal, Karen was the manager of a team of annuity advisors responsible for over $300 million in annual premium after learning the ropes of the business by serving in nearly every capacity, from answering phones to designing stay-in-touch programs to supporting new business.

Karen lives in Bucyrus, Kan., and is the proud mom of five wonderful children, Kyle, Dalton, Kennedy, Delaney and Kaitryn, and an equally proud mother-in-law of Sierra. She is also blessed to be Coco to her four beautiful grandchildren! She is passionate about her faith, her family and her close friends, and travels frequently to connect with them all and create balance in her life.

Though she has a huge love for the Kansas City Chiefs, Karen carries a soft spot in her heart for the Denver Broncos, care of her dad. You will also never catch her missing a KU basketball game!

Sales Consultants

Stephanie Chapman
Stephanie ChapmanSenior Annuity Consultant
David Henggeler
David HenggelerSenior Annuity Consultant
Kim Strickbine
Kim StrickbineSenior Annuity Consultant
Holly Taylor
Holly TaylorSenior Annuity Consultant

Support Staff

Roy Brown
Roy BrownCommissions & Supplies
Haley Cain
Haley CainMarketing Assistant
Jim De Tar
Jim De TarChief Financial Officer
Sharry Dercher
Sharry DercherAnnuity New Business & Contracting Specialist
Jill Donnici
Jill DonniciExecutive Assistant, Director of Incentives & Travel
Delaney Essary
Delaney EssaryNew Business & Contracting Specialist
Kennedy Essary
Kennedy EssaryAnnuity New Business Specialist
Sierra Essary
Sierra EssaryExecutive Assistant
Tammy Ware
Tammy WareReception

“I’ve said many times that joining Ideal Producers Group was by far the most important, life-changing decision in my 50 years of offering financial services. It’s the feeling of belonging to a caring family that has impressed me the most.”

— G. M. McGrath, Iowa

“The folks at Ideal have been loyal to me over the years, and I reciprocate that loyalty by placing most of my business with them. When an issue arises, they are there to help you. It’s nice to know that they are willing to go the extra mile to help you when needed.”

— K. Bennett, Pennsylvania

“Working with Ideal Producers Group, I’ve received the most personalized and attentive support I’ve had in my 24 years in the business. The dedication, professionalism, and expertise of the Ideal team have made selling annuities both simple and highly effective, and my sales have grown significantly as a result.”

— J. Hutson, Texas