Building a brighter retirement through trusted partnership
The independent marketing organization (IMO) model has been essential to the growth and success of independent agents across the country for more than two decades. But not every IMO is created equal.
Ideal Producers Group was co-founded in 2009 by Ron Essary and Karen Essary, two industry veterans with a mission and vision for building a place financial professionals would want to truly call home. They believed in the power of personalized, mission-driven service and committed to innovating the products, tools, and resources that make confident retirements possible for everyone.
In 2025, the Lord called Ron Essary home. Though it has transformed Ideal Producers Group in some ways, it has only strengthened our commitment to our core values and to our pursuit of service excellence.
Connecting to our core values
Prioritize Faith & Family First
We honor God and recognize family as the foundation of everything we do.
Pursue Growth through Teamwork
We strive for excellence, embrace change and commit to lift up one another.
Serve with Principled Integrity
We provide tailored, individualized service with authenticity and holistic care.
Create Purpose-Driven Impact
We give back to our communities, to charitable causes and to honor God’s call.
From legendary beginnings to a bold evolution
Ron Essary was an industry legend, well known for introducing actuarial expertise into marketing organizations and designing compelling products that have helped thousands of Americans retire more confidently. He leaves a lasting imprint on our hearts and his memory keeps us rooted in our efforts to build something true and lasting.
Today, Karen Essary leads Ideal Producers Group with a keen understanding of how to leverage bold innovation without losing focus on the importance of relationships and the people who make our success possible.
You don’t build a great business by treating people like numbers. You build it by caring, listening and growing alongside your agents.
— Karen Essary, Ideal Producers Group Co-Founder
In the business of giving back
We’re blessed to have the opportunity to serve not only our extended advisor family but organizations near and dear to our hearts. A portion of our revenue is donated as part of our mission to pay it forward and build more equitable futures for individuals and families around the globe.