First Financial Security is pleased to announce that Ron Wheeler has joined the company as Executive Vice President, Products and Distribution. In this role, Ron will lead and manage FFS carrier relationships and the development of carrier products.
Ron got into the insurance industry in 1980 because he needed a job to pay for college, saying, “I wasn’t one of those people who read up on the opportunity, knew everything about it and was all in. At the start it was just a business. Then I paid my first death claim and the business got into me. I’ve loved it ever since.” He was promoted into management after three years with American General, leaving after eight years with the company. He leveraged his experience by starting MKI, a brokerage operation for independent agents and financial institutions based out of Missouri. Ron will continue as president of MKI while serving as EVP of Products and Distribution for FFS.
Since then, he has served in several leadership positions advocating for the insurance and financial services industry. He served on national committees for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and as the President of the Missouri association. Also, in Missouri he served for years on the advisory board of the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration. These experiences have given him a depth and breadth of perspective on the challenges and opportunities in our industry at the regional and national level.
Ron’s industry experience is unparalleled, and he is poised to take FFS carrier relations to a new level of excellence. CEO Phil Gerlicher noted that “Ron is a long-time friend and a valued colleague. He has encouraged FFS from the beginning – speaking at our events and hosting our sessions time after time. He adds a wealth of knowledge and experience to our leadership team and we’re excited to have him on board.”
FFS is excited to welcome industry veteran Ron Wheeler to the First Financial Security, Inc. Leadership Team.
