Welcome to Ideal Annuity Solutions

Annuities→ Sales Advisors

Karen Essary
Chief Marketing Officer
karen@idealannuitysolutions.com

Karen leads the marketing support team at Ideal Annuity Solutions. She is a 15 year veteran of the Annuity industry, and has helped hundreds of independent agents 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 to IAS. 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 Agent 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
Sales Advisor
kim@idealannuitysolutions.com

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 (AMO), 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 Annuity Solutions. 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.

Bryan Essary
Sales Advisor
bryan@idealannuitysolutions.com

Bryan is the newest member of the Ideal marketing team. With a major in economics, he left college and went into sales while living in Oregon. More than five years ago he was offered a position with a large Annuity Marketing Organization in Kansas, and quickly discovered his background in economics and sales would be of benefit in marketing annuities.

Upon joining Ideal Annuity Solutions, Bryan was able to continue working with Agents across the country and assist them in helping their clients retire safely—his favorite part of the job. In addition to providing his Agents with excellent service, Bryan excels in case development. Recently, he has had a significant role in agency development as well.

Bryan brings a unique perspective to his Agents that he feels is important to success in the industry. He explains, “It is vital to understand the three-legged component of our business: client, carrier and agent. I can help make sure all three know what to expect from each other throughout every sale.”

Bryan, who is nephew to Ron Essary, lives in Kansas City, Missouri.

Stephanie Chapman
Sales Advisor
stephanie@idealannuitysolutions.com

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 Agents as a Dedicated 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 Agents 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 Agents with whom she work

Stephanie’s enthusiasm for her job is inspiring. She states, “Even after years in this business, I get very excited about helping a new Agent 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, and their daughter and greatest joy, Emily.

Jay Watts
Sales Advisor
jay@idealannuitysolutions.com

With his position at Ideal Annuity Solutions, you might say Jay has come full circle. Back in 1982, Jay partnered with Ron Essary to build an annuity marketing organization which became tremendously successful. And now, Jay has joined the Ideal team to offer his support again!

Recently, Jay accepted the position of Vice-President of Annuity Marketing for a large brokerage firm, in Overland Park, KS which markets to estate planners who work with high net worth individuals. Annuity production quickly increased and under Jay’s direction set record numbers.

In June 2008, Jay agreed to reunite with Ron Essary and joined the staff at Ideal Annuity Solutions. Jay is excited about the company. In his words, “My favorite part of this opportunity is reconnecting with old friends, meeting new ones, and helping find the tools to best meet the clients’ ultimate financial objective.”

Jay lives with his wife, Kimberly, and their two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Maggie and Lainey, in Overland Park. He is the proud dad to two daughters, Kayla and Breana.