Here at Inszone, one of our missions is to make sure that every employee is appreciated, acknowledged, and recognized for their achievements. This Employee Spotlight series aims to celebrate success and highlight the talented individuals we have at Inszone, Cover Cannabis, and California Pool Association. Each month we’ll be featuring Inszone employees on our website, blog and social accounts.
Richard Park is a Commercial Sales Team Manager at Inszone Insurance Services. Richard brings with him over a decade of knowledge in banking, customer service, financial planning, and business experience.
In addition to his Property and Casualty License, he held Series 6 and 63 and holds a Life and Variable Contracts License. Richard is skilled in developing long-term relationships with clients that led him to become one of the top bankers in his region, and because he is determined, ambitious, and has an unquestionable work ethic, he knows his prior career translates well into the world of Insurance.
When asked to share some words about Richard, Mohsen Khan, who is Inszone’s VP for Southern California and Richard’s direct supervisor, said, “When I think of Richard many, many things come to mind. A true wordsmith, Richard often coins phrases that never existed and usually for good reason. He will ‘cut the brakes’ on an idea, sending it careening into existence with a fiery glow. I’m confident our entire team here has witnessed such a display. Equally, our entire team has witnessed his ability to inspire confidence and make everyone around him better. He holds himself to the same high standards, striving for excellence with zero excuses. He is the Patek Philippe of integration workflow. Southern California is both proud and fortunate to have him on the team!”
To get to know more about Richard, we asked him a few questions about him and his time in the Insurance world:
Q: How did you get into the Insurance Industry?
A: Chris, a former client of mine, during my 8-year tenure at the bank I previously worked at, played a pivotal role in my transition to Inszone in February 2022. While my journey here began as a CLAM and progressed to becoming a producer in February 2023 and eventually a team lead by September 2023, it wasn’t merely the offer that drew me in—it was the person extending that offer. My acquaintance with Chris over the years led me to recognize his exceptional character and leadership style. The opportunity to work under someone of his caliber was a privilege I hadn’t experienced before; in previous roles, I never had the autonomy to choose my superior. This was a watershed moment for me, being able to select the person I’d be working for. It wasn’t just about achieving my career goals; it was about the unforeseen yet gratifying path that unfolded before me.
Q: What do you think has made your Insurance career successful?
A: My Insurance career’s success can be attributed to a powerful combination of factors. Undoubtedly, strong leadership has played a pivotal role. Having Richard Choe as my direct team lead has been a game-changer, providing me with invaluable guidance, support, and a framework for growth. Additionally, having Mohsen as a guiding force has been instrumental in shaping my journey within the industry. However, it’s not solely about the individuals who have directly mentored me. Extensive support from various sources along the way has also been integral to my success. Whether it was learning from seasoned professionals, seizing opportunities for continuous education, or embracing challenges as learning experiences, the culmination of these elements has been instrumental in driving my successful career in Insurance.
Q: What would you like to be doing if you were not in Insurance?
A: If I hadn’t pursued an Insurance career, I would likely have ventured into the realm of stock brokerage, a path I was about to embark upon before making the switch. Reflecting on this decision, I’m genuinely glad I shifted gears toward Insurance. It thrust me into an entirely new industry, one where I initially lacked any prior experience. Starting anew was both daunting and exhilarating. However, this transition afforded me the chance to meet an array of remarkable individuals. These connections have been invaluable, not only in terms of professional knowledge but also in enriching my personal life. Engaging with such diverse and inspiring individuals has allowed me to glean best practices, not just in the context of work but also in shaping my overall life perspective.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time within the Insurance Industry?
A: In five years, I envision myself taking on a role in mergers and acquisitions within the Insurance Industry. Drawing upon my financial background, this shift will allow me to delve into the intricate financial aspects of the industry. It’s an exciting prospect—a pathway that merges elements of familiarity with the thrill of something refreshingly different. This step would represent both a leap forward and a continuation of my journey, combining my existing expertise with a new set of challenges and opportunities within the Insurance landscape.
Q: What do you like to do in your personal time?
A: I immerse myself in a few passions that truly bring me joy. I have a keen interest in firearms and often indulge in shooting at a range, delving into the technicalities and skills involved. Additionally, I find solace and excitement in road trips, exploring new destinations, and traveling to diverse locales. Among my most cherished travel experiences was a journey to my motherland, South Korea. It was a profound and meaningful trip where I had the chance to meet family members I had never encountered before. This experience was deeply enriching, allowing me to connect with my cultural roots that had been somewhat distant while growing up in America. Experiencing and embracing the other side of my heritage was incredibly fulfilling and added a new dimension to my understanding of self and my cultural identity.
Q: What made you want to work here at Inszone?
A: I was drawn to Inszone due to its impressive growth trajectory and unique culture. Despite our growth, we maintain a nimble environment where innovative ideas are swiftly implemented without bureaucratic hurdles. The accessibility to management fosters a culture of open communication, allowing valuable contributions from all levels. This blend of growth opportunities, a culture of innovation, and direct access to decision-makers convinced me that Inszone was the ideal place to work.
Q: Can you share with us a personal quote that you live by?
A: “A man who stands for nothing will fall for everything,” – Malcolm x
Because I believe in that statement, a man must have a set of principles and if they don’t have those and they don’t stand steady with them then they are bound to fail, in work or life.
Thank you, Richard, for always giving your best at work. Your dedication is highly appreciated! We look forward to many more years of growing with you!
Juan Cruz
