Roger McCarty
1930-2011
The insurance industry has lost an icon with the passing of Roger H. McCarty, Brokers International, Ltd., on November 15. Born in Guthrie Center, IA, in 1930, Roger spent his early years farming with his father and brothers before serving his country in the United States Navy. After military service, he began his insurance career in 1955 as an agent for State Farm Mutual Insurance Company in Denver, CO, where in his first year he was named Agent of the Year and remained one of their top agents nationwide until his departure for the brokerage business in the 1960s.
Roger’s first foray into brokerage was with Oregon National Life, which later became First Farwest Insurance Company. He formed First Farwest Marketing Company to market an extensive range of insurance products, and that company became Brokers International, Ltd. Originally based in Denver, Brokers International grew from two employees to currently more than 80 under Roger’s leadership. That growth prompted a move to Lake Panorama, IA, in 1999, where the company now owns and occupies a 19,000 square foot complex on a 10-acre campus. Iowa represented a return to his roots, and Roger admired the small town atmosphere and strong work ethic.
A pioneer in the development of lead generation programs, seminar systems, online marketing systems, and product and agent training programs, Roger credited several people for his success, including his mentor, Chuck Enabit, who helped Roger get started marketing insurance products; lifelong friend and co-worker Byron Lucas; nephew Bill McCarty, Brokers International president; and son Kelly McCarty, CMO. Also contributing to the success of Brokers International is daughter Michelle Woods.
The result is a story of a small Colorado marketing company growing to become one of the nation’s largest insurance brokerage firms and annuity wholesaling powerhouses and expanding further into life brokerage with affiliate company Brokers Life Marketing Group, LLC, and into the independent full service broker/dealer and RIA space with affiliate Brokers International Financial Services, LLC. Brokers International and its affiliates now work with more than 40,000 licensed insurance professionals nationwide.
When not adding to his vast accomplishments in the brokerage industry, Roger was an avid golfer, fisherman, baseball and football fan, and enjoyed thoroughbred horse racing. Active in his community, Roger contributed to organizations like the Panora Fire Department and local schools and charities. He was instrumental in bringing the Iowa Open back to Lake Panorama National Golf Course, and Brokers International is the main event sponsor.
Asked in a 2010 interview why he chose insurance marketing, Roger said, “I do what I do because of the personal satisfaction I receive from working with my employees and having the opportunity to impact them and their families in a positive way.” (Surely one big reason Brokers International was recognized as the “Number One Best Place to Work in Central Iowa” in the medium-sized company division in 2009 by Business Record magazine.) He continued, “I’ve also had the opportunity to help insurance agents from around the country become successful and help their clients by helping them build their estates and provide retirement safety. I could not imagine doing anything else. I love my company, my work, my family, and my friends. It honestly feels like I’ve been on vacation for the past 50 years.”
Industry guru Art Jetter, Art Jetter & Company, remembers Roger: “He was a dear friend and incredible influence. He was a great role model, often saying, ‘What a country. Where else could a farm boy from Guthrie Center Iowa have this kind of opportunity?’ Roger made everyone he met feel like family. I sure did. He was fun. He was creative. He looked out for family and loved that his family joined him in his business and his many adventures. While on the road, he never forgot to call Jane and tell her he loved her. He made my family his family. He was tenacious in achieving excellence, often saying, ‘A steady drip will wear away the hardest stone,’ when times looked tough. Whatever business successes I’ve had, I can attribute much to the friendship and life lessons I got from Roger. He helped me understand the concept of ‘just do it.’ A few people are just bigger than life. Roger was one of those few. Like all those who loved him, I will miss him but be thankful for the wonderful gift of memories of a man so full of life.”
I first met Roger in the early 1980s at the Colorado Life Underwriter’s convention. My first impression was that he was a very important man and that early in my career I was frankly intimidated. But within minutes Roger’s great ability to put people at ease and take a genuine interest in them won me over for life. His encouragement and friendship, particularly in those early years, has contributed greatly to my ability to form meaningful business relationships and industry-born friendships throughout my career. I remember Roger as one of the most charismatic, energetic and enthusiastic speakers and motivators I’ve ever seen and one of the warmest, most fun-loving people I’ve ever met. I will miss him, as will many. [SPH]
