Get to know the individuals that ignite the insurance industry as they answer our icebreaker questions. 

Rick brings nearly three decades of experience as a successful professional services executive to his role at Vertafore. He's held management roles with Accenture, AT&T Wireless Services, Oracle and Point B. During his career, he has been responsible for providing overall strategic direction; ensuring the satisfaction of clients; attracting, developing and retaining employees; and driving results within organizations. He has broad leadership experience in telecommunications, high technology and health care.

Outside of work, Rick is heavily involved in the community with the Children's Hospital Colorado Courage Classic, Good Sam Bike Jam and Denver Kids Inc. He also mentors Master of Business Administration students at the University of Denver. In his free time, he enjoys biking, cooking, fly fishing, scuba diving and skiing.

Since summer is on its way, we want to know: What is your dream vacation?

I'm all about action-packed vacations, so heli-skiing in Canada is my kind of trip. Picture this: a helicopter drops you on a pristine mountain peak, and then it's just you, the snow and a once-in-a-lifetime ride down. It's a backcountry skiing experience like no other.

Do not—I repeat, do not—let your life insurance company find out about this. What a start to this icebreaker. Now, where would you go during a zombie apocalypse?

If there's time to drive up to the mountains, that's where I'm headed. Straight for the Colorado Rockies.

Zombies are not great hikers. Fact. What is your favorite book?

“The Andromeda Strain" by Michael Crichton.

A classic. Tell us about a time you met a famous person.

I sat next to Cliff Clavin from “Cheers"—the postal worker and the bar's resident know-it-all—on a plane from Los Angeles to Seattle.

Please tell me he dropped unsolicited facts about air mail. Do you have a morning routine?

I get up around 5 a.m. I have some coffee and then jump-start my brain with The New York Times Connections and Wordle, then it's off for a workout!

Damn, and we thought Connections is the workout. If you could travel back in time to see a band play live, who would it be and why?

The Allman Brothers Band with the original lineup.

What film have you watched the most times and will probably keep watching over and over again?

“The Big Lebowski."

Sometimes you just have to abide. What is your favorite pizza topping?

Sausage and mushroom.

And what is your coffee order?

The easiest order around: black coffee.

What drink do you usually order at a bar?

Rye Manhattan up.

Last of all, what is something you're looking forward to?

Every year, Vertafore hosts the industry's first and longest running InsurTech conference. This year Accelerate will be in Charlotte, North Carolina, May 6-9. I love to help people, and at Accelerate I get to sit down with our customers to share ideas, build relationships and forge connections with upcoming industry leaders. Hope to see you there!

This is a monthly column for Independent Agent magazine and iamagazine.com. To be featured, email hello@agencynation.com.