River City Six – Rick King
Meet Rick King, president at King Insurance Agency (kingins.com).
Tell us a little about your business.
We are a family-owned insurance agency with family values. You are so much more than just a customer. We want to know you and your family so we can provide the best insurance coverage for your needs.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
After 9/11, the insurance world changed along with so many things. At the same time, our largest carrier decided to get out of the insurance business leaving us scrambling for markets. Fortunately, we had a number of close relationships with agencies across the country. We formed American Insurance Alliance and supported each other as we got new markets…and we still do.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
I have been asked to present insurance/risk-related talks at a number of industry conventions. I feel honored to share my knowledge and expertise with others
Tell us a little about your family.
Teresa and I have been married for 36 years. We have two boys, ages 29 and 26, and a daughter who is 19.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
I left a job teaching AP History to come to work for King Insurance.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I enjoy working in the yard and a good competitive game of pickleball.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I was a member of the Nebraska National Guard running team years ago. My favorite race was going to Washington, D.C. to run the Marine Corp Marathon.
Who inspires you?
My late grandfather Elmer Holmquist. He was a kind, honest, hardworking man that grew up on a Nebraska farm during the Great Depression.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” – Mark Twain
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Devoted.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Nobody Does it Better” by Carly Simon.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Time jumper. I love history. Going back in time to see the event that shaped history would be exciting.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Singing. I love to sing but, admittedly, I am off tune.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
I did enjoy teaching. I hope when I retire I will find a way to get back into the classroom in some capacity.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
I stay busy as president of my HOA, president of the Nebraska Manufactured Housing Association, and as an Elder plus clerk of the Session of Peace Presbyterian Church.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Ben Franklin.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 597-5224; rick@kingins.com; kingins.com.