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“It’s not a client’s obvious risks that I’m concerned with,” Mike Richmond, Executive Vice President at The Horton Group, says. “As a trusted business advisor, it’s our job to analyze every detail of a client’s business, determine every exposure, and provide risk management programs to insulate the business from liability. It’s easy to insure the obvious risks. What sets us apart is that we find the unforeseen risks that cripple businesses.”

Mike is also an attorney, and studied law at night while working as an insurance consultant. “People ask me what law school is like; ultimately, it is countless hours reading thousands of cases about every situation that could go wrong.”

Mike’s legal education gives him an intimate understanding of the liabilities businesses face, as well as the many ways those liabilities can affect businesses. “I view potential losses from the eyes of a litigator. If a loss occurs, the plaintiff’s attorney is obligated to bring suit against every party that could have been responsible for the allegedly negligent act. As a result, a business with even a very minor relationship to the loss could sustain costly litigation expenses, additional work for them and their staff, as well as the anxiety associated with a lawsuit. I explain this to my clients, and show them how we ease the burden of losses.”

According to Mike, the resources and commitment of its professionals are the driving factors behind The Horton Group’s Best-in-Class reputation. “The amount of tools The Horton Group brings to every client is phenomenal. Between Network Safety Consultants, Claims Specialists, Contract Review, and Alternative Risk Strategies, such as Captive Programs, we can offer cutting-edge solutions to every size and type of business.”

After nine years with Horton, Richmond has made significant improvements to his strategy and work approach. This includes working with a range of 40-50 clients that value Horton’s philosophy of continuous improvement, by taking costs and risks and turning them into a competitive advantage. This allows for proper attention to each client to make sure you’re giving them the focus and resources they deserve.  From a leadership perspective, Richmond hopes to continue mentoring the younger production staff to help them build their careers.  “This is a great profession, and I hope they have the same fulfilling experience I’ve had so far.” While Horton focuses on the present, it’s essential to dial in on the future, and Richmond exemplifies this in his outlook for what’s to come.

Fact File:

Education
  • Juris Doctor, The John Marshall Law School
  • B.A. in Psychology & Political Science, Millikin University
  • Washington Semester Program – Public Law, American University
Professional Designations & Licensing
  • Attorney Admitted to Illinois Bar 
  • Life & Health License
  • Property & Casualty License
Professional Background
  • The Horton Group, Inc., Sales Executive, 2011-2018; Senior Sales Executive, 2018-2020; Vice President of Sales, 2020-2022; Senior Vice President, 2022-2023; Executive Vice President, 2023-Present
  • Thornton Powell, Vice President, 2010-2011; Insurance Consultant, 2004-2010
  • Macon County Mental Health Board, Project Assistant – Intern, 2004
  • Public Defender Service of Washington D.C., Investigator – Intern, 2003
Industry & Community Involvement
  • Facing Forward to End Homelessness – Board of Directors, Secretary 
  • Illinois Bar Association
  • Phi Delta Phi International, Stevens Inn
  • Alpha Tau Omega, Theta Iota Chapter