| Executive Team / Partners |
C. Kent FreundtPresident/Founder/PartnerWhy this industry? “Unlimited potential, constant change, some of the most creative minds in business are in this business, and most importantly, we change people’s lives at the time they need it most.”A native of Chicago, he attended Loyola University. Kent started in the insurance business in 1966 and moved to California in 1972 to open a branch office for Transamerica. He was branch manager for 25 years earning many awards for consistently being the top branch in the country. Always a visionary and leader, as Transamerica moved away from a branch-owned system, Kent created The Producers Group in 1997. Kent’s goal was to positively change people’s lives at the time they need it the most. The Producers Group has grown to be one of the largest independently owned insurance agencies placing in excess of $75 billion of life insurance; an achieved goal that has had a significant impact on families and businesses across the country. In 2008, Kent expanded his vision and created The Producers Group International, Ltd. He will now be able to offer the same benefits to people worldwide. Kent has earned many personal, top agency and carrier awards in his 40+ years in insurance. Kent is active in several charities some of which include Special Olympics, San Diego Zoo, Orangewood, and Orange County Performing Arts Center. A father of six children and eight grandchildren, he resides in La Jolla, CA, with his wife of 34 years. Jeffrey P. ReidVice-President/Co-Founder/PartnerWhat is the best impact? “Helping people fulfill their wishes to leave a legacy to their loved ones.”A native of Southern California, Jeff holds a degree in International Relations from USC. After living abroad in Europe he settled in California. It was Kent Freundt who brought Jeff from the hospitality industry to the insurance industry more than 20 years ago. As a Brokerage Director for Transamerica, Jeff consistently broke national sales records. In 1997, he co-founded The Producers Group, which allowed him to accomplish a life goal of building a business from the ground up. Coming from a hospitality background Jeff knows how to cater to an agent. His time as Brokerage Director allowed him to develop a “concierge approach” that he uses to great success while servicing high-end producers and national accounts His skill in developing offers is unparalleled, and he is adept at negotiating with carriers to ensure positive results. Jeff’s expertise in diverse distribution systems, broad product lines and back office support has provided national accounts and their reps the tools needed to continually increase their business. As the agent's partner, Jeff builds strong rapport with his agents and understands the sales cycle especially the difficulties encountered in closing cases. Jeff resides in Rancho Santa Fe with his wife and son. His strongest charitable interest is in supporting Senior Community Centers. Chris K. FreundtVice-President/PartnerChris Freundt is a Principal at The Producers Group. At The Producers Group, Chris heads up the Brokerage Division specializing in working with brokers and their clients by providing relationship management, strategic planning and analytical solutions. Prior to his current role, Chris was The Producers Group’s Brokerage Director and began his career as an agent in personal production for nearly a decade. He is an expert in case design and works directly with agents to provide innovative strategies to expand their knowledge base, sales initiatives and advanced sales concepts to better assist them in presenting and developing solutions that will work toward the client’s goals and financial stability.A California native, he earned his B.S. in Finance from the University of Southern California. He is actively involved in the community of La Jolla, California where he currently resides with his wife and two daughters. Diana EmeryVice-President/PartnerMajor life events? “Serving in the military while living and working in Europe for six years, gave me a natural inclination towards international business and appreciation for cultural differences. I believe in discipline and find the military was a great life experience.”Diana was born and raised in West Virginia. While in the military in Europe she studied at the University of Maryland. In an industry that provides limitless opportunity for hard work and effort, Diana started her career in California in 1989 in the Due Diligence department of a regional broker/dealer. Always goal driven and goal oriented Diana has built a number of successful insurance practices and advisor companies before coming to the Producers Group in 2001. She became a partner in 2003. In 2008, Diana was driven to expand our efforts internationally. She formed Producers Group International, Ltd. and is excited to expand our international insurance opportunities as our industry grows beyond our domestic efforts. In a highly competitive industry she knows at the end of the day it is not about selling products, it is about people and providing them with some financial comfort during the most difficult times. “Our customers depend on us to help them make good decisions for their clients. It is our responsibility to provide them with the highest quality of professionals the industry has to offer.” She is a member of various industry associations including the International Forum, MDRT and the International Estate Planning Association. Diana resides in San Diego. Philanthropy is very important to her and is active in a number of local and international charities including the Kids for Peace Organization. She also supports efforts to ship food and vaccinations throughout impoverished areas in Latin America. Eric FreundtVice-President/PartnerWhat do you like most about the industry? "The personal relationships and no matter how stressful or difficult a day is, it always has some victories."Eric was born and raised in California, independent by nature, Eric headed to the Midwest to earn his degree in Advertising and Marketing from Kansas University. Never planning on getting into the insurance business he started out in sales and marketing for an Internet company. Looking for a more exciting venture he began researching multiple industries. It was his success with relationship building and sales experience that changed his mind and brought him into the insurance industry as a Brokerage Director with The Producers Group in 1999. After becoming a partner in 2007 he was appointed to VP of Annuity Operations and head of Marketing. As VP of Annuities, his leadership has led to significant growth and impassions him to remain committed to providing the necessary help and support that agents need. As head of Marketing, Eric and his team create the dynamic marketing campaigns which give our agency its face in the agent/broker world. His marketing plan includes organizing and leading events in industry education which have been crucial to helping agents succeed. Eric resides in San Diego and is active in the community and with various charities.
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