2020 Trusted Advisers Insurance Agent: Robbie Marks

As president of HM Employee Benefits & Risk Management, Robbie Marks leads with a client-first mentality.

“The role of the trusted adviser is something that I do not take lightly,” Marks says.

The Springfield arm of the Clayton-based firm is a full-product and service insurance brokerage offering capital management services and housing 35 employees. Marks comes to the role of president with six years of experience at HM, and he has worked in advisement and sales for such companies as Ollis/Akers/Arney, Davis Cellular and Alltel.

In this position, Marks develops and manages a client portfolio of over $13 million in premiums, while advising clients on their insurance, risk management and employee benefits needs.

His strategy is to identify corporate and personal goals of each client, and then construct what Marks calls a calculated business approach that provides the needed ideas, tools, resources and expertise to accomplish those goals.

“The insurance industry is complex and volatile, and due to the changing landscape of this industry, it is critical that I provide my clients with the industry expertise to reengineer how their needs can be met,” he says.

As a trusted adviser to his clients, Marks sees his role as providing exceptional and targeted knowledge to guide clients through a changing landscape, serving as their go-to expert. Marks stays up to date on the latest in the industry through continuing education, working with trade groups and funding organizations like private captives and health insurance consortiums, and staying involved in such organizations as Health 180, Society for Human Resource Management and Worldwide Broker Network.

“My goal is to extend a helping hand to each of my relationships, whether through referrals, connections to resources or through assistance I can personally provide,” he says.

Marks’ personal assistance has made an impact through many levels of the organizations in his client portfolio. He has helped develop client-specific tools and resources that have enhanced insurance funding platforms and lessen administrative burdens, all while incorporating new technologies and adhering to compliance standards.

Other programs Marks and the HM team have implemented have improved company cultures, provided six-figure savings on premiums, and established a sustainable foundation for long-term success and growth through development of written business plans.

“I can truly say that I have gained more than just business connections; I have gained true friends throughout this journey,” Marks says. “Watching the success of those I have worked with over the years and knowing that I have helped them in their success has been very rewarding.”

Marks also is committed to helping others outside of HM. He is engaged in community outreach and has served on various boards. He, his wife and his two children are involved in Convoy of Hope, Children’s Miracle Network, Ronald McDonald House, Dickerson Park Zoo and Ozarks Food Harvest.