We had the good fortune of connecting with Deryck Richardson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deryck, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks has played a fundamental role in my career as an entrepreneur. In fact, it’s hard to imagine entrepreneurship without risk. When I first embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I had to make significant decisions that carried the potential for both success and failure.

Risk-taking has allowed me to seize opportunities that others might have shied away from. It has pushed me to innovate, to explore uncharted territories, and to constantly adapt to changing market conditions. Some of my most significant accomplishments have been the result of calculated risks, whether it was investing in a new product line, entering a new market, or even pivoting my business model entirely.

Of course, not all risks have led to immediate success. I’ve encountered setbacks and failures along the way, but these experiences have been invaluable in terms of personal and professional growth. They have taught me resilience, problem-solving, and the importance of learning from mistakes.

Ultimately, entrepreneurship is about navigating uncertainty and taking calculated risks. While it can be daunting at times, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Without embracing risk, I wouldn’t have achieved the level of success and fulfillment I’ve experienced in my career.

What should our readers know about your business?
I have a few businesses, but the “Granddaddy of them all” is Richardson Marketing Group. RMG is a marketing firm specifically designed to enhance the customer acquisition efforts of insurance agents. Our primary product is aged internet leads which allow agents and agencies to dramatically lower their customer cost per acquisition. Some of the awards we are very proud of are as follows:

Better Business Bureau A+ Rating.
BBB Torch Award for Ethics Finalist.
2 Time Fast 50 Recipient. Recognizing the Fastest Growing Companies in the Columbus, Ohio Metro Area.
3 Time Best Places to Work Award.

The journey has been filled with ups and downs and no, this has not been easy. We went through a major lawsuit in 2020 that could have put us out of business. In fact, we thought about going out of business. At the end of the day, we didn’t know what out of business looked like. We still had work to accomplish and so we fought through the lawsuit and continued to battle in business. Our piece of the suit was dismissed (as it should of been), but the cost of defense was 6 figures.

RMG fought through the mud to stay alive because of the above awards. We have a solid product for insurance agents, employees who love to work here, we handle our clients and employees with ethics at the forefront, and we still have growing to do. This is the type of marketing partner you want on your team if you are looking to grow an insurance agency.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Columbus, Ohio is full of history and fun things to do, but I would start in Hilliard, the suburb where I reside. We would enjoy Old Hilliard with a trip to Crooked Can or Hillgarten. Outdoor dining and drinks is always a favorite activity of mine. On day two we would venture into Dublin and eat at Bridge Park. Bridge park is almost like it’s own little city with high end dining and shopping. We would venture into Columbus and hit COSI which is my favorite science museum. Take a stroll on the Scioto Mile while we are downtown. Finally, we would catch an Ohio State Football Game. There is nothing better than Buckeye Football in Columbus!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost my wife, Desiree deserves the biggest shoutout. When we made the decision to keep her home, when our children were smaller, that was a big sacrifice for her. Having her at home allowed me to go out and really tackle the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. I didn’t have to worry about being home at a certain time for soccer practice or piano lessons. Homework was taken care of. I’ve literally never had to worry about my home because it was made by her every day. Now as our children are grown and out of the house, she continues to support every decision and move I make in business.

Next I need to give a huge shout out to my primary business partner Josh Harris. I have many partners in many aspects of my businesses, but Josh is my ace. We share an office and knock ideas off of each other on a weekly basis. He is very much a “let’s figure it out and then go” guy, and I’m very much, “let’s go and figure it out on the way.” We balance each other out brilliantly and I couldn’t have asked for a better business partner.

Website: www.richardsonmarketinggroup.net

Image Credits
Richardson Marketing Group

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