Profile
“I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
A 2006 Babson College graduate, Richard Soo Hoo began his career as a CSR trainee at an agency in Boston’s Chinatown and worked his way up to managing the office. During that time, he learned the intricacies of running an independent agency and the value that an independent agent can bring to a community.
Richard was also an active member of the MAIA Young Agents Committee, a presenter at the 2016 MAIA annual convention, and a nominee for the National Alliance Agent of the Year for Massachusetts.
In 2017, he and his wife opened Sterling Insurance Group on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard. With a focus on high-net-worth personal lines and agency systems designed to more effectively and efficiently service and sell to their target market, Sterling Insurance Group’s sales velocity is only surpassed by client satisfaction and retention. The Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce also recognized Richard as a 40-under-40 award recipient in 2023.
When Richard isn’t actively selling or servicing insurance, he enjoys spending time with his three children, working as a board member for The Vineyard Montessori School, and being a call firefighter with state pro board certification for Edgartown Fire and Rescue.
31 Beach Rd, Unit 203, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
508 687 2750
rich@mvsig.com
linkedin.com/in/richsterlingsoohoo
insurewithsterling.com
Richard Soo Hoo
Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder
Sterling Insurance Group of Martha’s Vineyard
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Milestones
“To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need”
Ken Dixon,
Dixon Insurance Services
2006
2011
2015
2017
2021-2022
Graduated from Babson College
Started his insurance career in Boston
2006
Earned the National Alliance Certified Insurance Counselor Designation
2011
Earned the Institutes Accredited Advisor of Insurance Designation
2015
Founded Sterling Insurance Group of Martha’s Vineyard
2017
2021: Began as a call firefighter at Edgartown Fire Department
2022: Produced $1 million personal lines premium
2021-
2022
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
How does he distinguish himself among fellow brokers?
“I believe all brokers are working very hard in a difficult market,” he says. “However, I have demonstrated continued growth, advocacy and performance on my client’s behalf, which is now recognised [for 10 consecutive years] in the Elite Broker awards.”
In 1990, Dixon got started with FAI, working in claims and as a team leader. From the late 1990s up until 2003, he worked at FAI and Suncorp in underwriting and as an area manager at VACC, CGU (South East Queensland). From 2003 to 2012, he got into broking and eventually started Dixon Insurance in 2013. Since then, he’s accumulated numerous acccolades, including Elite Broker, Diversity and Equity, and Fast Broker awards.
During the pandemic, Dixon challenged insurers over the Quarantine Act application to insurance wordings. His argument was that the Quarantine Act does not apply as an exclusion, as the Biosecurity Act was invoked by the Morrison Government, and this was not a subsequent amendment to the Quarantine Act. The test case in the Appeals court was won for Dixon’s client with a unanimous five-judge verdict.
He remains focused on transport, manufacturing, motor trade, engineering and large farm clients.
What are his plans for the future?
On a business level, “more of the same. I will continue to empower and encourage my staff to perform at their best as I have done for the last decade. I will continue to advocate for my clients, embracing new technology and being open to business and industry changes.”
On a personal level, Dixon invests significant time, effort and funds, along with his GT3, to support many charities through his passion for motorsport. From participating in and sponsoring the Thunderbolt Run (which provides tens of thousands of dollars in support for Beyond Blue and Prostate Cancer), to organising and running the Track Knights for Amira charity night where 28 Exotic Supercars raised funds through passenger laps in wet conditions, Dixon states “this is our time to give back to the community and those in need. My friendships and association with those seeking to do the same, allows us to contribute to those less fortunate and raise funds and awareness”.
He adds: “To be able to give back to the community is rewarding and fulfilling. I am honoured to be in a position where I can raise funds for those less fortunate and in need.”