Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Sam Hickey, vice president of broker relations at Roosevelt Road Specialty, has shown consistent growth since stepping into the insurance industry in 2017.
His career began to take shape during college, where he immersed himself in the field through internships and licensing work. That early exposure sparked a clear sense of direction.
He says, “My journey to where I am today is a testament to hard work, focus, and learning from some of the best in our industry.”
Hickey is recognized for his instrumental role in scaling the broker network and helping Roosevelt Road gain a strong foothold in a competitive market. “Watching our model gain national traction — and knowing I had a hand in that momentum — has been incredibly rewarding,” he reflects. His contribution has not only accelerated the company's growth but has also raised the bar for service and relationship-building.
He thrives in the tension between expansion and excellence. One of the biggest challenges in his role is maintaining high service standards as the business grows. His approach is to remain deeply involved, proactively communicate, and instil scalable systems that allow his team to remain agile and client-focused. For Hickey, growth is never an excuse to compromise on quality.
Central to his professional identity is a standout strength: the ability to connect. Whether with clients, teammates, or partners, Hickey consistently builds trust through authenticity, accountability, and a commitment to adding value beyond the transaction. “People trust me to follow through. It’s about delivering value, not just completing a deal.”
Hickey brings a highly goal-oriented mindset to both his role and broader career. He sets clear objectives and aligns his daily work with long-term outcomes, constantly striving to improve — whether that means driving business development, deepening partnerships, or sharpening his leadership capabilities.
His impressive rise in the insurance sector can be attributed to a blend of self-motivation, mentorship, and strategic learning. Part of Hickey’s journey has been to surround himself with experienced industry veterans, absorbing their insights, and these relationships have helped him develop a strategic outlook beyond his years.
But Hickey also sees strength in his relative inexperience. Rather than shy away from what he doesn’t know, he leans into it — asking questions, challenging assumptions, and bringing fresh energy to every problem. “I’m not afraid to say ‘I don’t know’ if it leads to a better outcome,” he explains. “That openness has allowed me to learn quickly and earn respect from seasoned professionals.”
Foundational to his reputation are three key traits:
reliability
clear communication
genuine desire to help others succeed
He approaches every opportunity — whether supporting brokers or solving complex client needs — with a service-first attitude.
Being named a Rising Star 2025 by IBA has only sharpened his vision for the future.
“It’s incredibly motivating,” he adds. “It reinforces that I’m on the right track, but it also raises the bar. I see it as a challenge to keep growing, keep delivering, and keep setting an example for others coming up behind me.”
125 Park Avenue. Suite 1530, New York, NY 10017
877 219 5063
shickey@tradesmanprogram.com
linkedin.com/in/sam-hickey-cris-arm-7b5115226
https://www.rooseveltroadspecialty.com
Sam Hickey
VP, Broker Relations East Coast Roosevelt Road Specialty
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Bio
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Profile
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Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
2017–2018
2018–2020
2020–2024
2024–Present
2023–Present
Underwriting assistant at RT Specialty
2017–2018
Producer at Hotaling Insurance Services
2018–2020
Marketing director at Tradesman Program Managers
2020–2024
VP broker relations, East Coast at Roosevelt Road Specialty
2024–Present
Vice president, employee benefits consultant at Alliant
2023–Present
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
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.