Rich is the principal of Brokers Edge (formerly known as GPALM), a national wholesaler specializing in the development, marketing and distribution of traditional fixed, fixed indexed annuities, and life insurance products. He founded GPALM in 2002 and in early 2018, the company underwent a rebranding effort to better reflect their position as one of the country’s premier marketing organizations. Prior to starting his firm, Hellerich had 16 years-experience in the financial services industry, focusing in the early years within the municipal bond markets as a trader and market maker. He spent the last of these eight years with what would become one of the largest annuity and life marketing organizations in the country, focusing on agent recruitment and product development ideas.
Rich founded the new Brokers Edge on the cornerstones of being 100% independent, providing outstanding service for our writing agents, and knowledgeable annuity and life specialists that understand the marketplace and appreciate the opportunity to build a relationship and serve you. We are proud of our Brokers Edge staff and know every member is committed to providing you with friendly, prompt and personal service.
Fixed Annuities are long term insurance contacts and there is a surrender charge imposed generally during the first 5 to 7 years that you own the annuity contract. Withdrawals prior to age 59-1/2 may result in a 10% IRS tax penalty, in addition to any ordinary income tax. Any guarantees of the annuity are backed by the financial strength of the underlying insurance company. Indexed annuities are insurance contracts that, depending on the contract, may offer a guaranteed annual interest rate and some participation growth, if any, of a stock market index. Such contracts have substantial variation in terms, costs of guarantees and features and may cap participation or returns in significant ways. Any guarantees offered are backed by the financial strength of the insurance company. Surrender charges apply if not held to the end of the term. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken prior to 59 ½, a 10% federal tax penalty. Investors are cautioned to carefully review an indexed annuity for its features, costs, risks, and how the variables are calculated.