Risk & Resolve

The Risk & Resolve Podcast is your go-to resource for insightful conversations at the intersection of leadership, business ownership, and the insurance industry. Hosted by Ben Conner and Todd Hufford, this podcast dives deep into the challenges and opportunities that leaders face in an ever-changing world. Each episode features candid discussions with business owners, industry experts, and thought leaders, exploring topics like innovation, risk management, and the strategies that drive success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or insurance professional, you’ll gain actionable insights and inspiration to navigate today’s complex business landscape. Tune in to Risk & Resolve —where leadership meets resilience.

Risk & Resolve is a business podcast hosted by Conner Insurance, with 62 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Conner Insurance hosts Risk & Resolve, a business show with 62 episodes published.

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  Episode #53

  Gary Stump on Faith Through Loss, Biblical Prophecy, Israel, and Building a Legacy

  Sep 30, 20261h 26mS1

  In this episode of Risk & Resolve , Ben Conner and Todd Hufford sit down with longtime pastor and mentor Gary Stump . Gary shares the life-changing story of losing his first wife, Donna, in a tragic car accident, the question from God that reshaped his understanding of trust, and how suffering ultimately led him into pastoral ministry. The conversation also explores Gary’s theological perspective on Israel, biblical prophecy, the church, and the importance of passing faith and leadership to the next generation. Main Talking Points: Growing up in Indianapolis and Brown County, Indiana Starting his career in the life insurance business alongside his father Meeting Pete John and discovering a personal relationship with Jesus How studying Scripture began transforming Gary’s marriage and family The devastating car accident that took the life of his wife, Donna The question that changed his life: “Do you really trust me? Or do you just say you trust me?” Wrestling with grief while raising four young children Becoming a student of the Book of Job during his darkest season The Charles Stanley message that challenged him not to “waste” his suffering Moving from asking “Why?” in accusation to seeking purpose through suffering How grief ultimately became part of Gary’s call into pastoral ministry Meeting Kathy and watching God rebuild his family The influence of Pete John and Malcolm Nabel on Gary’s faith and theology Gary’s theological perspective on Israel and the Jewish people His interpretation of biblical prophecy, the church, the tribulation, and the future of Israel Why he believes Christians can support Israel while still disagreeing with actions of its government The influence of visiting Israel and studying the Jewish foundations of Christianity Preserving Pete John’s Bible and the legacy of the people Pete led to faith Leaving his former church in 2011 without knowing what would come next Stepping out in faith and eventually founding Onward Church Gary’s desire to write books and identify the next-generation leader for his congregation The importance of passing faith, leadership, and stewardship to the generation behind you

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  Episode #51

  Building What Matters Most: Leah Hartzell on Leadership, Legacy, and Living with Purpose

  Sep 16, 20261h 6mS1

  In this episode of Risk & Resolve , Ben Conner and Todd Hufford sit down with marketing leader, educator, and entrepreneur Leah Richards Hartzell . Leah shares how the legacy of her father, Dr. Mark “Doc” Richards, continues to shape her leadership, parenting, and business philosophy. From launching Bulldog Moving Company to mentoring college students and balancing family with meaningful work, this conversation explores what it means to build a life that leaves a lasting impact. Main Talking Points: The lasting legacy of Dr. Mark “Doc” Richards Growing up after losing her father at a young age The values of “Glorify God. Work Hard. Have Fun. Choosing Indiana Wesleyan and discovering a passion for business Transitioning from pre-med to marketing Becoming both a marketing professional and educator Why mentoring students extends beyond the classroom Launching Bulldog Moving Company from the ground up Building a customer-first culture through servant leadership Lessons learned from entrepreneurship and family business Raising children while pursuing meaningful work Why leadership begins with investing in people Defining success through faith, legacy, and intentional living

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  Episode #52

  From Engineer to Entrepreneur: Darren Thompson on Building Businesses, Stewarding Success, and Pursuing What Matters Most

  Sep 2, 20261h 17mS1

  In this episode of Risk & Resolve , Ben Conner and Todd Hufford sit down with Darren Thompson , Founder and President of Process Alliance, to explore an incredible journey from a thirty-year engineering career at Eli Lilly to building one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical consulting firms in the country. Darren shares lessons on entrepreneurship, faithful stewardship, leadership, marriage, generosity, and why success is ultimately measured by the people you invest in—not the businesses you build. Main Talking Points: Growing up in a blue-collar family in Franklin, Indiana Lessons learned from thirty years at Eli Lilly Taking the leap from corporate security into entrepreneurship Building Process Alliance from a handful of retirees into a national engineering firm How COVID unexpectedly accelerated the company’s growth Why technical excellence alone isn’t enough to build a lasting company Developing the next generation of pharmaceutical leaders Creating a culture centered on mentorship and “pouring into people” Why stewardship—not ownership—is the foundation of leadership Launching Ripple Works to create second chances through meaningful employment Restoring dignity through work for people overcoming incarceration and poverty Working alongside his wife and navigating the beauty—and bumps—of entrepreneurship together The importance of pursuing your spouse every day Wrestling with generosity, wealth, and leaving a meaningful legacy

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  Episode #51

  More Than Basketball: Rick Risinger & Ron Young on Coaching, Legacy, Friendship, and Building Champions

  Aug 19, 20261h 49mS1

  In this episode of Risk & Resolve , Ben Conner sits down with legendary Heritage Christian coaches Rick Risinger and Ron Young to reflect on decades of coaching, friendship, and the lasting legacy of Dr. Mark “Doc” Richards. From state championships and unforgettable games to leadership, mentorship, faith, and the relationships that mattered most, this conversation reveals why great coaches build far more than winning teams—they build people. Main Talking Points Rick Risinger’s journey from Indiana All-Star to Purdue basketball Ron Young’s path through basketball, tennis, and coaching Meeting Dr. Mark “Doc” Richards and forming lifelong friendships How Doc’s leadership shaped Heritage Christian basketball Lessons learned from competition, discipline, and preparation The philosophy behind building championship teams Why great players make the team bigger than themselves The heartbreaking loss of Doc Richards and carrying his vision forward Winning seven state championships while keeping people first The importance of preparation, scouting, and attention to detail Coaching beyond basketball—building character, discipline, and faith The role parents, teammates, and assistant coaches play in lasting success Why humility matters more than trophies Reflections on friendship, legacy, and investing in future generations

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  Episode #50

  Leading with Purpose: Adam Weber on Building People Before Business (2026 NextGen Healthcare Summit Recording Series)

  Aug 5, 202627 minS1

  In this episode of Risk & Resolve with Adam Weber to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose. Drawing from his experience as a startup founder, executive coach, and leadership expert, Adam shares practical strategies for avoiding burnout, maintaining perspective, and building sustainable leadership. From the “tyranny of the now” to creating healthy boundaries, this conversation offers actionable insights for leaders who want lasting success without sacrificing their lives outside of work. Main Talking Points: Adam’s most embarrassing leadership moment—and what it taught him The “Tyranny of the Now” and why leaders lose perspective Why business is simply a series of solving problems Building centeredness through intentional daily practices Leading with calm, predictable presence instead of emotional reactions Creating a meaningful life outside of work The power of writing a personal life vision Why hobbies make better leaders Prioritizing physical health to improve decision-making Using gratitude as a leadership advantage Simple gratitude practices that transform team culture Walking, meditation, and creating mental space for better thinking Reading timeless wisdom instead of reacting to constant noise Leading from the “top of the mountain” with long-term perspective

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