Our People

Over the years, he has grown Richardson Insurance Group into a trusted partner for companies that operate in complex, high-risk environments, particularly in the construction and petroleum industries. These are not “off-the-shelf” clients, and Derek has built his team to understand the real-world challenges they face — from job site exposures to environmental and regulatory pressures.

Derek has a well-respected reputation within the petroleum industry, where he has spent decades developing relationships and expertise. He has contributed articles to Fuel Oil News, offering practical insight on risk management and insurance issues that directly impact fuel marketers and distributors. He also serves on the boards of several petroleum associations, staying closely connected to the industry and the people who keep it running.

Derek takes a hands-on approach. Unapologetically authentic, he remains actively involved with clients and takes pride in being accessible, responsive, and straightforward — whether navigating a complex claim or helping a business think through risk before it becomes a problem.

Michele plays a central role in leading the agency’s commercial lines operations, overseeing client service, account management, and team development. She works across a diverse client base, helping businesses navigate complex exposures and secure coverage that aligns with their specific needs. Her approach is grounded in consistency, responsiveness, and a clear understanding of how coverage performs in real-world situations.

Known for her hands-on style, Michele remains actively involved with both clients and internal teams. She focuses on maintaining strong relationships, improving service workflows, and ensuring that clients receive thoughtful, proactive guidance. Whether reviewing a complex policy, coordinating with carrier partners, or supporting her team, she brings a practical, solutions-oriented mindset to her work.

Within the agency, Michele is a steady presence in day-to-day operations, helping to align service standards with growth objectives while maintaining the firm’s commitment to personalized service. Her experience and leadership continue to support Richardson Insurance Group’s reputation as a trusted partner to the businesses it serves.

He has been associated with insurance organizations in the Mid-Atlantic region, including leadership roles reflecting experience in agency management and organizational oversight.

Hockley’s work spans multiple insurance agencies and a financial services firm, where he has contributed to operational performance and growth across varied markets. His responsibilities have included driving process improvement and aligning internal workflows with production and service goals. Within these efforts, he maintains a consistent emphasis on scalability and consistency across business units. In the independent agency model, his approach reflects a nuanced understanding of how carrier strategy and product fit vary by market. This understanding allows him to match client segments with appropriate carriers and strengthen agency-carrier partnerships through data-informed placement strategy.

A distinguishing element of Hockley’s background is his integration of digital marketing and analytics as core operational tools. He has emphasized using data-driven marketing — including SEO and targeted campaigns — to generate leads, tracking conversion metrics and ROI to refine agency strategy, and building client acquisition systems that support long-term growth. Underlying this work is a broader perspective on agency leadership: the importance of continuous adaptation to changing consumer behavior, the value of technology and analytics in decision-making, and a commitment to independent agencies as community-focused advisors.

Bobby holds an MBA in Finance, which underpins his strategic approach to advising clients on complex coverage structures, cost control, and long-term financial risk planning. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for practical, hands-on guidance and a strong understanding of the unique challenges faced by working-class businesses.

As a partner, Bobby plays a key role in agency leadership, client relationship development, and mentoring the next generation of insurance professionals. His commitment to delivering tailored insurance solutions and fostering long-term client partnerships has made him a trusted advisor within the industry.