Ryan Murry's journey to leading ICI Insurance wasn't always planned. After graduating from the University of Kansas with a business degree, he moved to Chicago to pursue investment work, having never felt pressured by his father - Tom Murry, who joined ICI in 1981 - to join the family business. But after five years in the Midwest, Ryan reconsidered. When his father offered him a choice between hiring him or someone else, Ryan made the leap back to Kansas, only to face one of life's hardest challenges: his father was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer shortly after his return. Over the next seven years, Ryan worked alongside his father while learning to lead a 22-person company. When Tom passed, Ryan stepped fully into the CEO role, navigating grief while preserving his father's legacy and driving the business forward through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Today, ICI Insurance remains one of Kansas' most respected independent brokerages, rooted in the values Tom instilled: taking care of the people who take care of you, and giving back to the community that supports your business.
Ryan Murry didn't plan on running an insurance brokerage. Fresh out of the University of Kansas with a business degree and economics minor, he had his sights set on Chicago and the investment world. His father, Tom Murry, had been with ICI Insurance since 1981 - the year Ryan was born - but never pushed him toward the family business. For five years, Ryan built a life in Chicago, but the reality of long winters, high costs, and complicated logistics eventually wore on him.
When his father mentioned needing to hire someone to help grow ICI, offering Ryan the choice, something shifted. Kansas started looking different. His friends were leaving Chicago anyway. The simple freedoms - jumping in a car to play golf, driving without an hour-long commute - suddenly felt valuable. Ryan made the decision to return home and join ICI.
What came next tested everything. Shortly after moving back, his father was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. For seven years, Ryan worked alongside his father while learning to lead a 22-person organization. When Tom passed, Ryan inherited not just a business, but a legacy built on community trust and genuine relationships.
The transition wasn't easy. Ryan had to learn financial management, deal integration from acquisitions, and strategic decision-making - all while grieving and keeping the business stable. He became selective about growth, focusing on organic expansion and acquisitions that truly aligned with ICI's values and culture. Size alone wasn't enough; geography, fit, and cultural alignment mattered.
What kept Ryan grounded was his father's core principle: "You got to take care of the people who take care of you." This philosophy shaped how ICI built its reputation in Kansas. In local service businesses - whether insurance, HVAC, plumbing, or any field serving the community - this approach builds the kind of trust that drives sustainable growth. Ryan understood that your local market is built on relationships, not just transactions.
Today, ICI Insurance stands as one of Kansas' most respected brokerages, and Ryan has proven that you can honor a family legacy while charting your own course. His story is a reminder that the best business decisions often come when you're willing to go back, dig in, and build something meaningful with the people around you.
What lessons did Ryan Murray share about leading ICI Insurance through difficult periods?
Ryan Murray discussed how ICI Insurance navigated challenges by maintaining clear vision, building a strong team culture, and staying adaptable during market shifts. His approach emphasizes that leadership during loss requires transparency with your team and doubling down on your core values - principles that apply to any growing business.
How can insurance agencies benefit from digital marketing and local SEO?
Insurance agencies like ICI Insurance need strong online visibility to attract local clients actively searching for coverage. Local SEO, Google Ads, and a professional website help agencies rank for high-intent searches ("insurance near me," "business insurance Wichita"), establish credibility, and convert phone calls into clients. Meta ads also build brand awareness in your service area.
How does KillerGrowth help insurance agencies and local service businesses grow online?
KillerGrowth specializes in local SEO, Google Ads, Meta Ads, professional website design, GoHighLevel CRM integration, and social media management - all tailored for service-based businesses. We drive qualified leads to your door, nurture them through GHL automation, and help you close more clients without increasing your ad spend waste.
What sets KillerGrowth apart from other digital marketing agencies in Wichita?
KillerGrowth focuses exclusively on local service businesses - HVAC, roofing, plumbing, insurance, healthcare, legal, and contractors. We don't waste time on generic strategies. Every campaign is built on proven local SEO and performance metrics that directly impact your revenue. Our founder Samuel McVay personally leads strategy calls to ensure your growth plan is custom-built.
How can I get started working with KillerGrowth?
Book a free strategy call with Samuel McVay at killergrowth.com/booking. We'll discuss your current challenges, audit your online presence, and show you exactly how to get more qualified leads without guessing. No obligation - just real growth strategy.