At Tax & Financial Group (TFG), our foundation is built on vision, integrity, and leadership—and it all began with Dick McCloskey. In 1968, after returning to California from the Midwest with his wife, Tracie, a close friend from his high school and college days encouraged him to explore the industry. That conversation marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.
In 1970, Dick founded what would become Tax & Financial Group, originally licensed as R. McCloskey Insurance Agency, Inc. What started as a single office has since grown into a national firm, with multiple locations and a network of some of the most talented advisors and specialists in the industry.
Dick’s impact extended far beyond Tax & Financial Group. He was a true pioneer—championing mentorship, introducing collaborative study groups, and advocating for client-first strategies that have since become standard practice throughout the financial services world. His influence shaped careers, companies, and the very fabric of the industry.
Dick served as President of GAMA International’s Board of Directors from 1998 to 1999 and was inducted into the GAMA International Management Hall of Fame in 2002. He was also a 20-year member of LIMRA’s prestigious Research Agencies Group, where he presented on topics such as agency building and recruitment, and contributed thought leadership to numerous industry publications.
In 1998, Dick joined the Board of Directors for LIFE (Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education), a national organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of insurance. His work earned him industry accolades including the Jeery G. Canavello Fellowship Award from the Orange County Life Underwriters Association (1995) and the Yates Award from the Pacific Region GAMA Association (1994)—both recognizing his leadership, management excellence, and dedication to professional development.
A passionate advocate for mentorship, Dick founded Mentoring Systems, Inc., a management consulting firm that helped insurance companies implement structured mentoring programs. His model became a global benchmark, with consulting services provided across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Singapore.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Dick was deeply committed to giving back. Dick served on the Board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and, in 2004, established We Care For Kids, Inc., raising over $2 million to support children through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Dick was more than our founder—he was a mentor, a visionary, and a leader with a heart for people. His values continue to guide our company every day. We are proud to carry forward his legacy and honor the foundation he built.
