Michael Rivas

Tell us about your family: 

I live in Indiana with my spouse, Dee, and two sons, Zim and Titus. We also have the cutest dog in the world, a mini bernedoodle named Pepper.  

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up and how did you end up in insurance? 

As a child I knew that one day I’d be #24, the starting running back for the Dallas Cowboys. I guess I just got lucky and ended up in insurance.  

How do you make appreciation part of your work routine? 

I start the day off with poker chips on my desk. I put one away every time I appreciate someone – and hopefully, by the end of the day, none remain. This gives me a constant visual reminder! 

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of? 

Earning my doctorate in occupational therapy. It was years of little sleep while raising a family and growing our risk services department.  

What personal accomplishment are you most proud of? 

My children have turned into really good, caring people – much better than me.  

Who would play you in a movie about your life? 

I would like to say Mario Lopez, but it’s probably George Lopez.  

What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend? 

Spending time with my wife! It’s hard to get time together during the week, so we make every weekend about us. 

What do you love most about MMA Midwest’s workplace culture? 

Colleague appreciation. Our people are everything.