About Us
Why WestPac
We listen closely to our agent partners, so that we can not only respond quickly, but also correctly. Our reputation as a collaborative and cooperative partner will grow as we continue adding programs, people and process. When we approach new market opportunities, we do so with intention. We come prepared, we speak with clarity, and we act as guides for our carriers in these new markets. We then offer our agent partners a helpful, informed resource that helps bridge the gaps in their knowledge and experience. We bring strength, character, and wisdom.
Our Mission
WestPac is the Rocky Mountain Region’s premier independent wholesale broker. With a local feel, our commercial insurance capabilities extend country-wide with binding, brokerage, and program facilities and primary focuses in Construction, Commercial Property and Casualty, and Garage. Our industry knowledge, professional integrity, and superior service allow us to deliver refreshing customer experiences for our agency customers, but also profitable results for our carrier partners.
Our History
1918
WestPac was founded.
1950s
Carl’s son, Roger Richter Sr joined his father’s insurance endeavors in Denver.
Early 1960s
Roger Richter Sr. and Shelby Robb partnered together to form Richter-Robb Pacific Insurance Services, a wholesale/MGA with various domestic and foreign insurance programs. Roger Richter served as president of AAMGA in 1971 and interim President in several other instances.
Late 1970s/Early 1980s
Richter-Robb elevated its programs and became one of the larger, independent wholesalers in the Western United States. Offices were opened in Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, Northern California, and Seattle. Roger “Rick” Richter Jr. joined the organization in 1983, acting as the third generation Richter in the insurance business. Rick formerly worked in London for a syndicate but then worked for Richter-Robb in various business development, operations, and underwriting capacities.
1991
As various Richter-Robb programs were sold in the late 1980’s/early 1990’s, Roger Richter formed Western Underwriters, Inc. as a specialty program wholesaler. Western Underwriters developed niche personal lines programs with domestic and international carriers and reinsurance partners and operated under the Western Underwriters brand until the early 2000’s.
2003
Rick Richter formed Western Pacific Insurance Network, Inc. as a specialty wholesaler serving the residential construction industry in Colorado. Western Pacific initially wrote many of Colorado’s home builders throughout the early 2000’s and eventually expanded into other neighboring states. Rick quickly established himself and Western Pacific as the region’s leading construction experts for liability and excess placements.
2008-2009
Western Pacific expanded its offerings by partnering with new program managers and carriers offering general liability and excess products for residential, commercial, civil, and environmental general contractors, developers, and artisan contractors of all types. Rick’s son, Eric Richter, joined the organization in 2009 as a fourth generation Richter in the insurance business. Eric initially served in a marketing role, then built a book of business in both underwriting and brokerage capacities.
2013
Western Pacific formed Virtus Underwriting Group, Inc. as a subsidiary brand to diversify outside of construction and handle a wide range of commercial P&C business otherwise. WestPac appointed Ralph Robinson as President who quickly grew the business and exceeded both growth and profit goals.
2018
Upon Ralph Robinson’s retirement, Eric Richter was appointed President of Virtus, meanwhile maintaining a VP of Marketing title within Western Pacific.
2022
Rick Richter retires and appoints Eric Richter as President/CEO of Western Pacific and Virtus combined.
2023
Western Pacific and Virtus are combined into one under the dba of WestPac. The consolidation establishes Construction, General P&C, Garage, and Online Portal divisions which operate consistently under the WestPac brand umbrella.