Executives and Sales Staff:

Barton J. Dickins, CLU
Bart Dickins received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business with an emphasis in Finance and Insurance from the University of Southern California in 1973. He then joined New York Life as a Group Sales Representative. Bart began his own practice as an independent broker in 1978, specializing in Employee Benefits.

In 1989, Bart merged his practice with Trapani Hartwick & Associates, and in 1990 became a full partner in Trapani Hartwick & Dickins. As the firm grew and expanded, it relocated to its present location. The firm was renamed Trapani Dickins & Associates, where Bart continues to be the President and Managing Partner.

Bart specializes in negotiating creative and cost effective plan designs in the large case marketplace. His strong carrier relationships have benefited the firm's clients with a competitive and stable Employee Benefits Program.

Bart is a member of the Jonathan Club and Oakmont CC. His hobbies include golf, personal training and body boarding in Carlsbad.

Bart and his wife, Cheryl, are active in Children's Hospital, Los Angeles. They have two daughters and three grandsons.

Michael P. Trapani, CFP, CLU, ChFC
Mike Trapani is the founder of the firm and remains a principal in Trapani Dickins & Associates. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science degree.

In his professional career, Mike has been a member of the Downtown Los Angeles Estate Planning Council, on the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles Life Underwriters Association, and has been awarded the Million Dollar Round Table Top of the Table recognition.

Mike’s personal hobbies include participation in Youth Ministry, coaching youth sports, golf, skiing, volleyball and traveling. He is married to Jovan M. Trapani and has four children.

D. Bruce Murdoch
Bruce received his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Banking from Brigham Young University. He began his insurance career in 1970 as a Group Sales Representative with the Hartford Insurance Company. In 1972, he became the Group Sales Manager for Massachusetts Mutual Life.

Bruce founded DBM Insurance Services in 1975. He directed the growth of the firm until 1994 when he merged the firm with Trapani Hartwick & Dickins. Bruce’s specialization has been in Employee Benefits throughout his career.

Bruce as served as a volunteer Teacher for and on the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Southern California. He has also served as a Counselor for the Hugh O’Brien Youth Foundation. Bruce is an active member of the Downtown Rotary Club, the Los Angeles Country Club and the Jonathan Club, where he was presented with the Club’s highest honor, the Jonathan Trumbull Award, in 1996.

After hours, Bruce enjoys golf, rollerblading, skiing and squash. He has two children and three grandchildren.

Lisa S. Ball
Lisa Ball began her insurance career in 1970, with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company in Los Angeles. While with Massachusetts Mutual, Lisa attended the University of California, Los Angeles.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1975, Lisa joined DBM Insurance Services, Inc. She helped DBM grow until 1994 when the firm merged with Trapani Hartwick & Dickins. At that time, she joined THD as a Senior Sales Executive.

Lisa provides deep expertise and strong negotiating skills forged in over 30 years of experience as a producer in the group benefits field. For five years (1980 through 1985) she was a Director of the Employee Benefit Planning Association (EPBA) and served as its President in 1984.

Lisa has many personal interests, including music and art. From 1981 through 1986 she was a member of the Throop Church Performing Chorale and also sang with the Pasadena City Performing Chorale. Lisa devotes much of her personal time to equestrian sports, interior design, and running. She is married to Michael K. Ball.

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