Steve Bergee LACP's dedication to the financial services industry and NAIFA highlights the importance of advocacy, relationship-building, and the profound impact insurance professionals have on their clients' lives. 

Steve began his journey in the financial services industry as a customer service representative at a life insurance company. This experience opened his eyes to the importance of a strong advisor-client relationship, sparking his passion for the profession. Steve was drawn to the financial services industry by the ability to provide solutions and protect people’s financial goals. The satisfaction of helping clients safeguard their future continues to inspire him daily. Steve and his team at E4 Insurance Services LLC (which was named NAIFA’s 2024 Financial Security Champion of the Year) specialize in life insurance, annuities, long-term care, and disability income solutions.

Rich Campbell's long-standing career and commitment to helping families secure their financial future exemplify the values of NAIFA and the financial services profession. His passion for the industry and dedication to his clients continue to inspire those around him.

Rich was recruited into the financial services industry over two decades ago. That opportunity opened the door to a rewarding career where he found his passion for helping others achieve financial security. The appeal of the financial services industry appealed to him because of his ability to make a difference in people’s lives. Helping others secure their financial future and building a strong team have been the key motivators behind his long-standing career. The most fulfilling part of Rich’s career is giving families peace of mind by helping them chart a path toward financial security. His motivation comes from knowing he’s making a difference, while also making his own family proud. Rich excels in life insurance and investment strategies, focusing on making complex concepts understandable for his clients. He takes pride in delivering clear and relatable advice that helps his clients feel confident in their financial decisions.

New NAIFA member, Alexander Flecker, CFP, CIMA, Head of Distribution at Measured Risk Portfolios, shares insights into his journey in the financial services industry and the firm's rapid growth since joining in mid-2023. During his tenure, Measured Risk Portfolios has seen a significant rise in assets under management, from $260 million to over $345 million, and has led a complete rebranding of the firm’s flagship SMA offering, now called SynthEquity™. This expansion has been fueled by increased visibility in the marketplace, which has led to new external partnerships and increased advisor allocations. However, when asked, Flecker humbly attributes the strategy’s exceptional performance to his ability to execute a successful business development effort.

Jake Kaufmann’s dedication to his clients, his passion for the financial services industry, and his leadership within NAIFA all highlight his commitment to helping others succeed. His journey serves as an inspiring example of what it means to thrive in the insurance profession while making a meaningful difference in the lives of clients and colleagues alike. Hailing from Billings, MT, Jake has been a loyal NAIFA member since 2017.

Marie Gilmour O'Keefe’s career path has been anything but conventional. Her entry into the financial services sector came through a winding route that began in the world of food service and hospitality. The pivot from hospitality to financial services came when her mother-in-law’s financial advisor inquired about people looking for job opportunities, she suggested that Marie’s husband might be a fit. To which he responded—“I hate people, but you should talk to my wife”— which led to a meeting that ultimately set the stage for Marie's new career path.

Marie had early exposure to financial services through her father, who transitioned from being a preacher to a career in financial services. Although Marie initially had little interest in following her father’s footsteps, her perspective changed as she approached a new phase of her life. Her father’s influence, combined with her own experiences and evolving interests, led her to reconsider this career path. Marie has been a financial advisor for the last 12 years.

Reggie Miller said, "Sharks never stop swimming; that's when they die. You gotta keep moving" and no one believes that more than NAIFA member, Walter Bond. In the essence of "never stop swimming," there are multiple places in the coming weeks where you have the opportunity to engage with Walter, the author of "Swim!: How a Shark, Suckerfish, and a Parasite Teach Your Leadership, Mentoring, and Next Level Success."  Jump in to discover how Walter can help make you more productive this summer from workshops to books to Apex!

At the end of April, NAIFA was a proud sponsor of the 2024 Farmers Embrace Conference in Las Vegas. In 2020, this conference was created by Gabriela Reyna, loyal member since 2011, has grown to more than 800 attendees in just five years. Life Happens was honored to be selected as the 2024 Conference Charity and sponsored keynote speaker, Van Mueller, loyal member since 1979.

Ronald Koehler: A Lifetime of Financial Planning Excellence and Advocacy

Ronald Koehler, ChFC, LUTCF, a veteran financial planner and loyal NAIFA member since 1984 from Galesburg, IL, has dedicated an impressive four decades to the industry. His impact resonates not only within his local community but also across the broader landscape of financial planning advocacy. In an exclusive interview, Koehler shared profound insights into his career journey, emphasizing his involvement with NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors) and the pivotal role of mentorship in shaping the future of financial advising.

Koehler's odyssey commenced in 1984, fresh out of Iowa State University in Ames, IA. Koehler's professional trajectory led him to Galesburg, where he is currently a Partner at Charterpoint Wealth Strategies.

Congratulations to Mike Washburn, FSS, CLF, LUTCF, loyal member since 1987 of Cordova, TN on being inducted into American National's Multiple Line Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes a career of success in performance excellence, support of American National and its values, and a spirit of giving back to the industry, communities, and peers. In addition to receiving the most prestigious recognition that can be bestowed upon a member of the American National field team, he was also recognized as the Life Insurance MLGA of the Year, Gold. Mike joined American National in 1986 and became a NAIFA member the following year. He has held numerous positions on the NAIFA-Memphis/West-TN board, including serving as president in 1996.

Throughout February, NAIFA will be showing our appreciation for our members with articles on the Advisor Today platform and in social media posts. Our first print 2024 issue of Advisor Today magazine will be mailed exclusively to NAIFA members this month, with articles highlighting NAIFA President Tom Cothron, LUTCF, FSCP, 2023 NAIFA award recipients, attendees of NAIFA’s National Leadership Conference and Belong event, and much more.