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.

Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS) is a proud NAIFA Advocacy Partner. 2021 marks their 85th anniversary and NAIFA members and staff joined WIFS for their annual conference and celebration in Indianapolis. The theme for this special anniversary conference was "Shine: The Spark to Ignites at 85." 

We are #NAIFAproud of our members who are actively leading within WIFS. Especially, Toni Gonzales, LACP, loyal member since 2017. Toni was elected 2021-22 WIFS Vice President during the conference.

Adam Sachs, CFP, CLU, ChFC, CLTC, AIF, a Financial Advisor with Centinel Financial Group, LLC, was recently named NAIFA's Q2 Membership Hard Hat recipient. Adam is a loyal member since 1994 and is currently serving as Massachusetts Membership Chair. Working side by side with his membership team they mapped out an annual plan, complete with goals and expectations of the committee, and distributed it with much success.

Are you a good NAIFA citizen or do you know of someone who should be recognized for their impact on the industry? It's award season at NAIFA and we want to recognize our outstanding members and all the work they do for their clients and the industry. Nomination and application deadlines are just around the corner. Help us differentiate our members from the crowd through our awards program. Receipients will be recognized in December during the National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

What happens when you bring NAIFA's Young Advisors together...You experience the power of NAIFA Nation. Last week the YATs held their first all YAT call, inviting YAT chairs from across NAIFA Nation to come together. Nearly 30 chapters were represented on the call. Leaders discussed the role of our young professionals in the 2025 Strategic Plan, members were informed of engagement opportunities, and NAIFA-PA YAT Chair, Trish May, shared her success story of member engagement.