For Clint Hinderaker, a career in financial services began with a personal experience that changed the direction of his future.

While studying at the University of Iowa, Clint was initially interested in banking. That changed after his grandfather passed away and Clint had the opportunity to see some of the financial and estate planning his grandfather had put in place. Seeing firsthand what thoughtful planning could accomplish, as well as some areas he questioned, sparked an interest in estate planning and ultimately led him toward insurance and investment advising.

Ricky Gonzalez, owner of Pinnacle Financial Group, has built his career around a simple philosophy: do the right thing, help people, and the rest will follow.

A financial services professional since 1997, Ricky’s career has taken him from his early days as a stockbroker to building a multifaceted financial services business serving individuals, families, physicians, seniors and fellow insurance professionals throughout Florida.

For Lynda D. Turner, a career in financial services began with an unexpected change in direction. After 17 years as a business office manager, her employer moved its operations to Texas. Rather than uproot her family, Lynda accepted a voluntary buyout. When she reached out to a friend at Equitable Life Insurance to help replace the benefits she had lost, that conversation led to a new career.

Ryan Scritchlow, an insurance agent with COUNTRY Financial in Bloomington, IL, brings an entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for building into his work in financial services.

Before entering the industry, Ryan was already starting businesses, launching his first company in college and developing a strong interest in creating systems, solving problems, and working with people. What ultimately drew him to financial services was the realization that it offered the same opportunity to build, just in a different way. From developing a business and structuring policies to building long term client relationships, the role aligned naturally with his strengths.

Les Robinson’s path into financial services was shaped by a deeply personal experience. While studying finance in college, his family faced a series of crises at once. His grandmother required care, and at the same time his father suffered a heart attack. Watching how overwhelming and financially disruptive that period became left a lasting impression. It also sparked a realization that there had to be a better way for families to prepare. That moment set the direction for a career focused on long-term care and helping others avoid the same challenges.

Stan Walton has spent decades building a career centered on people, purpose, and long-term impact. Based in Edmond, Oklahoma with State Farm, Stan serves as a sales leader supporting 56 independent contractor agents across the Oklahoma City market. His work spans both property and casualty and financial services, with a particular passion for helping customers and agents navigate the often-overlooked areas of life insurance, retirement planning, and legacy strategies.

Most people picture a financial advisor as someone who followed a straight path, graduated, got licensed and built a career. Someone who always had things neatly planned, never missing a step. Paul Szkotak, ChFC took a different route, one shaped by experience, not perfection. It is “realness” that’s obvious in the way he meets people where they are without judgment.

For Semmes Hughs, a career in the insurance and financial services industry was both a natural path and a purposeful choice. Inspired early on by his father’s work as a property and casualty agent, and influenced by family already exploring the profession, he entered the business with a clear direction and an open mind. What began as an initial interest quickly evolved into a lifelong career centered on helping others and solving complex problems.

At Brian Ashe and Associates, Ltd., Brian H. Ashe has built a career that spans decades of experience, defined by leadership, service, and an unwavering commitment to both clients and the financial services profession. Based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, his journey began with a simple suggestion and evolved into a legacy of influence at the local, state, national, and international levels.

Being a NAIFA member isn’t just something you do; it’s something you represent! Whether you’re attending an industry event, meeting with clients, or advocating on Capitol Hill, you’re part of a professional community that stands for expertise, ethics, and service.