For nearly two decades, Billy Snyder, LACP, owner of B Snyder Insurance in Lafayette, Tennessee, has built his business and reputation on one guiding principle: “If you help enough people get what they want, you’ll get what you want.” That timeless Zig Ziglar philosophy has shaped every part of Billy’s journey—from his early days in pest control to becoming a respected independent insurance professional serving the rural communities of northern Tennessee.

Billy’s path into insurance wasn’t something he planned. “I was selling pest control services to my State Farm agent,” he recalls. “One day, he asked if I’d ever thought about getting into insurance. I hadn’t—but that conversation changed everything.”

In 2006, Billy joined State Farm and began learning the business from the inside out. While the captive model wasn’t the perfect fit long-term, it gave him the foundation he needed to succeed. “It allowed me to get all my licenses and training,” he said. “When I went independent, it just worked out really well.”

Nearly 19 years later, Billy runs B Snyder Insurance in Lafayette, Tennessee, where he and his team provide health insurance (including ACA and group plans), Medicare solutions, life insurance, long-term care, and retirement planning.

His small-town roots shape how he does business: personally, ethically, and with genuine care. “It’s not just about the sale,” he said. “It’s about taking care of people and doing what’s right for them. Sometimes that means telling a client their current plan is better than anything I can offer—and I’m okay with that.”

That honesty has built his reputation in the community of about 30,000 residents. “We get referrals all the time—neighbors, family members, cousins of cousins,” he laughs. “People here trust word of mouth. That means everything to me.”

Each fall, Billy and his team dive into the busy Medicare Annual Enrollment Period—often working 14-hour days from mid-October to early December. “It’s our tax season,” he jokes. “We work hard, but when it’s over, we slow down, celebrate with our team, and enjoy the holidays. It’s worth it because we know we’ve helped a lot of people make good decisions.”

About eight years ago, Billy realized he wanted to be part of something bigger than himself. “As an independent agent, I felt like an island,” he said. “The FMOs I worked with were just about contracts—they weren’t really supporting me.”

That’s when he found NAIFA. “I might’ve just Googled it,” he laughs. “But the more I learned, the more I realized NAIFA was exactly what I needed—a professional home that was advocating for agents like me.” He connected with NAIFA-Tennessee and has been an active member ever since. Billy completed the Leadership in Life Institute (LILI), which he calls “one of the most rewarding experiences” of his career. “I still stay in touch with my LILI brothers—we talk and even refer business to each other,” he said.

Billy is also a supporter of IFAPAC, NAIFA’s political action committee, and keeps a close eye on advocacy updates. “I’m always amazed at the things NAIFA is fighting for that I didn’t even know were issues yet,” he said. “They’re proactive. They’re out front taking care of us.”

He is passionate about protecting licensed insurance professionals—particularly Medicare agents—from losing ground to unlicensed alternatives. “There are government programs like SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) that let unlicensed people make insurance recommendations,” he explained. “That takes business and commissions away from licensed agents who pay for continuing education and carry the responsibility for their clients. I’d like to see more awareness and fairness around that.”

Billy is quick to encourage others to pursue a career in insurance—and to get involved in NAIFA. “I’ve done physical labor jobs—farming, factory work, sales management—and I can tell you this career offers great rewards without breaking your back,” he said. “You get to make a good living while helping people and providing for your employees and their families. It’s meaningful work.”

He also makes a point to bring new agents into the fold. “At our last NAIFA-Tennessee meeting, I brought two friends—one joined on the spot,” he said. “I tell them, without NAIFA, I wouldn’t know half of what’s going on in our industry. I’d just be reacting instead of being prepared.”

For Billy, NAIFA is more than an association—it’s a network of trusted colleagues and friends. “I’ve met vendors and fellow agents through NAIFA who’ve become great resources and partners,” he said. “And I’ll only refer clients to another agent if I know them—and if they’re a NAIFA member. That trust means everything.”

“Just join,” Billy said simply. “Get involved, go to the meetings, build relationships. You’ll gain more than you can imagine—from business growth to lifelong friendships.”