Gilbert Mares, MPA, LUTCF, LILI, is profiled in the November issue of California Broker magazine, where he credits his decades of active service and leadership within NAIFA as the foundation of his professional success. In the feature, Mares explains that NAIFA has been central to every stage of his career, from his early days in the business to his longtime role as an educator, advocate, and mentor in the financial service community.
Mares’ journey with NAIFA spans more than 40 years, during which he took on numerous leadership positions that shaped both his chapter and his career. He served as President of NAIFA–Los Angeles, chaired key government relations and political involvement committees, taught LUTCF courses, and helped launch new member initiatives.
Mares is passionate about collaboration and mentorship, according to the article. He championed diversity in leadership by nominating NAIFA Los Angeles’ first African American president, forged industry ties with many diverse city officials, and helped to launch Life Insurance Awareness Month in many communities. These relationships are the foundation of his success: “America was built on relationships. (Artificial intelligence) will help us improve fact-finding…but it’s never going to develop relationships,” he said.
For NAIFA members and emerging leaders, Mares’ story is a testament to the power of engagement. His message is clear: when you participate fully in NAIFA – show up, lead, and stay involved – you gain the relationships, expertise, and perspective that set you apart in the profession.
For more on Gilbert Mares, read NAIFA’s profile from 2021.