Christopher Cain, CLU, is a loyal NAIFA member who has spent more than five decades building a career defined by service, consistency, and enduring client relationships. A member since 1973, Chris is being recognized as a 50-year National Quality Award Recipient—an extraordinary achievement that reflects a lifetime commitment to professionalism and excellence in the financial services industry.

Based in Colchester, Vermont, Chris is affiliated with Cain Associates Financial Group and Osaic Wealth. His journey into the business began in a practical and unassuming way. Fresh out of the Army, he answered a newspaper advertisement for a management trainee position, believing he might be management material and simply looking for a job. What began as an opportunity soon evolved into a lifelong profession.

Chris’s introduction to NAIFA came early in his career, when the MONY agency manager who hired him required all agents to join the association. He joined immediately so he could attend a NAIFA state sales congress—an experience he credits as an important first step in seeing the broader scope and potential of the industry.

What continues to motivate Chris after 52 years in the business is helping people and being of value to his clients. The long-standing relationships he has built over decades remain the most rewarding aspect of his career and the reason he continues to do what he loves.

Chris describes himself as a general practitioner and has never felt the need to specialize. His work focuses on individuals and small businesses, providing a wide range of insurance and financial services, including life insurance, annuities, long-term care, money management, and financial planning. This comprehensive approach has allowed him to serve clients holistically and adapt as their needs evolve over time.

He believes NAIFA’s political advocacy is essential to the success of both advisors and clients. Protecting life insurance and annuities as tax-advantaged products has had a direct impact on his practice and the good those products allow advisors to do for consumers. Chris values NAIFA’s role as the collective voice of the profession, recognizing that individual advisors cannot protect the industry on their own.

Without hesitation, Chris credits NAIFA as a key factor in his long-term success. The meetings, speakers, and opportunities to learn from top producers helped him survive the early years of his career and later prosper and grow. NAIFA provided a strong foundation, which was later complemented by MDRT, both of which played a significant role in shaping his professional path. His chapter previously recognized him for his longevity and contributions to the profession, reflecting the respect he has earned over decades of service.

Chris encourages others to consider a career in financial services for its personal satisfaction, relationship-building, and the opportunity to help solve real financial problems while working on one’s own terms. He also strongly recommends NAIFA, emphasizing the value of learning from peers in a highly collaborative and sharing industry.

As he reflects on his career, Chris keeps it simple. He is still chugging away, doing work he loves, on his own terms—grateful for the journey and beginning to climb down from the top of the mountain after a truly remarkable 50-year run.