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Jake Kaufmann Member Profile: Building a Thriving Insurance Career While Empowering Clients and Colleagues

Written by Emily Cabbage | 9/30/24 6:23 PM

Jake Kaufmann’s dedication to his clients, his passion for the financial services industry, and his leadership within NAIFA all highlight his commitment to helping others succeed. His journey serves as an inspiring example of what it means to thrive in the insurance profession while making a meaningful difference in the lives of clients and colleagues alike. Hailing from Billings, MT, Jake has been a loyal NAIFA member since 2017.

Jake’s journey into the insurance world began with a college internship in direct sales, which eventually led to selling cancer insurance door-to-door after graduation. This experience ignited a passion for helping others while growing his own business, setting the foundation for a successful career in the financial services industry. Jake’s love for entrepreneurship and his desire to make a positive impact on people's lives drove him to pursue this career path. Running his own business provides him with unlimited opportunities for growth, and helping clients protect their financial well-being has been an immensely rewarding aspect of his work. His greatest motivation comes from the ability to educate clients and provide customer service that truly makes a difference. He is driven by the knowledge that many people need help understanding the value and benefits of insurance, and he strives to fill that gap every day.

Jake specializes in voluntary benefits, working primarily as a Regional Sales Coordinator with Aflac. His expertise lies in helping business owners provide attractive benefits like disability, life, cancer, accident, critical illness, dental, and vision coverage at little to no cost to employers. Additionally, Jake recruits new benefit advisors to his agency, fostering growth in the industry. While he may expand into offering major medical and other employee benefits in the future, for now, he partners with trusted experts in those areas. Jake emphasizes the growing need for advisors, citing the overwhelming number of individuals who still don’t understand the value of insurance. He believes the industry needs more professionals to step in and help educate the public, ensuring that everyone has access to the protection they need.

Jake’s introduction to NAIFA came through a friend and industry colleague, Therese Dickey, LUTCF, loyal member since 1990, who invited him to a local affiliate meeting. After attending a breakfast and a CE meeting, Jake was impressed by the collaborative environment, where even competitors gathered to share knowledge and improve together. This sense of community and support convinced him that NAIFA was an organization he wanted to be a part of.

Jake is deeply invested in NAIFA’s mission. Currently, he serves as President-Elect for NAIFA-Montana is set to serve as President in 2025. He is also a member of Aflac’s National Sales Leadership Council. Jake continually advocates for the growth of NAIFA by recruiting new members and encouraging others to become active in shaping the future of the industry. NAIFA has had a significant impact on Jake’s career by fostering connections with other professionals who share similar values. Through these relationships, he has developed a strong network of trusted colleagues he feels confident referring clients to, knowing they prioritize education and client interests just as he does.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jake Kaufmann is a dedicated family man who enjoys the great outdoors of Montana. Whether he’s hunting, fishing, or playing golf, Jake cherishes time spent with loved ones and the natural beauty that surrounds him.