In a career that has spanned nearly four decades, Mark Anderson has experienced the financial services industry from multiple angles—advisor, mentor, advocate, and leader. His journey, which began just days after graduating from Brigham Young University with a degree in economics, has been one of steady commitment, continuous evolution, and above all, purpose.

Anderson’s entry into the financial services world was swift. “I graduated on a Friday and started at Fidelity Investments on Monday,” he recalls. That first role set the stage for a 14-year tenure where he became deeply familiar with the business. He would go on to spend 21 years at Allstate Financial Services before ultimately landing at New York Life, where he now serves as a partner and mentor to new advisors.

“I’ve been in the industry for almost 39 years, and I’ve never regretted a minute of it,” Anderson says with conviction.

Turning 60 was a pivotal moment for Anderson. Rather than slow down, he decided to give back by mentoring new advisors. “I wanted to teach new advisors how to be good, responsible professionals,” he says. As a partner at New York Life, Anderson helps new agents understand the value of their work—not just as a career, but as a mission to positively impact lives.

It’s a calling that feels urgent to him. “Our fallout rate in this industry can be rough,” he admits. “That’s why I stress the importance of hard work and sticking to proven methods. Structure, clarity, and a consistent routine—those are the keys.”

Anderson lives by a mantra he learned early in his career: “The secret to your future is hidden in your daily routine.” For him, success isn’t measured by commissions or accolades. It’s about the answer to one simple question: Did I make a difference in someone’s life today?

Over the years, that perspective has been reaffirmed in profound ways. “I’ve handed life insurance checks to beneficiaries at funerals. And while those checks can’t bring back loved ones, they allow families to stay in their homes, to live on, and to heal. That’s what keeps me coming back every day.”

While Anderson didn’t start his career with the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), he quickly noticed a pattern among top performers—many of them were NAIFA members.

“These were the people I admired most,” he says. “They didn’t just show up for a paycheck; they showed up for the profession.”

Through NAIFA, Anderson found new opportunities to advocate for the industry, especially at the federal level. “When I go to Senator Mike Lee’s office in Utah, his staff listens. They ask what NAIFA thinks about specific bills, and they genuinely care. That kind of respect speaks volumes.”

Issues like Department of Labor regulations have dominated recent advocacy efforts. Anderson believes strongly in the need for professionals who understand the practical implications of legislation to be part of those conversations. “What may sound like a good idea on paper can have unintended consequences for our clients,” he notes.

The financial services industry has changed dramatically since Anderson got his start. From a one-size-fits-all approach to a more specialized, client-focused model, today’s advisors must navigate complex product offerings and advanced technologies.

“There’s a whole ecosystem now,” Anderson says, pointing to platforms that support everything from benefits consulting to branding. “You don’t have to do everything yourself, but you do need to understand how to meet clients where they are—and that still requires empathy and the human touch.”

Even in an age of automation and AI, Anderson is firm in his belief that live advisors remain essential. “Software can’t replace compassion. It can’t sit down with a grieving widow and guide her through the hardest day of her life.”

Anderson’s commitment to his work deepened further after the unexpected death of his 21-year-old son. “He had just gotten married,” Anderson shares. “Thankfully, he had a life insurance policy, and I saw firsthand how that helped my daughter-in-law move forward. It changed everything for me.”

It’s one of many personal stories that fuel his passion. “We all have our ‘why,’ and that’s mine—knowing I can make a difference.”

Outside of work, Anderson is a proud grandfather, avid gardener, and e-bike enthusiast who finds peace in the mountains of Utah. “I’ve traveled to 47 states, but there’s no place like home,” he says. “Whether it’s hiking, skiing, or just being outdoors, nature keeps me grounded.”

When asked why someone should consider a career in financial services, Anderson is quick to answer: “At first, it might be about money or freedom, but over time, the real value becomes clear—helping people. I’ve had clients thank me years later for changing their lives. You don’t get that in every profession.”

Anderson acknowledges that the work isn’t always easy. But to him, it’s worth it.

“I anticipate working a couple more years before I retire,” he says. “But when I do, I’ll walk away with no regrets, knowing I gave it everything I had—and hopefully gave something back in return.”