NAIFA-MO President Craig Wright, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®, has been a loyal NAIFA member since 2014. A NAIFA Quality Award winner, Wright has dedicated his career to serving the individuals, families, and small businesses that make up Main Street USA.

Making a Difference

In the fall of 2008, Wright was working toward his master's degree in business administration when his financial advisor suggested that he consider a career in insurance and financial services. He was initially hesitant because of the market instability resulting from the financial crisis. However, when he graduated the following summer, he decided to move forward and joined Strategic Financial Concepts, Inc., as a financial advisor.

Now, Wright offers comprehensive insurance and financial planning services and says the most important qualities for an advisor are trustworthiness and integrity. He enjoys being the person his clients depend on for guidance and advice and helping his clients gain clarity and face life’s uncertainties with confidence.

Wright talks about one experience that reinforced for him the importance of his role in his clients’ lives. Several years ago, he met with a retiring preacher and his wife. The preacher’s life insurance policy was expiring. Another professional suggested that he cancel it, but Wright helped the couple find a way to keep his life insurance policy and build a financial plan. The following year, the man passed away from a heart attack. Because of his policy, his widow was able to move out of state to be closer to their children and grandchildren. “The role that the life insurance played saved her financial dignity,” says Wright. “It made a huge impact in her life.”

The Power of Political Advocacy

Wright is dedicated to NAIFA’s mission of advocating for policies that are in the best interest of all Americans. “It is highly important that we all get involved, that we share a common voice to both national and state level legislators, so that we can make sure we are protecting Main Street Americans,” he says.

During NAIFA’s National Leadership Conference last year in Washington, D.C., Wright met with legislators and their staff and discussed several issues facing Americans. With his NAIFA colleagues, he urged lawmakers to pass the SECURE 2.0 Act to help Americans save for retirement. Congress passed the legislation a few weeks later. Wright is also working with lawmakers at the state level to ensure a favorable regulatory environment for Missourians. “NAIFA is an organization that advocates at the national and state levels for our profession,” he begins. “It's an important thing that we do to make sure that we are able to provide that peace of mind to our clients and be able to conduct business in a right and true manner.”

The Benefits of NAIFA

In addition to NAIFA’s political advocacy, being a NAIFA member has helped Wright grow personally and professionally, he says, as NAIFA members can learn from, encourage, and refer one another. “I know that I've got a quality, trustworthy person who I can send clients to for things that I don't specialize in,” says Wright. “That's been very beneficial to grow my business.” He also benefits from NAIFA’s in-person and virtual events as well as continuing education opportunities.

Wright is a graduate of NAIFA’s Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) and says it was a great experience that gave him a different perspective on life. “[LILI] gives you an opportunity to take the time to really focus and change how you run your business for the better,” he begins. “I think it's a great program for anyone who wants to be better in life, not just in our profession.”

Outside of the Office

When he’s not working, Wright stays involved in his community. He serves on the board of a local nonprofit and the small business council of his local chamber of commerce and previously served on the board of his alma mater, Southwest Baptist University. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two children as well as many hobbies, including hunting, fishing, golfing, traveling, playing guitar, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Thank you, Craig, for your service to our industry and association. We’re #NAIFAproud to call you one of our own.

Craig Wright is a Registered Representative offering Securities through The O.N. Equity Sales Company, Member FINRA/SIPC, 216 N. Waco Wichita, KS 67202 (316) 262-2929. Investment Advisory services offered through O.N. Investment Management Company.