Danny Mielneczek started his insurance and financial services career recruiting new advisors. After two years, he decided to pivot and became a financial representative with COUNTRY Financial.  

Making a Difference 

Mielneczek works with Americans from all walks of life, helping them plan for the future with everything from insurance to retirement accounts and more. There are three key qualities that any financial service professional should have, he says. They should be a self-starter, disciplined, and able to take rejection.  

He shares that the best part of his job is helping people protect what's important to them and achieve their long-term goals. He especially likes working with clients who are just starting their financial journeys. “I love helping folks who don't know where to start,” he begins. “Maybe they heard somebody on Tik Tok talk about a Roth IRA and didn't really know where to go or how to pursue it. It's rewarding to help them better understand it and help them achieve that.”  

Another rewarding experience, he says, is helping people who have put off getting insurance or preparing for retirement to finally get coverage or set up a retirement account. “That’s an amazing feeling—to help them see that come to fruition.” 

The Power of Political Advocacy 

Mielneczek has been involved in NAIFA’s political advocacy for several years. He has attended NAIFA’s Annual Congressional Conference and NAIFA-IA legislative days and talks about how fulfilling advocacy has been for him. “When you see the work of a big group of individuals who come together with a common purpose and when you see legislation that passed that you've had an influence on, that's an instinct gratification.”  

Mielneczek encourages other financial service professionals to get politically involved as well. “Everybody in the industry should have the same level of responsibility,” he says. He suggests that those who are hesitant to get involved should talk to a friend or colleague and learn more about their experiences with advocacy. 

The Benefits of NAIFA 

In addition to political advocacy, building relationships and continuing education are great benefits of NAIFA membership, says Mielneczek. He enjoys learning from professionals who have been in the industry for decades. “You really do enhance your business practice by learning how they are being successful, but you also learn about where our industry is heading,” he begins. “What are some common themes they're seeing? What are some things I need to be concerned about on behalf of my clients?” 

Outside of the Office 

Mielneczek is the Young Advisor Team (YAT) Chair for NAIFA-IA and is always looking for ways to get more young advisors involved in NAIFA and political advocacy. He also serves on the boards of Illinois State University and of a local credit union and supports many local community organizations aimed at helping youths, law enforcement, and teachers.

In his free time, Mielneczek likes to stay active. He enjoys exercising, camping, boating, and spending time with his wife and son. 

For his service to his community and our industry and association, we’re #NAIFAproud to have Danny Mielneczek as a part of our NAIFA family.