Ameritas Regional Vice President David Murphy decided to go into the insurance and financial services industry while in college. As a quarterback for Holy Cross football team in Worcester, MA, he became interested when the upperclassmen captain of the team went into the industry, but that’s not the only reason he wanted to be a financial services professional. He recalls stretching on the field one day and saying to a teammate, “Your dad’s at practice every day at 3:00, on the sidelines in a three-piece suit and driving a Mercedes. What does he do?” When his friend responded, “He’s in the insurance business,” Murphy paused and replied, “I think that’s what I’m going to do.”

Making a Difference 

Murphy started as an insurance agent and, after three years, he started recruiting and training new agents. Eventually, he built a big enough unit to devote all of his time to growing and developing his team. Murphy, whose father was a football coach for 50 years, says he inherited those coaching genes. He loves using those skills to help others be successful and approaches his work with a client-first mindset. After a personally close death claim just three years in the business, he realized that seeing people wasn’t just an opportunity but an obligation to help people.

The Benefits of NAIFA 

Part of putting his clients first is advocating for them at the state and federal levels, says Murphy. He shares that, by advising lawmakers on the potential impact of pending legislation, NAIFA’s political advocacy has helped his career and the industry as a whole.

Another benefit for NAIFA members, says Murphy, is the opportunity to network and the camaraderie that members build with each other. “I don’t win if I beat you,” he begins. “I win when we both win.” He encourages all insurance and financial professionals to join NAIFA, saying, “If they're going to have any type of longevity in this career, the contributions that they make as a NAIFA member—and the experience and value that they'll get from what NAIFA offers—is priceless.”

Outside of the Office 

In his free time, Murphy enjoys golfing, playing pickleball, and spending time with his wife of 37 years, Gail, and three grown children. He also supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association, and Susan G. Komen.

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