In 2002, Lynn Schreder entered the insurance and financial services industry after being laid off from her telecommunications job. She put her problem-solving skills to work and soon found that she loved having a career dedicated to helping people.  

Making a Difference 

A health insurance specialist, Schreder typically works with people who are unemployed or self-employed, over 65 years old or on Medicare, or employees participating in group health coverage. One of her favorite parts of her job is educating her clients on their options and finding the best coverage for them. She believes that agents and advisors should have a heart to serve and a desire to do what's right by the client. "When people see your heart, and they understand that you're there to help them not yourself, that's attractive to people, and then you build trust.” 

Over her two-decade career, Schreder has seen time and again the importance of her work. She recounts two stories that made an impact on her. At the funeral of one of her clients, his widow approached Schreder and shared that, despite her husband’s extensive medical care, they didn’t have to pay anything out of pocket. Her family was protected because they had the right coverage in place. “I think that's when you know you make a difference,” Schreder says. “Because I help people make good decisions that protect their financial livelihood.” 

Schreder keeps up with legislation that affects her clients to make sure she’s giving them the best advice. So, when Affordable Care Act subsidies were increased, she reached out to one of her clients, a small business owner, who she thought may qualify. In the end, her client was able to save $500 per month without changing plans. “it's been a blessing for me for sure, to know that I can make a difference in people's lives,” says Schreder. 

Political Advocacy  

Because Schreder knows that legislation has a direct and tangible effect on her clients, she’s passionate about advocating for her clients, her business, and the insurance and financial services industry as a whole. “[Advocacy] impacts what we do every day and how we serve our clients,” Schreder begins. “It’s not only protecting the rights our clients have today, but also preventing things from happening that would impact them in a negative way. So, we have to be playing defense and offense.” 

The Benefits of NAIFA 

Leadership training and NAIFA events have helped Schreder learn and grow. She is a graduate of NAIFA’s Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) and is now a co-facilitator for the program in Iowa. She’s excited to give back and share what she’s learned with the next generation of leaders.  

Through LILI and NAIFA events, Schreder has developed friendships with other professionals in the industry. While some may consider them competitors, Schreder says, "What we do at NAIFA is rise above that. We're not competitors; we're colleagues in an industry where we're called to serve and do the best we can for our clients.” 

Schreder wholeheartedly believes that insurance and financial service professionals should be members of NAIFA and contribute to NAIFA’s political action committee, IFAPAC. “I challenge my peers to make sure that they are called to a higher ethical standard, and I think that's what sets us apart as NAIFA members,” she says. “You will grow from [being a NAIFA member], both personally and professionally, in so many ways.” 

Outside of the Office 

When she’s not working, Schreder enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves being outdoors—whether walking, bike riding, or golfing—and is currently planning a family RV trip to Yellowstone. Schreder is a passionate supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and has participated in walks, runs, and rides for both. She also volunteers with the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa. She talks about her involvement, saying, “As a female business owner, I just love to support young girls as they start their path to learning how to lead as women.”  

For her service to her community and our industry and association, we’re #NAIFAproud to have Lynn Schreder as a part of our NAIFA family.