Rick Lam has spent his career helping his clients plan for their financial futures and mentoring the next generation of insurance and financial professionals. Just after college, Lam became a claims adjuster with State Farm. After seven years of learning about the insurance world, he spent over 12 years as an agent before taking his current position as a sales leader in 2012. 

Making a Difference 

As a sales leader, Lam teaches and mentors 44 agents and believes that there are three key qualities for successful agents: they should believe that they can and will make a difference, enjoy their work, and be passionate about helping clients achieve financial freedom. When meeting with clients, Lam has often heard one of two phrases— “I’m so glad my agent did that for me” or “I wish my agent would have done that for me.” Lam is dedicated to being the second kind of agent, he says, adding, “There is nothing more satisfying and gratifying than when they come back in tears and give me a hug.” 

The Importance of Advocacy 

Political advocacy is central to NAIFA’s mission. Lam talks about the importance of advocating for Main Street USA with state and local leaders, saying, "One of the things we do is to work on the business, not always working in the business—not only work for ourselves but also to protect our customer better by educating the legislatures on what we do, so that the policy-making goes in line with the things that we do.” 

The Value of NAIFA 

A NAIFA member for more than a decade, Lam says that half of his career development and leadership skills have come from his involvement with NAIFA. Through networking with NAIFA colleagues, Lam has exchanged product knowledge, sales ideas, and advice with his fellow members, and says he’s learned an incredible amount from speakers at NAIFA's events and webinars. Lam is also a graduate of NAIFA’s Leadership in Life Institute. He shares that the program helped him become not only a better person but a better leader as well. He believes so much in LILI's mission and benefit that he’s completed the course twice—once by himself, and once to support two of his agents in their experience. 

Outside of the Office 

When he’s not working, Lam loves skiing, hiking, and spending time with his friends and family. He also stays involved in his community. He is a Past President of the Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce and volunteers with the Asian Association of Utah’s Refugee and Immigrant Center, Utah Cultural Alliance’s Annual Asian Festival, and the Chinese Railroad Descendent Worker Association. 

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