Ray Smith has been a loyal member of NAIFA since 1976, calling Stillwater, OK, home. He is the founder of Ray Smith Wealth Management and has built a career in the financial services industry that spans over five decades. Ray's journey into the business started right after college when a fraternity brother suggested he explore the field. After taking the required tests, he joined a company that later transitioned into Ameritas, where he has stayed ever since. Despite the shifting industry landscape, Ray's dedication to his clients and his work has remained constant.

What drew Ray to the financial services industry was the independence it offered and the ability to genuinely help people. Over the years, he’s watched clients benefit from the strategies he set in place for them—from death claims being honored, using funds for their children’s education to clients tapping into retirement funds and having more financial security than they ever expected. It’s this long-term impact on people's lives that continues to motivate Ray every day.

Ray’s involvement with NAIFA began in the mid-80s when a general agent encouraged him to join. Once he joined, that led to deeper involvement, and soon Ray was taking on leadership roles, serving as Local President twice, State President once, and contributing to National Committees and the Governance Committee. Ray appreciates the relationships he’s built through NAIFA, as well as the opportunity to learn from other successful professionals in the industry. He believes that NAIFA's political advocacy—focusing on issues that directly impact agents—is the organization's most significant contribution.

While Ray is based in Stillwater, where a city of this size specialization is challenging, he has mastered the art of being a “generalist.” He focuses on providing a wide range of services, from tax-sheltered annuities to life insurance, and is especially passionate about managing retirement accounts. His ability to wear multiple hats allows him to adapt to clients’ needs, and he knows when to seek external help when necessary.

Ray also sees NAIFA’s political advocacy as crucial to the success of his business and his clients. He believes that many regulations, like those from the Department of Labor, are designed without consideration of the real-world impact on agents and their clients. These rules can make it harder for clients to receive the personalized service they need, especially when it comes to retirement accounts. Ray is actively involved in advocating for policies that allow agents to continue providing value to their clients.

For Ray, NAIFA is more than just a professional association—it’s a community of like-minded individuals who share knowledge and experiences. Through NAIFA, Ray has been able to build strong relationships with colleagues and exchange ideas in a collaborative, non-competitive environment—something he’s come to appreciate after decades in the industry.

Ray encourages those with a passion for independence and a drive to help others to consider a career in financial services. He points out that a successful career requires perseverance, especially in the face of rejection. With a “servant’s heart” and a strong work ethic, newcomers to the industry can build fulfilling careers that make a real difference in people's lives.

Ray’s experience shows that with the right mindset, financial services can be a rewarding field for those who thrive on challenge and relationship-building. His focus on relationships, client care, and political advocacy has not only shaped his career but also contributed to the success and security of the clients he serves.