We are excited to spotlight Aamir Chalisa, General Manager at Futurity First, an industry leader who has spent over 35 years transforming lives through his work in insurance. His journey is one of perseverance, passion, and a deep commitment to helping others achieve financial security.

Aamir’s path in the insurance industry began shortly after he graduated with an MBA in 1990 from Southern Illinois University. At the time, job opportunities were limited, and as an international student without sponsorship, he faced even more challenges. But a chance encounter with a mentor, an individual from Pakistan, led him to explore the world of sales. "My mentor introduced me to the insurance industry, and I made the bold decision to dive in as an insurance salesman," Aamir recalls.

At the time, MetLife offered a salaried program called the Metropolitan Executive Training Program, which recruited individuals with advanced degrees and trained them to become managers. "I had zero clients, no connections, but I was willing to take the risk because I believed in the opportunity," Aamir shares.

However, his decision wasn’t easily understood by his family. "I told my parents I was going to become an insurance salesman, and they didn’t speak to me for six months," he laughs. "They had high expectations for me to use my MBA in finance and marketing to work for a big firm, not sell insurance." Despite their initial disappointment, Aamir stood firm in his decision, and today, he looks back with pride on the path he chose.

His success in the industry can be attributed to one key factor: passion. "To truly excel in this business, you have to believe in what you do," Aamir emphasizes. "It’s no different than being a good doctor or lawyer—you can't succeed unless you're deeply invested in the work."

This passion has not only fueled Aamir’s own success but has also inspired others. He frequently speaks at industry events and will soon be traveling to Romania to share his thoughts on the importance of passion in the profession.

Over the years, Aamir has found the most rewarding part of his job to be the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. "Whether it’s helping a grieving widow with a death claim or ensuring someone’s financial security in retirement, the impact we make is profound," he says. "This career is not just a job—it's a lifestyle. If you don’t see it that way, you’re not going to make it. I’ve always viewed it as a lifestyle—one where I’m responsible for my income, my time, my clients, and my growth."

Aamir’s firm, Futurity First, offers a range of services, including financial planning, life insurance, annuities, and long-term care. "I’ve always believed that life insurance should be the foundational element of any financial plan," he says. "While many new agents focus on investments, I make life insurance the priority."

Aamir is also a strong advocate for political involvement within the industry, especially through organizations like the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). "Without advocacy, the rules surrounding life insurance, taxes, and product changes could have made our jobs obsolete," Aamir explains. "NAIFA and similar organizations work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the longevity of our industry."

Aamir has been politically involved for many years, attending numerous Congressional Conferences and "Day on the Hill" events. This year, he is registering himself and five to six agents from his office to visit Washington, D.C. "Many of the agents attending have never been and don’t even know who their congressmen are," Aamir points out. He believes these experiences are crucial to understanding the political process and the impact it has on the insurance industry.

When asked if he would recommend a career in insurance, Aamir responds with a resounding "100%." However, he stresses that those considering the profession must have the right mindset. "If you’re joining this career for the money, you won’t last," he cautions. "There will be good days and bad days, but the community and support around you make all the difference." This career is about helping people, not just chasing money. If you don’t have a genuine desire to make a difference, you’ll be disappointed quickly."

Aamir’s long affiliation with NAIFA highlights his deep commitment to the industry. He is on a mission to double NAIFA’s membership, often paying for others to attend meetings so they can experience the organization’s value firsthand. "All they need is one good idea and the networking opportunities like Day on the Hill," he says. "That's what community is all about." When asked if he would recommend NAIFA, Aamir enthusiastically affirms, "Absolutely. It's vital to the industry, providing the support, connections, and resources needed to thrive. If you're serious about your career, you need to be part of this community."

Aamir’s journey exemplifies the power of passion, hard work, and a commitment to helping others. His story is a testament to the rewards of a career in insurance—especially when viewed not as a job but as a lifestyle and a way to make a meaningful impact. "This career is about more than just money. It's about helping people," Aamir concludes. "If you truly believe in that, you’ll find fulfillment."