Colin Aubin’s path to success in financial services is rooted in a strong family foundation, an early background in competitive sports, and a commitment to community impact. Raised in Orland Park, Illinois, Colin’s values were shaped by a family deeply committed to service and education. His mother, Donna, was a dedicated teacher who spent over three decades shaping young minds, while his father, Tom, worked in finance as a CFO. This blend of education and finance set a solid example for Colin, who now brings elements of both worlds into his work, valuing both knowledge and community-focused financial planning. “Growing up with a mom who taught and a dad in finance, I learned the importance of both dedication and service,” Colin shared. “Those values have stayed with me, guiding me through every phase of my career.” This upbringing cultivated in him a sense of responsibility and compassion—qualities that would later define his leadership style.

Colin’s resilience and drive were also honed through his years as a competitive soccer player, and he was recently inducted for the second time into Carl Sandburg High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame. From a young age, he played at an elite level, learning the discipline, teamwork, and commitment required to excel in athletics. This background in soccer gave him a competitive edge that he carried into his professional life. “I was an athlete my whole life, and that’s a big part of who I am,” he explained. “Playing soccer at a high level taught me resilience, how to work as part of a team, and how to push through challenges.”

With a degree in English and history from Illinois Wesleyan, Colin initially envisioned a career in law. However, an internship during college made him realize that the legal field wasn’t his passion. Graduating during the 2008 financial crisis, Colin found himself at a crossroads and eventually joined a MassMutual office. He was fortunate to work with influential mentors such as Chris Gandy, LACP, a loyal NAIFA member since 2003 and the 2025 NAIFA President, and John Wheeler, Jr., CFP, CLU, ChFC, CRPC, LACP, CLTC, LUTCF, a loyal member since 1973 and the 2026 NAIFA President, both of whom saw promise in him. With their support, Colin began to develop a unique perspective on his work: building trust and serving others.

Working alongside Chris and John early in his career, Colin benefited from their combined guidance, rooted in both salesmanship and a commitment to professional ethics. They showed him the importance of continuously honing his skills and encouraged him to become part of something bigger than himself.

The leadership and lessons Colin learned from Chris and John continue to shape his vision for the future. “They taught me that success is not just about what you achieve for yourself,” he reflected. “It’s about what you give back and how you help others grow. If I can continue that legacy, then I know I’m on the right path.”

As the 2024 President of NAIFA-Chicagoland, Colin has prioritized building an inclusive and dynamic culture that invites members from diverse professional backgrounds. “In our industry, it’s easy to get siloed,” Colin explained. “I want NAIFA to be a place where CPAs, JDs, financial advisors, and others can come together and find common ground. When good people come together, great things happen.”

In January, Colin will step into his second term as NAIFA-Chicagoland President in 2025 and he is more determined than ever to expand the chapter's impact. With the board’s support, he sees the next year as an opportunity to build on the foundation he’s laid. “I don’t believe in just dipping a toe in the water,” he said. “I have another 12 months, and I want to see how big we can make this. Let’s see what we can accomplish together.”

One of Colin’s standout initiatives as NAIFA-Chicagoland President was a recent Young Advisors Team (YAT) event organized in just 10 days, which included a visit from NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux. With little time to plan, Colin orchestrated a successful gathering at Harry Caray’s in Chicago that was both accessible and welcoming. “Sometimes people think you need a ton of planning and meetings to make things happen,” he noted. “But sometimes you just need to jump in and do it. That’s what we did with the YAT event, and it turned out to be one of our most successful gatherings.”

The YAT event exemplified Colin’s ability to bring people together, creating a space where emerging professionals could network with established leaders. The success of the event affirmed his vision for NAIFA Chicagoland: a diverse, vibrant community that goes beyond traditional roles and broadens the organization’s influence across financial services.

Commitment to community is equally evident in Colin’s work with local causes. For instance, he led NAIFA-Chicagoland’s most successful golf outing in a decade, which included Labradoodle puppies from a veteran-owned rescue to raise funds for the local VFW and first responders. Reflecting on the event, Colin said, “It’s about finding creative ways to make a difference. If we’re going to do something, let’s make it as impactful as possible.” His dedication extended to adopting one of the puppies, humorously noting, “I couldn’t ask others to support this cause if I wasn’t willing to do it myself. My wife might have been surprised, but now we have Blue—a 5-month-old, soon-to-be 80-pound Labradoodle!”

Colin’s journey serves as a powerful example of how mentorship, community, and dedication to service can create a fulfilling and impactful career. Through his leadership, he is not only advancing his field but also fostering a culture of integrity, resilience, and collaboration—values that will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.

Colin Aubin has been a loyal NAIFA member since 2013 from Deerfield, IL. He is a Registered Representative/Brokerage Director for Park Avenue Securities and Guardian Life.