In 1991 Steven Saladino, RICP, LACP, LUTCF, took a very important step: He decided to become a member of NAIFA.
That step has turned out to be highly beneficial for Saladino. He is now a managing director with Principal Financial Group, the recipient of many accolades and awards, and a proud member of NAIFA’s Board of Trustees.
John A. Davidson, LUTCF, FSS, President and CEO of Davidson Insurance & Financial Services, Inc., in Moorpark, CA, He is the 2023 recipient of NAIFA’s Terry Headley Lifetime Defender Award.
Davidson, a loyal member since 1982, was NAIFA’s National President in 2006-2007. He had previously served on NAIFA’s National Board of Trustees beginning in 2001 and as NAIFA-California’s President in 1999-2000. He was also President of NAIFA-San Fernando Valley from 1988-1989. In 2010 he was a candidate for U.S. Congress in California’s 23rd Congressional District and finished second in the Primary.
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Cheryl has been active in the NAIFA community. She is a Past President of NAIFA-Northeast Florida and has served in leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels.
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READ, WATCH, AND LISTEN TO THE EPISODE **PLUS! GET THE AT-A-GLANCE TRANSCRIPT
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Peter J. Winovich has been a loyal member since 2013. He joined Wilcox Financial after graduating from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Financial Economics.
Since joining the financial services industry, he has had 8 consecutive qualifications of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), including 3 Top of the Table Qualifications. The Top of the Table qualification is the highest level of MDRT membership achievable and Peter is among the top professionals in the global life insurance and financial services.
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Chris Roper is a seasoned financial advisor who is passionate about helping individuals navigate their financial journeys as a fiduciary and an educator. With over 14 years in the industry, he specializes in 401K advising and personal finance management for high-net-worth individuals.
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Padric H. Scott CFP, AEP, CLU has been a loyal member since 2021. He is the COE of Crossroad Capital Partners which is supported by Northwestern Mutual – a FORTUNE 100 company that has been in business since 1857.
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Walter Bond has been a member since April 12, 2024.
While many know Walter Bond as a former NBA player, more and more people know Walter as a passionate and motivated speaker, author, and business coach with one goal: to help people see their full potential
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Greg Etchison is an experienced professional in the Medicare supplement business. With a career spanning over 25 years in the healthcare industry, he also has extensive experience across major carriers. Greg is passionate about educating people about healthcare options and optimizing coverage for seniors. He is a leading voice in Medicare supplement education, guiding individuals through the complexities of healthcare.
Scott Wilson is a seasoned professional with 23 years of experience in the Medicare supplement business. He has extensive knowledge in all aspects of the business, from product strategy to compliance. With a focus on product development and operations, Scott has also overseen aspects of financial management, including profit and loss responsibilities. His comprehensive background enables him to offer holistic insight into the industry, ensuring a thorough understanding of the intricacies of Medicare for anyone seeking guidance.
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Shantell Wright has been a loyal member since March 13, 2019. He is the Co Founder & CEO of Financial Success Consultants located in Greater Nashville Area, TN.
He talks about how his personal struggles and persistence in the industry has been bolstered by NAIFA and especially, his participation in LILI.
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Panos Leledakis has been a loyal member since January 7, 2023. Leledakis is the CEO of IFA Academy, an educational and research organization focused on training insurance and financial professionals to better serve their clients.
Iris C. Nance, She has been a loyal member since May 21, 2011. She is CEO of Nance Insurance Agency, Inc. founded in 1998 and is a multi-lines Farmers Insurance Agency in Hampton Roads, Virginia.
Evan Fabricant, has been a loyal member since December 6, 2004. He is a registered representative of and offer securities, investment advisory and financial planning services through Legacy Partners LLC in Mechanicsville, Virginia.
Sue Kuraja got her start in financial services at an early age. When she immigrated from Croatia with her family as a young child, she translated financial documents for her parents as they learned English. Her ability to conduct business in a foreign language was sought after and she continued to demonstrate financial aptitude early in her career. Twenty years later, she still serves Main Street USA as a representative and advocate for consumers, while maintaining strong relations with corporate clients and enterprises.
David McKnight has been a loyal member since December 31, 1998. is a renowned financial advisor and expert in zero-tax retirement planning, having assisted thousands of Americans in achieving the zero percent tax bracket. He has frequently appeared in numerous national publications, including Forbes, USA Today, the New York Times, Fox Business, CBS Radio, and Bloomberg Radio. With four #1 Amazon best-selling books to his credit, including The Power of Zero, Look Before You LIRP, The Volatility Shield, and Tax-Free Income for Life, David has established himself as a leading authority in retirement planning. In his acclaimed book, The Power of Zero, he presents a comprehensive guide on how to achieve a 0% tax bracket in retirement through a carefully crafted, step-by-step approach.
Carina Hatfield is a Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow (LUTCF), Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS), and Life and Annuity Certified Professional (LACP). As a third-generation insurance agent, she specializes in property and casualty insurance and works with locally owned businesses. Carina serves NAIFA as a National Trustee and a moderator for Pennsylvania’s Leadership in Life Institute. She is also the immediate past President of NAIFA Pennsylvania. Recently, Carina helped develop the organization’s new online LACP prep course. Her passion and dedication to the association earned her the 2020 Young Advisor Team Leader of the Year award.
Jill Judd is a distinguished Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow (LUTCF), Financial Services Specialist (FSS), and Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) with extensive experience in the insurance industry. Her professional mission is to provide individuals with the necessary tools and resources to manage the risks of everyday life, recover from unexpected events, and achieve their aspirations. Jill's expertise in the field has also led her to serve as a past President of NAIFA.
Robert Miller, a retired second-generation financial advisor, has grown up around many prominent New York insurance agents and has served over six thousand clients. A loyal NAIFA member since 1983, he is the past President of NAIFA-New York City. As a graduate of the NAIFA Leadership in Life Institute (LILI), Robert served as the Chair of the NAIFA Governance Committee and was a member of the organization’s Finance Committee. His extensive experience and contributions to the financial advising industry make him a highly respected and accomplished professional.
Demetrius Bryant is an insurance agent helping individuals safeguard their income against unforeseen expenses. He runs a multi-line insurance business that has been a NAIFA member since 2011. Through his company, Demetrius offers comprehensive insurance services, including automobile, home, life, and business policies. He believes that protecting one's financial interests is fundamental to improving the overall quality of life.
Glenn Crawford is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®) and a licensed insurance agent holding a Series 65 Investment Advisor Representative distinction. His mission is to support better financial outcomes for clients by educating, enabling, and empowering them to make sound decisions about their financial well-being. Glenn has also dedicated a significant part of his practice to advising clients on the financial aspects of divorce. Before entering the wealth management industry, he enjoyed a career in information technology and was a partner in a $65 million consultancy firm.
Frank Maselli is an accomplished keynote speaker, coach, and author of three best-selling books. With over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, he has helped thousands of financial professionals grow and achieve success by providing them with contemporary skills well-suited to the demands of today's clients. With his programs based on human psychology, Frank is known for his pioneering ideas, dynamic thinking, and engaging delivery. He is a sought-after presenter, recognized as a top industry speaker.
Tom Palmeri is a Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) committed to helping clients build and safeguard their wealth. As a financial advisor, he has over 25 years of experience in insurance, investments, estate preservation, and employee benefit plans. Tom specializes in helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals through compassion and empathy. He has demonstrated his leadership acumen by serving as a past President of the New York and Suffolk County chapters of NAIFA.
After a career in professional football, financial planner Delvin Joyce obtained the self-motivation to launch a financial services business. By identifying a clear purpose, he structured his services and leadership around providing financial literacy and support to young athletes preparing for careers. Delvin believes that financial planning is fundamental to the future, so by building a practice that emphasizes managing people’s funds and loans, you can execute your purpose, elevate your status in the industry, and create a lucrative business.
Joseph Spinelli is a winner of Advisor Today's 2023 4 Under 40 Award. He is an Advisor for Knights of Columbus Insurance in Tallahassee, FL. In his first year as an advisor, at the age of 21, he was named the International Knights of Columbus Rookie of the Year and is now a 14-time member of the Supreme Knights Club. Spinelli is also a 13-year qualifier for the Million Dollar Round Table. He is the youngest advisor in the Knights of Columbus to qualify for Lifetime MDRT membership.
John D. Richardson is a financial planner who has been providing sound financial advice to his clients since 2005. His primary focus is to help people align their financial decisions with their values and truths to live enriching lives. As a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) and a Life and Annuities Certified Professional (LACP), John advises clients on retirement planning, investment planning, and risk management. He serves as a NAIFA leader and has held several leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels.
Chris Carothers is an insurance professional and a Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF). As a second-generation veteran in the insurance industry, he has been serving and advocating for his community for 30 years. Chris works with over 300 licensed insurance agents to help Americans plan for their current and future insurance needs. He also partners with insurance carriers to develop and introduce new health products.
Mickey Straub is a successful entrepreneur, renowned speaker, accomplished author, devoted patriot, and mayor emeritus. He is passionate about inspiring people to set audacious goals with short deadlines so they can achieve more and regret less.
With 23 years of experience inspiring organizational success, Mickey provides the necessary resources to implement a goal-oriented, activity-based, and metric-driven performance management system. This system helps individuals and sales teams identify, manage, and measure high-payoff activities, enabling them to achieve their goals and steer their businesses in the right direction.
Corey Anderson is an insurance agent specializing in counseling advisors on implementing insurance plans for disabled clients. As an industry leader, Corey is a frequently featured speaker at industry meetings on topics pertaining to disability insurance. He has served on the state and local NAIFA board for over 18 years, holding various roles, including president.
Dan Finley is an experienced financial advisor and professional coach who founded a business consulting and coaching service dedicated to helping advisors enhance their business. He began his brokerage career in 1993, spent 13-plus years as a successful financial advisor, and since 2004, has conducted over 20,000 hours of individual and group coaching sessions for financial advisors. His financial advisory and coaching experience includes all three major distribution channels: wire-house, bank, and independent.
Lynne Franklin is a persuasion expert, leadership communication consultant, coach, author, and TEDx speaker. As a neuroscience nerd, she studies how the brain works and how to use the findings to better connect with anyone and lead without manipulation. Since the inception of her communications practice in 1993, Lynne has worked with organizations that want to use persuasive communication skills to increase their performance, productivity, and profits.
John Wheeler is an accomplished Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with a wealth of experience in the financial services industry since 1969. He says most financial services professionals fail because they lack the education to help them maneuver the industry. They need to invest in education. He also recommends learning to communicate insurance jargon to clients in layman’s terms to build trust and establish strong relationships.
Morris Morrison is a world-class speaker, author, and entertainer who has learned the value of choosing to tell a better story and the power that comes from the stories we live. Drawing purpose and inspiration from his faith, family, and motivation to energize individuals and communities, Morris builds stronger, smarter, and kinder human beings.
According to Rick Demko, being a successful life insurance agent requires knowledge, communication skills, persistence, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. By following these tips, you can build a successful career in the industry while providing invaluable protection to your clients and their families.
According to Laurie Adams, success as an advisor is attainable with the right mindset and approach. One of her fundamental pieces of advice is to engage in continuous education. Even though there are many resources available, she recommends joining a community like NAIFA to help sharpen your skills. She now shares her journey to success in the financial services industry.
Laurie is a Financial Advisor of COUNTRY Trust Bank®️
On this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Tom Cothron, an agency manager for a multi-line insurance company, to discuss how advisors can thrive in the industry. Tom talks about the struggles he had to overcome as an insurance agent, his involvement with NAIFA and its importance in the financial services industry, the challenges advisors, NAIFA advocates, and NAIFA ambassadors face, and his advice for advisors.
On this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Harry Hoopis, an entrepreneur and industry leader in the insurance and financial services space. Harry explains why he’s committed to the insurance and financial services industry, his strategies for promoting healthy business growth, tips for agents' and advisors' development, and his experience receiving NAIFA's prestigious John Newton Russell Memorial Award.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Scott Blake, a Wealth Management Advisor, to discuss his successful journey in the financial services industry. Scott shares the lessons he learned from his political career and being an athlete that he leverages in the financial service industry, the value of having a financial advisor, the challenge he had to overcome in his business career, and tips for getting clients as a financial advisor.
On this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Rith Nou to discuss how to thrive in the financial services industry. Rith shares the struggles she had to overcome as a financial advisor, time management tips, how she incorporates different cultures in the market, and the impact the industry has on future generations.
On this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Joe Jordan to discuss the evolution of financial services and products. Joe talks about the genesis behind his book, why longevity is a woman’s issue, and the challenges of providing housing for the elderly.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Larry Holzberg to discuss how insurance agents and financial advisors can thrive as members of an association. Larry talks about how NAIFA has evolved, the importance of implementing diversity in your organization, the value of being an engaged NAIFA member, and the mission of NAIFA's grassroots advocacy.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Joey Davenport, Co-founder and President of Hoopis Performance Network (HPN), to discuss the impact continual learning and self-development have on your professional life. Joey talks about HPNs introduction to the financial industry, the use of digital content as a recruiting strategy, and his thoughts on the future of career distribution.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Lara Galloway, SVP of Channel Management at White Glove, to discuss how financial advisors can leverage workshops to grow their clientele. Lara shares how White Glove serves financial professionals, knowing when to incorporate development coaching and the mistakes financial advisors make when organizing a workshop.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Suzanne Carawan sits down with Andrew Holt, Government Relations and Grassroots Manager at NAIFA, and Cody Schoonover, PAC Manager at NAIFA. They talk about advocacy and why it's essential for businesses, how NAIFA's advocacy folks differentiate themselves in the industry, the typical issues NAIFA represents, and tips for using political advocacy to stand out from the competition as a business.
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In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Marques Ogden, former NFL player and keynote speaker, to discuss how to succeed in the insurance and financial services industry. Marques shares his experience in the NFL and the insurance and financial services industry, actionable tips to help you thrive in your profession, what to expect from the Get Authentic With Marques Ogden podcast, and his advice for young professionals.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Kathleen Owings, Principal and Financial Advisor of Westbilt Financial Group, to discuss how women can gain financial confidence. Kathleen talks about her introduction to the financial services industry and the obstacles she had to overcome, advice for upcoming financial advisors, why she wrote "Put Your Money to Work: A Woman's Guide to Financial Confidence," and the discrepancies between men and women in the industry.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Diane Boyle, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for NAIFA, to discuss the importance of engaging in the legislative process. Diane talks about opportunities for insurance agents to get involved with their local government, lobbying for legislation, and how familiarizing yourself with local government can bring awareness and acceptance to your community.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Suzanne Carawan and Chris Gandy sit down with Ken Leibow, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of InsurTech Express, to discuss working with advisors to solve challenging technology problems. Ken talks about why online platforms are a valuable resource, focusing on follow-up, and leveraging a blockchain for success.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Martha Underwood and Shella Sylla of Prismm to talk about securely storing end-of-life documents. Martha and Shella discuss centralizing documents, the wealth gap and education between cultures, and familiarizing advisors in end-of-life conversations.
In this episode of Advisor Today, join Suzanne Carawan and Ike Trotter, a Financial Professional at Ike Trotter Agency, to talk about appreciating insurance agents through the NAIFA Quality Award. Ike discusses the importance of community, keeping the focus on best practices for your clients, and maintaining focus and quality in your work.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan are joined by Joe Templin, Co-founder and CEO of The Intro Machine, to discuss why coaching is beneficial for professionals. Joe shares what inspired him to start coaching, why discipline and consistency are key to growth, and how a coach can guide you to reach your goals.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Bryon Holz, President of NAIFA, to discuss embracing the change of technology. Bryon talks about the value of mentorship, building authenticity through social media marketing, and the importance of partnerships.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down to discuss the year in review. Chris and Suzanne talk about connecting through conversations, why holistic listening will resonate with your audience, and how NAIFA is leading the way for extraordinary knowledge in the industry.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan sit down with Adam Sachs, Financial Advisor at Centinel Financial Group, LLC, to discuss building relationships for long-care solutions. Adam talks about networking to create better education tools, organizing ways to continuously serve the community, and advocating and preparing the next generation for the future.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy sits down with Jamie Hopkins, Managing Partner of Wealth Solutions at Carson Group, to discuss retirement planning in a crowded industry. Jamie talks about evolving to meet client needs, being an advocate for retirement planning, and increasing your footprint within the industry through credibility.
Join Chad Franzen of Rise25 in this episode of Advisor Today as he talks with Jeff Levin, Vice President of Sales for Care Solutions at OneAmerica, about how insurance holders can benefit from long-term care coverage. Jeff discusses why everyone should have a conversation about long-term care, factors to consider before making a decision, how long-term care products have evolved, and more.
In this episode of Advisor Today, join Suzanne Carawan and Chris Gandy as they sit down with Carroll Golden, Executive Director of the Specialty Centers at NAIFA, to discuss how advisors can help families prepare for extended care. Carroll talks about the resources available to help with future planning, navigating the sensitive topic of aging and long-term care planning, and the framework to use for facilitating decision-making.
In this episode of Advisor Today, join Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan as they sit down with Paul Dougherty, former president of NAIFA, to discuss coaching a team of advisors to shape the future. Paul talks about strengthening your career arc through mentorship, engaging with organizations to inform and educate lawmakers, and generating conversations about insurance with clients so they make the best possible decisions.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Suzanne Carawan and Chris Gandy sit down with Brian Ashe, President of Ashe and Associates, Ltd., to discuss compiling the foundation of life insurance based on mutual trust and commitment. Listen as Brian talks about steps to erasing the negative perception and impact that haunt the insurance industry, creating a sustainable future for your clients, and enhancing your commitment to your community through acts of giving.
In this episode of Advisor Today, join Chris Gandy and Suzanne Carawan as they talk with NAIFA Immediate Past President, Tom Michel, about his inspiring journey as a leader in the insurance industry. Tom discusses why everyone needs accountability, the difference a strong mentor can make, and the importance of solid leadership during uncertain times.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Suzanne Carawan and Chris Gandy welcome Brian Haney, Founder and CEO of The Haney Company. Brian’s expertise in the financial sector sheds light on how to build meaningful community relationships for mutual value and financial success. They talk about association commitment, leveraging resources for successful and competitive business growth, understanding mentorship perspectives, and managing leadership opportunities.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Suzanne Carawan and Chris Gandy sit down with Kevin Mayeux, CEO of NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors). Kevin is a longtime executive, entrepreneur, and community volunteer who actively advocates for building a better tomorrow. Suzanne, Chris, and Kevin break down advanced strategic methods for advisors, enhancing community engagement, and the upcoming opportunities for new and tenured thought leaders.
In this episode of Advisor Today, Chris Gandy is joined by Suzanne Carawan, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), to discuss cultivating your professional development and the benefits of NAIFA membership. Suzanne talks about attracting consumers to your brand through authentic connections, effectively setting your brand above the competition to attract clients, and the characteristics and core values that encompass NAIFA members.
In this episode of Advisor Today, host Chris Gandy and co-host Chad Franzen of Rise25 welcome Andrew Holt to the show. Andrew is the Government Relations and Grassroots Manager for NAIFA, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Andrew shares his thoughts on what “grassroots” means, discusses how business and politics interrelate, and reflects on the importance of making connections with your elected officials.
In this episode of Advisor Today, join Chad Franzen of Rise25 as he hosts a conversation with Chris Gandy, Founder of Midwest Legacy Group LLC. Chris explains the struggles in the career path of a financial advisor, how a financial advisor makes a living, branding yourself and attracting clients, building a circle of influence, and more!
In this episode of Advisor Today, join Jeremy Weisz of Rise25 as he joins Chris Gandy, Founder of Midwest Legacy Group LLC, to talk about understanding the financial environment and building a better future. Chris discusses how the financial services industry brings value to businesses and families, why a healthier work environment is crucial for attracting more professionals, and creating improved strategies and conversations to become a great leader.
Caleb Guilliams is the Founder and CEO of BetterWealth, a company that helps people gain control over their money today while maximizing their future wealth potential. At an early age, Caleb read every financial book he could get his hands on. Now, he’s one of the youngest leaders in the industry and is quickly becoming “the new face of finance.” Caleb is the Author of The AND Asset, hosts the BetterWealth podcast, and is on a mission to impact as many lives as possible.
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