Each year ThinkAdvisor shines the spotlight on individuals and firms that are changing the investment advisory industry where it matters most. This year we are #NAIFAproud to have three of our members receiving this recognition! Congratulations to Jamie Hopkins, MBA, CFP, LLM, CLU, ChFC, RICP, Derek Notman, CFP, CLU, LUTCF, and Eric Thomes.

Eric Thomes, loyal member since 2009 from Minneapolis, MN is the Chief Distribution Officer at Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America and CEO of Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC. With nearly 30 years in the financial services industry, Eric is currently responsible for maximizing distribution through strategic relationships in the independent, wirehouse, and bank channels, as well as owned and independent insurance field marketing offices. He has played a pivotal role in strengthening the company’s position as an industry leader. Eric received the Luminary Award for Executive Leadership.

Jamie Hopkins, loyal member since 2021 from Villanova, PA is the Managing Partner of Wealth Solutions at Carson Group and was a 2022 NAIFA Trustee. Jamie was honored in the Executive Leadership category. A nationally recognized writer, researcher, and educator, Jamie regularly contributes to Forbes, InvestmentNews, and MarketWatch. He has been published in dozens of financial, educational, and legal journals, and he’s the media’s go-to expert on retirement income planning and tax law.

Derek Notman, loyal member since 2006 from Madison, WI is the CEO and Founder of Couplr. After entering the industry in 2006, Derek experienced a high level of success which he attributes to his philosophy of "do what is right for my clients and eventually I will get paid." In 2013, he took his practice virtual. While Derek still offers comprehensive financial planning, in 2022 he founded, Couplr, a FinTech company. He was honored in the category of Thought Leadership & Education.

Congratulations to these outstanding members! We are #NAIFAproud to call you one of our own! View the full list of the 2023 ThinkAdvisor Lumninaries.