Each quarter the committees of Membership, Grassroots, and IFAPAC (also known as the Trifecta Team) select a member who has gone above and beyond that quarter in each of their respective areas. We are #NAIFAproud to recognize our Q2 2024 Hard Hat Winners, Corrado Gugliotta, LUTCF, FSCP, CLTC, LACP: Membership, Joseph Pearl, CFP: Grassroots, and Timothy Johnson, FSS, LACP: IFAPAC.

Walter Bond is a former NBA professional who has successfully transitioned into a Hall of Fame motivational speaker and business accelerator. Starting his journey in the competitive world of professional basketball, he learned the value of mindset, support, and discipline. Walter is known for his Shark Mindset Selling training, which helps people become top performers in their respective fields. With a heart for mentoring and a belief in the power of support, he advises corporate leaders and coaches them toward radical growth, sustained culture, and business transformation.

NAIFA Announces E4 Insurance Services as the Recipient of the Inaugural Financial Security Champion of the Year Award 

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is proud to announce that E4 Insurance Services, led by Managing Partners Dan Peterson, LUTCF, LLIF, FIC, Brendon DeRouin, CLU, ChFC, LACP, RICP, and Steve Bergee, LACP, is the first recipient of the prestigious Financial Security Champion award. This accolade recognizes firms that have made significant investments and commitments to NAIFA membership and its mission to empower financial professionals and consumers through world-class advocacy and education.

The award will be presented during the Apex/National Leadership Conference at the historic Arizona Biltmore from September 19-21, 2024. This conference brings together industry leaders and professionals for a dynamic series of events, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to advance the financial services industry.

E4 Insurance Services, under the visionary leadership of its Managing Partners, has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the principles and goals of NAIFA. Through its innovative approach and dedication to professional development, E4 Insurance Services has set a new standard for excellence in the insurance and financial advisory sectors.

NAIFA invites members to consider putting their name forward as a nominee to serve on the Department of Labor’s ERISA Advisory Council or the Federal Reserve Board’s Insurance Policy Advisory Committee. Details for each are below. If selected, you will be tasked with leveraging your expertise to provide critical input on the important role financial advisors and insurance producers play in securing Americans’ futures. 
 
Interested members should submit their names and contact information to governmentrelations@naifa.org. Please include your occupation/position, political party affiliation, telephone number, address and email address to be considered. Please also note if you prefer to be considered for the ERISA Advisory Council or the Insurance Policy Advisory Committee. NAIFA’s Executive Committee will then review all submissions and select the Association’s nominees.  
 

Thomas Drapala, RSSA, is Director of Strategic Partnerships, Registered Social Security Analysts, and a passionate advisor and educator with deep expertise in Social Security. He is also a keynote speaker at NAIFA's Apex, September 19-21, at the Arizona Biltmore.

The Fortis Agency Receives Inaugural 100% Agency Award at Apex/National Leadership Conference

NAIFA’s Committee on Governance has nominated John Wheeler, CFP, CLU, ChFC, CRPC, LACP, CLTC, LUTCF, Executive Senior Partner at Totus Wealth Management LLC in Houston, Texas, to be the 2025 NAIFA Secretary. Wheeler, who currently serves on NAIFA’s National Government Relations and IFAPAC Committees, is a past NAIFA-National Trustee and Past President of NAIFA-Illinois. He has been a loyal NAIFA member since 1973. As incoming Secretary, Wheeler will be in line to serve as President-Elect in 2026 and President in 2027.

David McKnight is a best-selling author, dynamic speaker, and expert in the field of tax mitigation in retirement planning. He is also a keynote speaker at NAIFA's Apex and National Leadership Conference, September 19-21 at the Arizona Biltmore. 

Over the past 23 years McKnight has helped put thousands of Americans on the road to the zero percent tax bracket. He has made frequent appearances in Forbes, USA Today, New York Times, Fox Business, CBS Radio, Bloomberg Radio, Huffington Post, Reuters, CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Nasdaq.com, Investor’s Business Daily, Kiplinger’s, MarketWatch and numerous other national publications. 

The award recognizes NAIFA members who achieve extraordinary professional success before age 40 and will be awarded at the combined Apex and National Leadership Conference in September 2024.

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.