For nearly two decades, Billy Snyder, LACP, owner of B Snyder Insurance in Lafayette, Tennessee, has built his business and reputation on one guiding principle: “If you help enough people get what they want, you’ll get what you want.” That timeless Zig Ziglar philosophy has shaped every part of Billy’s journey—from his early days in pest control to becoming a respected independent insurance professional serving the rural communities of northern Tennessee.

John D. Richardson is a Financial Planner at Capital Planning Group, where he specializes in retirement planning, investment advice, and risk management for clients seeking to align their financial decisions with their values. As a recognized leader in the financial services industry, John has served as president of both NAIFA-Nashville and NAIFA-Tennessee, received the NAIFA Young Advisors Team Leader of the Year award, and was named a NAIFA Presidential Citation recipient, in addition to being elected NAIFA National Trustee for 2025-2026. Beyond his professional achievements, John is active in politics, serving as State Executive Committeeman for Senate District 21 in Tennessee and as a delegate to the Republican National Convention.

Susan Combs is the Founder of Pancakes for Roger, a nonprofit that honors veterans and amplifies their stories through a grassroots “pancakes” movement. She created it after her father, a Major General, asked for pancakes while on hospice, inspiring a campaign, book, and advocacy project. Susan also leads Combs & Company, an insurance brokerage she launched at age 26, specializing in niche and non-traditional risks. She is a best-selling author and frequent speaker on mentorship, legacy, and service.

NAIFA members are invited to the Q4 State of NAIFA webinar at 12 pm Eastern, October 22, 2025. Hear updates on NAIFA's advocacy efforts, professional development programs and other membership activities designed to enhance your professional growth. Every NAIFA leader should tune in.

NAIFA is reimagining its flagship event for 2026 with the launch of Protectors Vegas, a bold new experience created in partnership with Connectiv, the live-event studio known for producing InsureTech Connect, Medicarians, and other powerhouse industry gatherings. The event will take place November 9–11, 2026, at The Venetian in Las Vegas, bringing together top minds in insurance, financial advising, and annuities for an immersive, high-energy conference unlike anything the profession has seen. See coverage in InsuranceNewsNet and watch the video.

NAIFA is pleased to recognize two Diversity Champions for 2025: Danny O’Connell, LACP, of Dallas, Texas, and Christopher Potts, Sr., of Rock Hill, South Carolina. O’Connell and Potts will be honored along with other NAIFA award recipients at the 2025 Belong awards dinner on October 14 in Arlington, Virginia.

NAIFA is deeply concerned by company announcements indicating they no longer will pay commissions to Medicare agents. And today, Humana announced they will no longer use agents to sell Prescription Drug Plans (PDP). This alarming trend threatens not only the livelihood of financial professionals but also the millions of seniors who rely on them for help navigating their healthcare options. If you learn of other announcements, please forward them to communications@naifa.org.

NAIFA’s Advisor Today is pleased to announce the winners of its annual 4 Under 40 awards: Nicholas Limongelli, CLU, of NAIFA-New York; S. Grayson Owen, CLU, REBC, of NAIFA-Georgia; Carson Porter, CFF, FSS, RICP, LUTCF, CHLU, of NAIFA-Nevada; and Rachel Sayyad of NAIFA-Maryland.

Brandon Smith is an Executive Vice President at Milestone Financial Solutions, a firm that offers financial planning, investment, retirement, and estate-planning services to help clients reach key life goals. In his role, he provides comprehensive short-term and long-term financial and business planning catered to the needs of each client. His professional designations include CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, and CPFA. Before joining Milestone, Brandon began his career with AXA Advisors and later became a Registered Representative with The Leaders Group.

The Financial Times is inviting NAIFA members to attend (in person or virtually) its full-day conference, Guiding Generations: The Future of Estate Planning, presented by FT Live and Financial Advisor IQ in partnership with Trust & Will, taking place October 23, 2025, in New York and online. The event is free to all financial professionals. NAIFA is a supporting partner.