After 17 years of working with animals in pet shops, shelters, and zoos, Christian Kalinowski decided it was time for a change. He considered a sales career in a few different sectors before finally settling on insurance and financial services. He wanted to help educate people on a topic he didn’t learn much about growing up—personal finance. So, in 2021, he joined Dipaola Financial Group as a financial service professional.  

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.

When Aaron Gose, WMCP®, FSCP®, started his career as an engineer, he could tell there was something missing. He loved problem-solving but found he was more curious about how projects were funded rather than how they were designed and built.

Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of spending time with Nick Bowman, CFP, MS, CEP, in New York City at the Insurtech Insights Conference. Previously associated with Lion Street as an Advanced Sales Professional, Nick now serves as the CEO of Motif Insurance, a company that is revolutionizing the future of in-force life insurance. Motif's primary objective is to empower advisors in managing their portfolios by harnessing the potential of data. Nick possesses exceptional expertise in in-force life insurance policies, making him not only a valuable contributor to this article but also the initiator of an important survey. The survey/questionnaire, consisting of just a couple of questions, can be accessed by clicking the link provided at the end of this article.

The Fourth of July, naturally, celebrates our nation’s independence declared in 1776, won through the struggle and sacrifice of the American Revolution, and maintained by generations of Americans throughout the history of the United States. NAIFA joins in this celebration of our country and the freedoms we all enjoy.

For New York Life Agent Vesela Nikay, life insurance is personal. When she was 13 years old, she lost her father to cancer. Her family had to move from their home and Nikay had to move to a new school and make new friends. Protecting families from experiences like hers is why she chose a career in the insurance and financial industry. “I'm very, very passionate about life insurance, and that's what keeps me going,” she says. “If I can protect one more family today and save one more child's future, that's what motivates me.”

The end of June brings a close to this year's National Annuity Awareness Month, but the work NAIFA has done has raised awareness that will last yearlong. We hope you saw our videos on social media featuring NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux and ACLI President and CEO Susan Neely. 

NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE, is one of eight newly named association executives named to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Association Committee of 100, also known as the C100. Mayeux will represent the interests of NAIFA members within the C100 by building partnerships and seeking common ground with other associations facing similar public policy issues. The C100 works together to "enhance the U.S. Chamber's pro-business advocacy and coalition work and strengthen Chamber efforts to fight for American business," according to a press release issued by the organization.

Scott Blake is a Wealth Management Advisor and Founder at a leading wealth management firm delivering comprehensive planning, investment, and insurance services for individuals, families, and businesses to help them achieve financial success and live rich, rewarding lives. A passionate leader in his community, Scott is a 2022 national winner of Advisor Today’s 4 Under 40 Award and a board member of several organizations in Columbus, Ohio. He is the President of the Columbus chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and has an MBA in finance and financial management services from Capital University. 

NAIFA members, mark your calendars! The Q3 State of NAIFA webinar is scheduled for July 11th at 12 pm eastern. This third update of the year is an integral part of our commitment to keep you informed about our progress and the direction we're heading.