Baystate Financial's Jonathan Matrullo believes in the power of mentorship, community, and advocating for insurance and financial professionals and their clients. 

When Matrullo was considering career paths while in graduate school, becoming an insurance agent or financial advisor never crossed his mind. That changed when his brother was applying for life insurance. When the insurance agent asked his brother what was important to him, his brother responded, “my family.” 

From that conversation, the agent shared that their office was expanding, and suggested Matrullo apply. He agreed to learn more and soon realized that the insurance and financial services industry is more than just life insurance—it's comprehensive financial planning for the future. That’s when he decided to start his career at New York Life.

For the past few years, pundits have been predicting that bots, robo-advisors, and other technologies will lead to the demise of living, breathing financial professionals. That hasn’t happened yet, and, in my opinion, it never will. Yes, people can conduct much of their preliminary research online, and a few are willing to purchase basic coverage without ever speaking to a person. But most will want a financial professional to guide them through life’s twists and turns. Even those people who purchase coverage from a robo-advisor will seek the expertise of a financial professional as their needs become more complex. 

NAIFA-Atlanta CEO Trey Kelly has been a NAIFA member since 1999 and has seen firsthand the benefits of NAIFA membership and NAIFA’s political advocacy. 

Getting Started

When he was an economics major in college, Kelly knew he wanted to get into sales. As luck would have it, one of his college friends suggested Kelly meet with his father, who was a top producer with John Hancock at the time. When Kelly walked into the man’s office—a top-floor space with a great view of downtown Atlanta—Kelly knew he wanted to become a financial advisor too. He joined John Hancock and his friend’s father became a mentor to him.

Increased awareness of long-term care (LTC) insurance means increased interest in LTC coverage. However, not all clients qualify for a traditional LTC rider.

Each week, NAIFA partner E4 Insurance Services presents Building Relationships Every Week (BREW) webinars with insights to help you grow your practice and serve Main Street USA.

Greg Ling is dedicated to protecting families and making a difference in his community.

Ling started his career as a juvenile probation officer but soon transitioned to a customer service role in the insurance industry at Lincoln Financial Group. He jokes that, after working with teenagers, he knew he could handle working with sales representatives and upset customers. Ling excelled at his new position and quickly rose through the ranks. He was promoted five times in his first three years. However, when he reached the top of his customer service career, he decided to make the transition to sales. 

Don't miss NAIFA Senior Vice President of Government Relations Diane Boyle on InsuranceNewsNet's webinar "Busting Through the Gridlock: A D.C. Legislative Preview" on April 13, 2022, at 1:00 pm eastern.

In a time of uncertainty leading into the 2022 midterms and 2024 presidential election, insurance and financial professionals may be able to break through the gridlock in Washington, D.C. 

In the webinar, Boyle will outline the legislation affecting insurance and financial professionals and the Main Street Americans they represent.

Congratulations to NAIFA member Steve Walker, CLTC, LUTCF, on joining NAIFA educational partner E4 Insurance Services as Vice President of Institutional Accounts.

Walker has been a loyal NAIFA member since 2009 and was honored with Advisor Today’s 4 Under 40Award in 2021. For over 13 years, he has served Main Street USA, dedicated to finding the right solution for each person who walks through his door. He is committed to NAIFA's political advocacy, fighting for his clients and the insurance and financial services industry.

Increased demand for insurance products driven by raised awareness due to COVID-19 and a tight labor market.

New annualized premium for workplace life insurance, disability insurance and supplemental health products rose in 2021, according to LIMRA’s workplace benefits sales surveys.

Apex is NAIFA’s new professional development signature event focused on providing top leadership, sales, and marketing ideas to financial services professionals. The new brand reflects the concept of a “race to the top” where only the top percent of advisors, and the aspiring top percent of advisors, gather to share and compare success stories. The inaugural Apex event will be August 17-18 at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix.

Apex is a completely redesigned pure-play professional development meeting. It features nationally known and highly regarded keynote speakers and educational sessions by top professionals and respected thought leaders in the insurance and financial services industry. Apex is also a premier networking event providing ample opportunities for top advisors to mingle, compare notes, and make valuable connections.

Rob Wild has a passion for serving his clients and his community.

When Wild came to the United States in 2013 to work in a summer camp for children with disabilities, he never imagined he would be an insurance agent in Kansas nearly a decade later. Meeting his now-wife Sarah at that camp changed his plans. Growing up in the United Kingdom, Wild had no experience with the American insurance industry. However, Wild’s father-in-law was an American Family agent and Wild decided to give it a try. His passion for building relationships and helping others led him to a fulfilling career protecting families in his community.