Please join us in congratulating Marc Sigmon, our Q2 Hard Hat Award winner in the Grassroots category! Grassroots advocacy is the heartbeat of NAIFA's impact, and Marc embodies that mission with every step he takes through the halls of Congress.
A dedicated leader, proud veteran, and unwavering industry advocate, Marc has been named NAIFA’s Q2 Hard Hat Award winner in the Grassroots category. This honor recognizes his exceptional commitment to engaging lawmakers, mobilizing local members, and ensuring the voices of agents and advisors are heard at every level of government.
Leading by Example on Capitol Hill
Marc’s leadership was on full display during the 2025 Congressional Conference, where he coordinated NAIFA-California’s San Diego region for Hill Day appointments. He scheduled a full day of meetings—nine in total—and ensured every participant was fully briefed and confident. At NAIFA’s request, he also accompanied first-time attendees to help guide them through the process and make their first advocacy experience a success.
“We don’t skip any offices, regardless of party or geography,” Marc explains. “Whether we’re in Sacramento or Washington, D.C., I make it a point to show up and represent our profession with purpose.”
His boots-on-the-ground approach isn’t just effective; it’s deeply personal. For Marc, the Hard Hat Award is a nod to his military roots, where putting on protective gear signaled that serious work was ahead. That same mindset now drives his advocacy.
“This award represents grit, resilience, and meaningful effort on behalf of our clients, our colleagues, and the communities we serve.”
Advocacy Fueled by Loyalty—With a Canine Co-Captain
Marc’s secret advocacy weapon is Kiara, his loyal service dog, trusted travel companion, and unofficial NAIFA mascot.
Kiara always joins Marc at the Capitol and other NAIFA events, winning over hearts (and occasionally securing meeting invites) from staffers and lawmakers alike. Her calm, friendly presence helps break the ice, making Hill conversations more approachable and authentic. Although Kiara appears friendly, she is working to assist Marc in a critical role often unseen or unnoticed. She is just as dedicated to Marc as he is to NAIFA.
"Once people meet Kiara, I simply become her handler. She opens doors sometimes I can't," Marc says with a smile.
More than a beloved pet, Kiara is part of the mission. Whether she's waiting patiently at Marc's side, attending meetings and events, or offering her quiet support after a long day, she represents the loyalty and heart Marc brings to his work.
From Navy Uniform to Legislative Influence
Marc’s journey from Navy ships to the halls of Congress is remarkable. Where he once stood in formation, briefly shaking a legislator’s hand, he now walks into congressional offices as a respected and informed voice. Many lawmakers now know him by name and value his insight.
He carries two coins with him at all times, one from his Congressman, Darrell Issa, and another honoring Gold Star families. They serve as daily reminders of the trust placed in him and the duty he carries.
“I see this work as life-changing. The fact that congressional offices are asking us to help shape future legislation tells me we’re doing it right.”
A Mission Rooted in Personal Experience
Marc’s passion for advocacy was shaped by personal tragedy. When his stepfather passed away, an outdated life insurance beneficiary designation left his mother without the protection they thought was in place. It was a stark lesson in how critical agents are long after the sale is made.
“We don’t just generate business. We service policies. And we protect families in ways that policymakers often overlook.”
That experience became a turning point. When Marc was asked to help organize a NAIFA-CA event, scheduled on what would have been his stepfather’s birthday, he knew this work was more than professional. It was personal. Since then, he’s made it his mission to strengthen NAIFA’s presence in San Diego and build a unified team of advocates.
Simple Advice, Lasting Impact
Marc’s message to fellow NAIFA members is simple and powerful: “Show up. Be brilliant. Be brief. Be gone.” You don’t need to be a policy expert, just informed, authentic, and willing to engage.
From organizing drive-by meetings with unresponsive offices to helping members overcome their nerves before their first Hill visit, Marc ensures NAIFA’s voice is not just heard but remembered.
“I want the next member who walks into those offices to be recognized and welcomed,” he says. “Because we’ve built that relationship and that trust.”
A True Hard Hat Leader
Marc Sigmon’s work shows what grassroots leadership looks like in action. He’s not waiting for change. He’s creating it. One meeting, one relationship, and one story at a time.
Congratulations to Marc Sigmon, our Q2 Hard Hat Award winner. Your service, strategy, and heart are strengthening NAIFA—and shaping the future of our industry.