Steve Bergee LACP's dedication to the financial services industry and NAIFA highlights the importance of advocacy, relationship-building, and the profound impact insurance professionals have on their clients' lives. 

Steve began his journey in the financial services industry as a customer service representative at a life insurance company. This experience opened his eyes to the importance of a strong advisor-client relationship, sparking his passion for the profession. Steve was drawn to the financial services industry by the ability to provide solutions and protect people’s financial goals. The satisfaction of helping clients safeguard their future continues to inspire him daily. Steve and his team at E4 Insurance Services LLC (which was named NAIFA’s 2024 Financial Security Champion of the Year) specialize in life insurance, annuities, long-term care, and disability income solutions.

Rich Campbell's long-standing career and commitment to helping families secure their financial future exemplify the values of NAIFA and the financial services profession. His passion for the industry and dedication to his clients continue to inspire those around him.

Rich was recruited into the financial services industry over two decades ago. That opportunity opened the door to a rewarding career where he found his passion for helping others achieve financial security. The appeal of the financial services industry appealed to him because of his ability to make a difference in people’s lives. Helping others secure their financial future and building a strong team have been the key motivators behind his long-standing career. The most fulfilling part of Rich’s career is giving families peace of mind by helping them chart a path toward financial security. His motivation comes from knowing he’s making a difference, while also making his own family proud. Rich excels in life insurance and investment strategies, focusing on making complex concepts understandable for his clients. He takes pride in delivering clear and relatable advice that helps his clients feel confident in their financial decisions.

Jake Kaufmann’s dedication to his clients, his passion for the financial services industry, and his leadership within NAIFA all highlight his commitment to helping others succeed. His journey serves as an inspiring example of what it means to thrive in the insurance profession while making a meaningful difference in the lives of clients and colleagues alike. Hailing from Billings, MT, Jake has been a loyal NAIFA member since 2017.

If it’s Tuesday after business hours, you’ll probably find Jennifer Hodges, LACP, CIC, at the local American Legion post in her regular place at the $10 poker game she’s been a part of for the past five years. But if you ask her about her poker face, she might hesitate.

Danny Mielneczek started his insurance and financial services career recruiting new advisors. After two years, he decided to pivot and became a financial representative with COUNTRY Financial.  

When Rodney Mogen, DBA, DFP, CRPC, AAMS, LACP, says he fell into a career in insurance and financial services, he means it literally. As a 7’2” college basketball player, Mogen was preparing for a career playing abroad when he injured his right leg coming down from a dunk. Not long after, he learned about the insurance and financial services industry at a career fair and began his career as a financial advisor. 

NAIFA-MT Past President Mike “Montana Mike” Paffhausen grew up in the insurance industry. His father had a long career as an insurance agent and agency manager and, when the time came to choose a career, Paffhausen chose to make a difference in his community by opening his own State Farm agency.

Iris Nance, LUTCF, got into the insurance and financial services industry because of a postcard.  In 1997, she was working as a Real Estate Finance Credit Analyst at a local bank after more than 10  years as a Bank Examiner with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).  While exploring other career opportunities that would allow quality time with her twin daughters, she received a postcard in the mail from Farmers Insurance, and the rest is history.

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.”

Ameritas Regional Vice President David Murphy decided to go into the insurance and financial services industry while in college. As a quarterback for Holy Cross football team in Worcester, MA, he became interested when the upperclassmen captain of the team went into the industry, but that’s not the only reason he wanted to be a financial services professional. He recalls stretching on the field one day and saying to a teammate, “Your dad’s at practice every day at 3:00, on the sidelines in a three-piece suit and driving a Mercedes. What does he do?” When his friend responded, “He’s in the insurance business,” Murphy paused and replied, “I think that’s what I’m going to do.”