When Bryan Nester created Nester Insurance in 2010, his mission was simple—to help people understand their insurance options and make the best choice for their unique situations. Nester Insurance started as a solo operation offering group health, life, and disability plans for businesses but expanded staff in 2016 to help shape the group benefits agency it is today.

United Wealth Advisors Group (UWAG) was founded in 2013 by NAIFA National Past President Keith M. Gillies, CFP^®, CLU, ChFC^®; Kim Allen, LUTCF; and Mark A. Cecil, CFP^®. Each ran his own independent firm within Ameritas, and the trio decided to integrate their practices to improve continuity and efficiency. Over the years, more firms have joined the fold. Now, UWAG has over 40 advisors in seven offices across six states. 

While each firm has its own specialty, they share a common focus on risk-based, comprehensive financial planning. UWAG President Brian Steiner sums up the company culture, saying, “Our whole mantra is ‘Better Together’. Our organization is built on collaboration and ‘do no harm'. We're a group that works collectively to serve the greater good.”

NAIFA is proud to welcome Underwriters Marketing Service, our newest NAIFA 100% agency!

Getting Started

When Mary Ann Lacey-Gray, CLTC, began working in 1965, there weren’t many career options for women. She joined the insurance and financial services industry as a secretary at Fireman's Fund Insurance Company (FFIC) and quickly rose through the ranks. Driven to succeed, she seized every opportunity she could to learn and grow. She took on more and more responsibility and soon became an area sales manager.

In January 2021, The Fortis Agency, headquartered in Holmdel, NJ, became the initial participant in NAIFA's 100% Agency program. All of the Fortis Agency's advisors became NAIFA members and received a special orientation on how they could get the most out of their memberships and maximize their participation in NAIFA. 

NAIFA is pleased to announce that Wall Street Financial, Inc. in Carlinville, Marion, and Bloomington IL, and a location in Memphis, TN, has become a NAIFA 100% Agency. Under the membership program, Wall Street Financial, Inc has enrolled all of its advisors as NAIFA members and enrolled them in NAIFA’s grassroots advocacy programs.

Rodrigo Menendez, MBA, CRPC, LACP, has been a NAIFA member since 2011. He began his career with State Farm in 2011, taking over a book of business from a retiring 30-year veteran of the insurance industry. He was recruited by a family friend who was looking for Spanish-speaking agents.  

Early on, Menendez could tell it was the right fit for him. The most important thing in Menendez’s work, he says, is helping people. He builds relationships with his clients and their families that last years. “Being able to provide them some sense of relief, financially, in a situation when they’re grieving - I think that's one of the reasons we focus on life insurance so much in my agency,” he explains. 

Joseph Chalom, CLU, RICP, LUTCF, LACP, President of Retirement Council, Inc., based in Coral Springs, FL, fondly recalls relationships forged with clients over decades of service.

“Sometimes in this business, you just need a friendly voice and clients are often that friendly voice,” Chalom said. “Many longstanding clients always take my calls, and I would always take their calls. Every advisor needs that client who is receptive and open to them when they need a lift themselves.”

For Net Worth Asset Management in Lansdale, PA, becoming a NAIFA 100% Agency was not a hard decision. “You put up or shut up,” said Managing Partner Drew Shumski, LUTCF, RFC, MDRT, a loyal member since 1998. And being a NAIFA member is how advisors show their professionalism and dedication to their business and clients.

NAIFA is pleased to announce that Retirement Council, Inc., in Coral Springs, FL, has become a NAIFA 100% Agency. Under the membership program, Retirement Council, Inc., has enrolled all of its advisors as NAIFA members and enrolled them in NAIFA’s grassroots advocacy programs.

NAIFA is pleased to announce that NetWorth Asset Management in Lansdale, PA, has become a NAIFA 100% Agency. Under the membership program, NetWorth Asset Management, Inc. has enrolled all of its advisors as NAIFA members and enrolled them in NAIFA’s grassroots advocacy programs.