In 2007, Julianne Hertel, LACP, was looking for a new career. She talked with several professionals to explore her options but found the perfect fit with New York Life. Now, she helps protect Main Street Americans with comprehensive insurance and financial planning. 

Congratulations to the NAIFA members who earned the Life and Annuity Certified Professional (LACP) certification during the July testing window.

• Julianne Hertel, LACP, (loyal member since 2009), financial advisor and founder at Dream Big Wealth Strategies, LLC, in Worcester, MA

• Robert Edgin, LACP, (loyal member since 2004), insurance agent and registered representative at American National in Colorado Springs, CO

• Matthew Georgopulos, LACP, (loyal member since 2022), insurance agent at Muir Insurance Group in Lake Zurich, IL

The purpose of NAIFA is to advocate for, educate, and differentiate its members in the industry. NAIFA Arizona member Thomas Shultz understands the need for an advisor to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. From the way he prospects for clients, the name he has given his practice, and the credentials he has pursued, Shultz takes every opportunity to stand out in the industry.

Shultz has set up his firm as Medicare specialists who help clients with Medicare supplement plans, a prescription drug plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan and then, as appropriate, transition them to a broader financial planning client. All his clients come through Medicare marketing. He says his experience shows, “If you do a good job servicing that book of business, you’re able to get to a lot of assets.”

Obstacles can open a whole new world of opportunities for growth and success. Han Suk Kim, a New York Life financial professional and agent, took every obstacle thrown his way with grace and resiliency, cultivating a successful career and giving back to the community in Fort Lee, NJ. 

Han Suk Kim, CLTC, LACP, Chairman’s Council 2021; The Chairman’s Council is an annual New York Life recognition program based on agent production from July 1-June 30. Kim has achieved membership with The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) since his first year with New York Life and has been a NAIFA member since 2008. The Million Dollar Round Table, The Premier Association of Financial Professionals, is recognized globally as the standard of excellence for life insurance sales performance in the insurance and financial services industry. Kim is an established agent and financial professional who has been with New York Life for over 16 years in Fort Lee, NJ, with an impressive record of accomplishments. 

After 10 years working in the corporate office of American National Insurance Company in Springfield, MO, Stephanie Hohenshell was recruited into the field. She loved her career in the corporate office, so it was a big step to resign from that job to take on the role of a 1099 advisor. It took about a year and a half of encouragement before she made the leap. Seven years later, she only wishes she had done it sooner.