Originally from Chile, new NAIFA member, Sandra Reardon, made the move to the United States in 2003, bringing with her a deep commitment to building a secure future for herself and her family. Over the years, she has established herself as a trusted professional in multiple industries, including real estate, insurance, and child care. A successful real estate agent and owner of a daycare business, Sandra has always been passionate about helping people. But it was a personal tragedy in 2020, the sudden loss of her husband, that highlighted the importance of not only having life insurance, but also understanding it thoroughly. Motivated by this realization, Sandra decided to become a life insurance agent to help others avoid the confusion and difficulties she faced, and to educate families about the importance of financial planning and protection to safeguard their futures and protect what matters most.

Colin Aubin’s path to success in financial services is rooted in a strong family foundation, an early background in competitive sports, and a commitment to community impact. Raised in Orland Park, Illinois, Colin’s values were shaped by a family deeply committed to service and education. His mother, Donna, was a dedicated teacher who spent over three decades shaping young minds, while his father, Tom, worked in finance as a CFO. This blend of education and finance set a solid example for Colin, who now brings elements of both worlds into his work, valuing both knowledge and community-focused financial planning. “Growing up with a mom who taught and a dad in finance, I learned the importance of both dedication and service,” Colin shared. “Those values have stayed with me, guiding me through every phase of my career.” This upbringing cultivated in him a sense of responsibility and compassion—qualities that would later define his leadership style.

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.

New NAIFA member, Alexander Flecker, CFP, CIMA, Head of Distribution at Measured Risk Portfolios, shares insights into his journey in the financial services industry and the firm's rapid growth since joining in mid-2023. During his tenure, Measured Risk Portfolios has seen a significant rise in assets under management, from $260 million to over $345 million, and has led a complete rebranding of the firm’s flagship SMA offering, now called SynthEquity™. This expansion has been fueled by increased visibility in the marketplace, which has led to new external partnerships and increased advisor allocations. However, when asked, Flecker humbly attributes the strategy’s exceptional performance to his ability to execute a successful business development effort.

Marie Gilmour O'Keefe’s career path has been anything but conventional. Her entry into the financial services sector came through a winding route that began in the world of food service and hospitality. The pivot from hospitality to financial services came when her mother-in-law’s financial advisor inquired about people looking for job opportunities, she suggested that Marie’s husband might be a fit. To which he responded—“I hate people, but you should talk to my wife”— which led to a meeting that ultimately set the stage for Marie's new career path.

Marie had early exposure to financial services through her father, who transitioned from being a preacher to a career in financial services. Although Marie initially had little interest in following her father’s footsteps, her perspective changed as she approached a new phase of her life. Her father’s influence, combined with her own experiences and evolving interests, led her to reconsider this career path. Marie has been a financial advisor for the last 12 years.

Chris Roper is a seasoned financial advisor who is passionate about helping individuals navigate their financial journeys as a fiduciary and an educator. With over 14 years in the industry, he specializes in 401K advising and personal finance management for high-net-worth individuals. Beyond his professional endeavors, Chris harbors a love for travel, seeking experiences and lessons to bring back to his practice. His approach to business is characterized by his servant leadership, collaborative spirit, and personal goal to help over a million people. Chris has been honored as one of the National Four Under 40 by Advisor Today, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the financial advising industry.

David Wood’s journey in the financial services industry is a testament to dedication, vision, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Based in Marlborough, CT, Wood has been a loyal member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) since 2024, though his connection to the field dates back to the 1990s. As the founder and principal of Gateway Financial Partners, Wood’s career is a blend of pioneering spirit and deep-rooted advocacy.

Congratulations to NAIFA Trustee Stephen Kagawa, LUTCF, FSS, on being named the 71^st recipient of NAIFA-Los Angeles’s Will G. Farrell Public Service Award. The CEO and Chairman of the Board of The Pacific Bridge Companies has been a loyal NAIFA member since 1986.

Ronald Koehler: A Lifetime of Financial Planning Excellence and Advocacy

Ronald Koehler, ChFC, LUTCF, a veteran financial planner and loyal NAIFA member since 1984 from Galesburg, IL, has dedicated an impressive four decades to the industry. His impact resonates not only within his local community but also across the broader landscape of financial planning advocacy. In an exclusive interview, Koehler shared profound insights into his career journey, emphasizing his involvement with NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors) and the pivotal role of mentorship in shaping the future of financial advising.

Koehler's odyssey commenced in 1984, fresh out of Iowa State University in Ames, IA. Koehler's professional trajectory led him to Galesburg, where he is currently a Partner at Charterpoint Wealth Strategies.