Joe Breslin is a dedicated financial professional with Armstrong Dixon in Baltimore, MD, and a loyal member of NAIFA since 2018. His journey into the financial services industry is marked by a strong drive to help others achieve financial success. Reflecting on his early days, Joe remembers making thousands of cold calls to small business owners to build his client base. At the time, he worked for a large insurance company and was fortunate to have a few clients who helped him grow his network through referrals.

Monique Lee, a dedicated financial professional with New York Life and a NAIFA member since 2023. Based in Anchorage, Alaska, Monique’s journey into the financial services world began when her youngest child was preparing to start grade school. Looking for an opportunity to re-enter the workforce, she was referred to New York Life by a close family friend—and she hasn’t looked back since.

Jesus U. Lopez Soto’s journey into the financial services industry began with a simple goal: to find a work-from-home opportunity for his pregnant wife. Initially, he saw it as a way for her to earn extra income. However, after being introduced to the industry by a coworker and friend, Jesus realized that this was not just a job for his wife—it was an opportunity for him to build a meaningful career as well. He quickly recognized that the financial services industry offered a chance to help others, make a lasting impact, and achieve personal and professional fulfillment.

Mark Willis, CFP®, is a dedicated financial professional and the founder of Lake Growth Financial Services, located in St. Charles, IL. Since entering the financial services industry, Mark has been driven by a deep passion to help individuals and families achieve their financial goals and create lasting security. Mark’s journey into the financial services industry was shaped by his personal experience during the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, when he faced overwhelming six-figure student loan debt. This experience not only ignited his own desire for financial education but also inspired him to help others avoid similar financial pitfalls.

Jennifer F. Shepley, CFP®, is a financial professional based in Massachusetts, with licensing across multiple states. She specializes in family and small business insurance, retirement income planning, and long-term care solutions. Her journey into the industry was a blend of serendipity and family tradition, shaped by the legacy of her father, who founded his insurance practice in 1959.

Tom Schmidt, CFBS CLTC LACP’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication. From an unconventional start in the life insurance business to becoming a highly successful financial professional, Tom has navigated a career filled with challenges and triumphs. Over the decades, he has built enduring relationships with clients, many of whom have been with him for over 30 years.

Tom entered the financial services industry in February 1988, stepping into a career he hadn’t anticipated. Leaving behind a job at Amoco, Tom was enticed by the promise of a more rewarding future in financial services. However, he quickly discovered that the role centered on life insurance, something he hadn’t been aware of beforehand. Despite the initial shock and challenges of working on straight commission, Tom leaned into his natural work ethic, his extensive network, and his determination to succeed. He shares, “For a newbie in the business, I had pretty good success right off the bat. But it wasn’t easy—I learned quickly that building trust and relationships was everything in this industry.”

Tom’s perseverance paid off, and over time he cultivated a thriving client base. Many of his first clients remain with him today, a testament to the loyalty and trust he inspires.

Christopher Potts, a seasoned financial professional and passionate advocate for the financial services industry, exemplifies leadership, commitment, and a deep sense of responsibility. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Christopher has seamlessly combined his roles as a mentor, advisor, and advocate, leaving an indelible mark on the communities he serves and the industry he represents.

After earning a finance degree from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, Tyler Engelhaupt entered the insurance industry, initially seeking a case manager role with a focus on financial advising. Instead, he found himself in a sales position at Ash, where his career quickly flourished. Specializing in annuities and retirement planning, Tyler now works alongside other advisors to help clients achieve their retirement goals through customized financial strategies.

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.