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.

Apply today to take the LACP exam during January! The final deadline is December 15, 2021. NAIFA members receive a $200 discount on the application. There is a $50 late sign-up fee, but NAIFA members can use the code Late50 for a $50 discount when applying.

A past president of NAIFA Los Angeles, incoming president of the Los Angeles chapter of Women in Financial Services (WIFS), and graduate of NAIFA’s Leadership in Life Institute (LILI), Joanna Dellosa is a proven leader. So, it is no surprise she was one of the first advisors to earn the Life and Annuity Certified Professional (LACP) certification when it was launched in 2017.

NAIFA congratulates the members who earned the Life and Annuity Certified Professional (LACP) certification during the July testing window:

Swapan Munshi, LACP, is a principal with Council Financial & Insurance Services in San Francisco and a member of NAIFA California. Born in the United States to parents who immigrated from India, Munshi grew up watching his father develop and maintain a successful financial services practice by building great relationships with his clients. But Munshi’s father never tried to bring him into the business. Instead, he encouraged him to chart his own path. Munshi found his purpose and initial career helping people through difficult times as a mental health care professional working with individuals in Veterans Administration hospitals and the state prison system.

Carina Hatfield, LUTCF, CLCS, LACP, is the owner of Weigner Insurance & Financial Services Inc. and recently served as a subject matter expert in the development of the new LACP online prep course. Located in Pottstown, PA, Hatfield's practice serves small businesses and young families in southeastern Pennsylvania. Her clients are quintessential Main Street USA.

NAIFA is pleased to announce that Prudential has approved the Life and Annuities Certified Professional (LACP) certification for use by the agents and advisors who provide its products. The LACP demonstrates a professional knowledge of life and annuity products and an ethical approach to sales.