I first joined NAIFA in 2008. It wasn’t until 2011 when I really figured out that NAIFA is much more than just an organization where I show up to a lunch or breakfast once a month to watch a guest speaker. At that time, I just moved back to CA from AZ and on my first day, in my new role, I went to see Van Mueller speak at the NAIFA Inland Empire monthly meeting. At the time, Mark Cupp was president and he immediately welcomed me and quickly got me involved. That year happened to be my first NAIFA National Conference in Las Vegas. One that I will never forget and no I am not talking about the craziness that comes from being in Las Vegas. Although those experiences were fun too. I am talking the start of what I call my NAIFA family.

It started with Mark introducing me to Shane Westhoelter. Shane then introduced me to the NAIFA CA board along with many others on the National level. Fast forward to today and that list of introductions are in the thousands across the country. A lot of them have become mentors and very close friends that I look forward to seeing at events annually. You see, It was at that time, I really saw the power of what this organization is all about. You can’t put a price tag on relationships. I have built so many with members of this organization over the last 10 years, it’s incredible. The 3 hours sitting in traffic with Van Mueller after picking him up from the airport, the many lunches and dinners with David McKnight, Tom Hegna and many other top advisors on the speaking circuit, that you normally would only see on a stage, are just some of the experiences that I would have never gotten if it wasn’t for my involvement in this organization.

I share this story because you might have joined NAIFA a few years ago and are still trying to figure everything out. If that’s the case, I hope this inspires you to want to do more. Our local chapters and affiliates need your help. NAIFA California needs your help. We find ourselves at a time when our industry is undergoing tremendous changes. We need more ambassadors, recruiters and leaders that can continue to promote NAIFA at every level across our state. For us to continue to grow, it takes all of us moving this massive ship together.

BUT, I truly believe, until you get involved, you wont fully understand the lasting impact this organization will have on your life and what it truly does for our industry. I encourage all of you to get involved at some level. If you are wondering how, reach out to me. I would be happy to be a new contact in your phone that you could call when you need someone to talk to. Lastly, I hope to see all of you at the 2021 NAIFA California Conference in San Diego, September 30^th. It could be the one event that makes NAIFA become that much more important in your life.

Thank you for all you do!

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