Gilbert Mares, CEO of Gilbert A. Mares and Associates, is a loyal NAIFA member and past President of NAIFA's Los Angeles affiliate from 2003-2005. 

What are your plans this fall? Be sure you've added attending e3 in San Diego to your calendar. We've got a fantastic event planned over 3 days for you to Engage. Empower. Explore. We're still finalizing all of the details of the program, but we can tell you that you won't want to miss what we have in store for you. Join us from September 29th through October 1st at the Westin San Diego Downtown.

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.

Eva Emperador and her family migrated from the Philippines to the United States in 1981. Her family started out in Sonneville, CA, she moved to various cities over the years, and now resides in Gilroy, CA. Eva began her career as a finance controller for various companies, managing budgets, profits, and loss for organizations in the food, manufacturing, and aerospace industries. After 25 years of success as a financial controller, Eva made the pivot into financial services. After meeting with her financial advisor, she was inspired to change her career path into the financial service industry in 2017.   

Engage. Empower. Explore. NAIFA-California's signature event is back live and in-person September 29-October 1 in San Diego. This is the quality conference you've come to expect from NAIFA-California. Complete with engaging breakout sessions, ample networking opportunities, the annual business meeting, and the naming of this year's Norm Levine Distinguished Service Award. You will hear from NAIFA rock stars like Tom Michel and Delvin Joyce.

Join NAIFA-Los Angeles Thursday, August 26th for a Life Insurance Awareness Event with David McKnight, Author of "The Power of Zero", and Faisa Stafford, CEO of Life Happens! 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM PST on the Zoom Platform.

Twenty-eight years ago, I entered this business not knowing the true impact I would or could have for my clients. I joined NAIFA shortly after starting with Farmers Insurance Agency at the ripe age of 23. I had no true concept of the business, except I got to see first-hand by helping a friend run his practice for two months. In that time, I had a district manager approach me to open my own agency. At first, I was resistant, but then shortly discovered, I can do this! Thankfully, I had a district manager and friend that told me I had to join NAIFA and gave me various reasons why. They both told me I would get back so much more than I put in. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but after a year in the business I knew the value of my membership. I moved back to Fresno from Lubbock, Texas, where I attended Texas Tech. I started not really knowing too many people that would or could buy insurance, but I met people in NAIFA that believed in me and helped me in so many ways -- from practice management, hiring, relationships skills, growing and running my business, and so much more. I was getting advice and coaching from the top advisors in town and across California. This growth, knowledge and insight into the industry was tremendous and a game changer for my business. Getting involved gave me the fast track to learning the industry and exposed me to industry leaders that were willing to share their time, skills, and insight to help me grow my business and help my clients. They taught me the business and what really mattered so I could exceed. That time, training and insight was priceless.

I am writing to ask for your help in defeating a piece of proposed legislation that will dramatically change the scope and nature of your independent financial planning practice or insurance agency.

NAIFA-California Day on the Hill 2021- A HUGE Success. NAIFA-California members have a lot to be proud of for their effectiveness at this year’s Virtual State Day on the Hill (DOTH).  This year’s DOTH was held the last week of March and early June as dozens of members connected with State Assemblypersons, Senators and staffers virtually to discuss three pending pieces of legislations. AB551; AB743; and AB1498. Of the bills we addressed, thus far we have seen positive change on two, AB743 and AB1498 have both been suspended in committee meaning they will not move forward this legislative period. After discussing the details on the stall of these bills, it looks like they will be allowed to die completely and will not be resubmitted in current form.

NAIFA Affiliate Inland Empire is hosting a Disability Forum - Ask the Experts - for their second quarter meeting. Tune in on Friday, May 21st at 11 a.m. presented by Iain MacDonald with diBroker West (N. CA), Paul Sitar with diBroker West (S. CA) and Zach Mindham, Senior DI Sales Mgr. with Principal.