Thomas R. Gearhart

CLU®, ChFC®

Financial Advisor

Northwestern Mutual - Indiana

NAIFA is the only group that brings producers, at the local level, together in a way other industry groups aren’t able.  Those of us who really make up the fiber of the insurance and financial services industry find a place in NAIFA.  We are more able to affect our communities and work together with the goal of having a more effective impact on regular every day Americans whom we serve. If Congress ever concludes we only work for the rich, we are in trouble.

Making good relationships with competitors has helped my business in ways I can only try to measure, mostly with persistency. Perceived “enemies” become friends and colleagues. I cannot imagine my career without with my active NAIFA membership.  It has proved to be incredibly valuable. 

NAIFA is effective in their lobbying efforts.  NAIFA works with the other industry organizations. The difference lies in the constituency of more mainstream producers and their clients. As I have for several years, I plan to go to Washington in May for the NAIFA Congressional Conference and Day on The Hill.  When elected officials hear about average Americans and the work we do for them as their constituents, they listen.  We must continue to remind Washington how valuable both our products and we are, never taking for granted they understand.  They don’t. It is a constant process of re-education.

I hope you will consider being a member and encourage others to do the same.  I just feel strongly that NAIFA is valuable and different from the other industry groups and that we all need to belong.