Leslie “Les” Grubin was recognized posthumously with the 2010 Douglas Mooers Award for Excellence at the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies (NAILBA) annual meeting.
Grubin, who did not retire until 2008, when he was into his nineties, died in 2009. He is survived by two children, Lynn Grubin Walker and Todd Grubin, who accepted the award on his behalf.
Upon presenting the award, Gary Dworkin, NAILBA immediate past chair, said that Grubin embodied all of the qualities the award represents—commitment to furthering independent life brokerage as a distribution system and an exemplary record of community service. “Les had an unequalled passion for this industry. As a first-generation BGA, his 60-plus year career in the brokerage distribution channel was unmatched. As one of the first people to start an agency (in 1961), his leadership as a first-generation BGA charted a course that many BGAs have followed.”
Robert Katzen, past NAILBA chairman and longtime Grubin friend, said of Les, “Others may have had more success or more knowledge on a particular topic, but few individuals in our business had a more lasting or a more positive impact on so many of us.”
Also a long-time member of the Risk Appraisal Forum, an industry study group, Grubin served as a linchpin of the Forum—and is fondly remembered by the members of that group as part mentor, part father-figure, part cheerleader, part teacher, but mostly as a dear friend.
In addition, he was also very active in his community, including military service during World War II, resulting in recognition with a Bronze Star Medal; community service supporting Big Brothers; and work with the In and Out Program, which paired inmates at San Quentin prison with successful businessmen mentors to help ease their reentry into society.
Les’ daughter Lynn Grubin Walker remembers, “He was one of those remarkable people for whom everyone was wonderful until proven otherwise. His true talent lay in the relationships he built—both in and out of the business.”
Len Reynolds, long-time friend and business associate of Grubin’s, said, “Thanks to Les, scores of us have enjoyed incredible success and expanded opportunities for our families. Yet, the success Les most enjoyed was never measured in dollars. In fact, the evening of his retirement party he told me, ‘My fortune is in my family and friends.’ ” [SAC]
Leon Huffman, Huffman and Associates, Orlando, FL, was named the recipient of the 2010 NAILBA Chairman’s Award. The award, created in 2009, was developed to recognize the efforts of a NAILBA volunteer who has performed “over and above” normal expectations during a chairman’s term.
“As the political and economic environment has become more challenging, and scrutiny on the brokerage industry has been increased, NAILBA’s role has shifted,” said Mark Rosen, NAILBA’s 2010 chairman. “Since the beginning of these efforts, one name has been synonymous with NAILBA government affairs— Leon Huffman.
“Leon has been a tireless advocate for our industry. Working very closely with NAILBA’s lobbyist and staffers, Leon has been the driving force and freely given of his time and energy to ensure the continued viability of our industry.”
Huffman served as the 2010 co-chair of the Government Affairs committee and on the NAILBA PAC Board of Directors, and has been active in NAILBA for many years.
Rosen continued, “I assure you that our industry is in a better position today due in no small part to Leon’s efforts on behalf of NAILBA and our industry.”
Important Correction: The December article, “Broken Trust: Addressing An Ineffective ILIT,” by Glenn Plotkin, American General Life Companies, was inadvertently published sans some particularly key edits provided by the author. It does not provide a full discussion of issues associated with ILIT structures, changes to such structures, and various state and federal laws. Please consult your tax advisor for specific questions. Broker World strongly recommends that you read the author’s intended and more comprehensive version of the article online at www.brokerworldmag.com/articles/articles.php?articleid=2785
