Broker World

More than 6,000 boxes of Crayola® crayons were donated to Crayons to Computers as a result of the first annual “crayon challenge” held by Great American Insurance Group and Ohio National Financial Services. The challenge involved associates at each company competing to donate the most 24-count boxes of Crayola crayons and resulted in 3,364 boxes from Ohio National and 2,785 from Great American.  This is enough crayons for:

• 260 Kindergarten Classrooms
• 500+ Preschool Classrooms
• 6,149 students 

Crayons to Computers distributes 60,000 24-count boxes of crayons on average annually – that’s more than 1.4 million crayons. For the 2015-16 school year, Crayons to Computers gave away 1,671,250 crayons. “More than 150,000 students returned to school this fall throughout Greater Cincinnati without school supplies. Thanks to the ‘crayon challenge’ with Great American Insurance Group and Ohio National, we are able to provide these students with the critical tools for success in the classroom and in life,” said Susan Frankel, president & CEO, Crayons to Computers.

“Our Great American Insurance Group employees enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the Crayon Challenge and give back to thousands of local students,” said Carl H. Lindner III, Co-CEO, American Financial Group.  Craig Lindner, Co-CEO, American Financial Group also commented “We  thought the challenge was a fun and unique way to help students in our community obtain the school supplies they need to learn and create.”

Ohio National Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Gary “Doc” Huffman said, “Ohio National has supported Crayons to Computers for eleven years and we’re proud to be part of this crayon challenge. We look forward to having all of the financial services companies in Greater Cincinnati participate next year.”

Crayons to Computers is a Cincinnati based non-profit organization founded in 1997 and committed to ensuring that that every child in greater Cincinnati has the quantity and quality of supplies necessary to succeed in school. During the 2016-17 school year, Crayons to Computers will partner with more than 600 schools to serve approximately 12,000 teachers and 150,000 students in Preschool through Grade 12 in 16 counties throughout Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana.  Through their Teacher Free Store and Mobile Outreach Programs, Crayons to Computers aims to bridge the gap for families and schools who do not have the financial ability to provide school supplies to students.  For more information about Crayons to Computers, please go to www.crayons2computers.org.

Tracing its corporate origins to 1909, Ohio National markets a variety of insurance and financial products through more than 50,000 representatives in 49 states (all except New York), the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and through affiliated operations in South America. Additional subsidiaries operate in New York and Connecticut. As of December 31, 2015, its affiliated companies have $40.2 billion total assets under management. Products are issued by The Ohio National Life Insurance Company and Ohio National Life Assurance Corporation.  Ohio National is proud to be named a “Top Workplace” in Cincinnati for seven consecutive years by Enquirer Media (June 2010-2016) and employs more than 1,300 associates. Visit www.ohionational.com for more information.    

National Life Group Foundation’s board of directors approved a 33 percent increase in its annual budget, raising to $1 million the amount of charitable grants the foundation will be able to award starting in 2017.

“The National Life Group Foundation is one of the important vehicles through which National Life Group lives its values of doing good, being good and making good,” said Beth Rusnock, Foundation president. “By providing grants to qualifying nonprofits, we keep our promises to support our local communities. They, in turn, keep their promises to those they serve.”

National Life formalized its philanthropic giving by establishing a charitable foundation in 2006. Since then, the Foundation has awarded $4.2 million in grants to nonprofits large and small, including $750,000 in 2016.

In the past year, the Foundation has made a $100,000 grant to COTS, which operates the largest homeless agency in Vermont; a $15,000 grant to the North Texas Food Bank; and a $25,000 grant to the Vermont Foodbank. In addition, grants have gone to more than 100 other agencies.

The National Life Group Foundation primarily makes grants in northern and central Vermont and in the Dallas, Texas, region, where the company has major operations. It also matches contributions up to $1,500 that employees make to nonprofits and it funds prize awards for the LifeChanger of the Year educator recognition program sponsored by National Life Group.

At National Life, the story is simple: For more than 167 years they’ve worked hard to deliver on their promises to millions of people with the vision of providing peace of mind in times of need.  National Life Group Foundation helps build healthy and vital communities by supporting organizations and initiatives that make a positive difference.  Learn more at www.NationalLife.com.

LifeMark Partners, Inc., one of the nation’s largest independent national insurance marketing organizations, celebrates its 20-year anniversary as an IMO this fall. With roots in the life insurance industry extending 40 years, the company began from the study group LIFE Inc., before developing into an IMO serving the comprehensive distribution needs of the BGA community. Currently with 37 BGA partners nationwide and a reach of more than 100,000 affiliated agents and advisors, LifeMark Partners, Inc., celebrates this milestone through reflection on the past, present and future of the life insurance industry. 

“I believe we have been successful for so many years because we remained focused on improving the distribution of life insurance for our BGA partners. We did this by concentrating on three critical initiatives: Access. Expertise. Partnership,” said William Shelow, CLU, ChFC, CPCU, LLIF, current president and chief executive officer, LifeMark Partners. “We pride ourselves on offering world-class resources to a top-tier group of BGAs, and our success will always be due to their success. We are fortunate to be the company they chose to have as a partner.” 

Past–Rooted in Study Group History
It started at the Greenbrier Resort when Security Connecticut, one of the leading early brokerage industry companies, hosted a meeting of their general agents. Several of these attendees decided to share ideas for insurance sales and marketing. The first formal meeting of LIFE Inc., (Life Insurance for Everyone) was held in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1976 with the original member agencies Security House (Baltimore, MD), Life Plans (CT), Shaw American (Louisville, KY), Underwriters Brokerage Service (Pittsburgh, PA), Ambassador Insurance Agency (Boston, MA) and Imco Life Services (Southfield, MI).

Membership expanded over the years to a high of 17 member agencies, and while LIFE, Inc., has remained a study group, business and growth opportunities beyond the original charter were emerging. The group understood that there was a major difference between a study group among friends and a successful business venture that could dedicate resources to build tools and infrastructure to support BGAs, so a marketing organization, LifeMark Partners, Inc., was born in 1996.

“As one of the founders, LifeMark Partners has been part of my life and my business since its inception,” said Barbara Crowley, CEO of Brokers Clearing House, Ltd., and 2014 NAILBA Chairman of the Board of Directors.  “It has meant camaraderie, resources, opportunities and industry recognition for myself and Brokers Clearing House, Ltd. I can’t imagine the last 20 years with anyone else.”  

Present–Today’s Industry-Leading IMO
Today, the founding study group philosophy remains evident through the partnership of like-minded BGAs recognized for sharing best practices and growing their agencies together. LifeMark Partners provides agency owners, employees and affiliated advisors ongoing and diverse training opportunities throughout the year, as well as an opportunity to connect, collaborate and share intellectual capital with each other for effective strategies toward continued growth of their agencies.

“LifeMark Partners offers true partnership through the most impressive resources available in our industry,” said Ed Leisher, CLU, of AgencyONE. “Their established stature as a trusted organization and vision for the future of our industry made partnering with them an obvious choice. Both our companies believe in strong collaborative environments, and we look forward to working with them for many years to come.”  

Through its established and extensive carrier relationships with more than 20 insurance companies for life, annuity and long-term care, LifeMark Partners assists its BGAs and their advisors to expedite and enhance the underwriting process with industry-leading underwriting training and resources. Earlier this year, it launched a new proprietary technology, QuoteShop, reinventing the way agencies communicate with carriers to be able to place cases with complex underwriting faster, more accurately and with less hassle for the end client. Additionally, LifeMark provides exclusive access to reinsurance markets and jumbo case capacity to collectively provide access to the right products, resources and support needed to place all types of business. 

“The various technology and training resources available through LifeMark have kept us on the cutting edge of the industry to attract and retain top quality advisors,” said partner Brad Newcomb of Independent Planners Group. “Last year alone we were able to recruit more than 170 new advisors to our firm, and a lot of that was because of these different platforms that are available to us exclusively through LifeMark.”

Future–Vision for the Future of Life Insurance Distribution
“While LifeMark Partners has been an industry success story throughout their 20-year history, I am most excited and encouraged with our prospects for the future,” says Mark Rosen, CLU, current Chairman of the Board for LifeMark Partners and 2010 NAILBA Chairman of the Board of Directors. “LifeMark is constantly expanding on a truly impressive array of resources and distribution initiatives that will continue to enable partners to be proactively positioned for growth and relevance in our constantly-changing marketplace for years to come.”

Looking forward, one thing is certain: the need for life insurance is not going away. Today America faces a large under- or uninsured population needing education and access to life insurance. One in three households would be in immediate trouble paying living expenses if the primary wage earner died, according to the 2016 Insurance Barometer Study by Life Happens and LIMRA. Additionally, 40 percent of those surveyed haven’t bought life insurance or more of it because they were unsure of what type or how much to buy.

The question becomes how these needs are going to be met as the industry has continued to evolve away from the career model and into financial advisors and multiple-line agents who may not focus on life insurance solutions. “We need innovation around distribution. Period,” said Shelow. “Our reality is that there is no one solution to the distribution puzzle today. We need a collaborative and comprehensive approach, and that is what LifeMark Partners is all about.”

About LifeMark Partners, Inc.
LifeMark Partners exists to leverage partner, carrier and industry resources and expertise to enhance and expand life insurance distribution for the benefit of all stakeholders. As an independent insurance marketing organization, LifeMark is dedicated to the ongoing development and enhancement of BGA partner resources to help undeniably differentiate partner agencies from the competition. Affiliates benefit from some of the most robust service offerings in the market today, including expansive underwriting capabilities, advanced case design support, sales and product benchmarking tools, and turnkey sales and marketing systems. LifeMark also creates a unique opportunity to form strategic alliances and share best practices for partners to grow their agencies together through regular training, networking and educational opportunities. With unparalleled partnership, expertise and access to these industry-leading resources, LifeMark Partners provides affiliates The strength of many. The power of one. To learn more about the qualifications necessary to become a LifeMark partner, visit www.LifeMarkPartners.com or call 410.837.3022.  

At its core, LifeMark Partners was founded as a study group more than 40 years ago and is celebrating 20 years as a leading IMO. With this focus on industry-leading partnership and innovation, 50 percent of NAILBA Chairmen of the Board of Directors have had affiliations with LIFE Inc., or LifeMark Partners, along with numerous other members of the board over the years. Here is what a few have to say about their experiences:

“As a part of LifeMark Partners we are able to leverage a number of opportunities and exclusive arrangements that would not be available otherwise. This partnership gives us enhanced underwriting capacities, the opportunity to utilize exclusive LifeTrends software, and access to niche programs from carriers, which enables us to better serve the advisors we represent.”
Chip Van Dusen—Diversified Brokerage Services
NAILBA Current Chairman of the Board of Directors

“With the 20th anniversary of LifeMark, and 40th anniversary of LIFE Inc., I think it’s important to recognize why they’ve stayed so relevant over the years: their flexibility and ability to adapt in an ever-changing environment. Our industry is always moving; really it’s a moving target. Whether it’s new products being introduced or a popular product being removed from the marketplace, having the knowledge and ability to be flexible, rolling with and anticipating those changes, continually recognizing trends and gaining access to new resources, that is what has kept LifeMark so incredibly relevant throughout the years and is what I think will keep them relevant for the next 20 and 40 years.”
Ben Nevejans —LifePro
NAILBA Current Member of the Board of Directors

“NAILBA provided me a great way to learn more about the brokerage industry, but LifeMark Partners has given me the ability to build a working relationship with the real players in the brokerage industry.”
John Felton—Tennessee Brokerage Agency
Former NAILBA Chairman of the Board of Directors (2007)

“LifeMark brings resources to our agency that add value for our customers. We are able to take advantage of the benefits from several vendors at discounts. These vendor’s products, like LifeTrends UL comparisons, Insmark presentations, and Alirt carrier financial overview, help us make sales on a daily basis.”
Chip Milner—The Milner Group
Former NAILBA Chairman of the Board of Directors (2001)

“The primary value many BGAs see in an IMO is access to carriers. What differentiates LifeMark Partners from others is the enhanced, seamless contract negotiations, priority/specialized new business handling, customized, state-of-the-art marketing resources and industry-leading reinsurance and underwriting relationships. By hand-selecting member agencies and maintaining a high-level of accountability and production, I believe LifeMark Partners is in a class of its own.”
Michael Tessler—Brokerage Unlimited
Past President of LIFE Inc. & NAIFA-St. Louis
Former NAILBA Chairman of the Board of Directors (1999)

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz Life) announced that its annual Driving to Donate Charity Golf Tournament raised more than $220,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association MN-ND, the highest one-year total since the tournament began in 2010. Over the last seven years, the tournament has raised more than $1 million for the local nonprofit with all proceeds used for the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline, providing support to individuals, family members, caregivers and others impacted by the disease.

Allianz Life employees and vendors raised funds through vendor sponsorships, player fees, “casual for a cause” purchases (employees “buy” a casual dress code for August), an online auction and raffle ticket sales. Adding to the total, tournament contests also took place on the course during the event.

“Year after year, Allianz Life employees and our vendors contribute their time and resources to raise awareness and provide support to help combat this disease,” said Allianz Life General Counsel Gretchen Cepek. Cepek serves on the Alzheimer’s Association MN-ND board. “I’m incredibly proud that we’ve given more than $1 million to the Alzheimer’s Association and that our donations directly help those coping with memory loss.”

Now in its seventh year, Driving to Donate has become one of the top charity golf tournaments in the Twin Cities. This year, approximately 300 Allianz Life employees and vendor partners participated in the event held at Bunker Hills Golf Course in Coon Rapids, MN.

The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline provides assistance to individuals and others coping with the effects of memory loss. In addition to helping callers better understand dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, masters-level clinicians provide information about treatment, caregiving, legal support, financial resources and living arrangement options.

“On a daily basis, the Helpline answers calls from people who are confused, frustrated, and desperate for answers about Alzheimer’s disease,” said Chief Executive Officer of Alzheimer’s Association MN-ND, Sue Spalding. “Our goal is to help them feel reassured and comforted knowing that support is only a phone call away. Because of the partnership with Allianz Life, the Helpline will continue to be a lifeline for those impacted by dementia. Together we can change people’s lives making their journey with Alzheimer’s disease just a little easier.”

 Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, one of FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2016, has been keeping its promises since 1896. Today, it carries on that tradition, helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuities and life insurance products. In 2015, Allianz Life provided a total of $2.4 billion in benefit payments that supported policyholders’ financial objectives. As a leading provider of fixed index annuities, Allianz Life is part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with 142,000 employees in more than 70 countries worldwide. More than 85 million private and corporate customers rely on Allianz knowledge, global reach, and capital strength to help them make the most of financial opportunities.

For more news about Allianz Life, follow them on Facebook and Twitter: @AllianzLifeNews.

Petersen International Underwriters has announced the hiring of Lori Boggs as a regional vice president of the firm.  Boggs was previously the national account management vice president of MetLife Insurance Company, and she is one of the country’s foremost disability insurance experts.

According to Thomas Petersen, vice president of Petersen International, “Lori is a very prominent figure in the disability insurance world and we are ecstatic to have her as part of our growing outside marketing team.  Her expertise in the business and her many years of experience in the industry will certainly make a welcome addition to Petersen International Underwriters.”  Ms. Boggs will be home-based on the East Coast. 

Petersen International Underwriters specializes in extraordinary disability insurance programs for highly compensated individuals, professional athletes, entertainers, small businesses and large corporations.  As Coverholder at Lloyd’s of London, Petersen International Underwriters has the authority to quote, underwrite, and issue policies on behalf of certain underwriters at Lloyd’s. For more information on Petersen International Underwriters visit www.piu.org.

Anthony R. Bartlett, ChFC, CASL, AEP, a financial planner with Baystate Financial in Worcester, MA, was elected president of the Society of Financial Service Professionals for 2016-2017 at the annual meeting of the membership on August 11.  He took office as FSP’s 89th president on September 1.

In his professional practice, Mr. Bartlett specializes in creating retirement and distribution strategies for the 50+ market.  He is past president of the Worcester FSP chapter and acts as an advisor to the Boston, Rhode Island and Worcester FSP chapters.  He also serves on the board of the Worcester Estate Planning Council, is past president of the Massachusetts Estate Planning Council, and past director of the Devereux Foundation, a charitable organization that helps emotionally and developmentally challenged individuals.

Bartlett is founder of the Strategic Practice Management Program® which combines the best practices of time management strategies, business planning, cashflow management, and personal and team accountability measures. His skills as a communicator make him a frequently requested speaker in the areas of advanced retirement distribution planning, estate planning, and Social Security claiming strategies.

“Anthony Bartlett brings significant experience and professionalism to his role as FSP president,” stated CEO Joe Frack.  “We are looking forward to his exceptional leadership in the year ahead.”

FSP is a multidisciplinary community of credentialed financial professionals, a unique collaboration of investment advisors, attorneys, CPAs, insurance professionals, and experts across a variety of sectors. FSP’s chapters provide opportunities for learning and relationship building locally, while the national organization offers additional resources on a larger scale. With a strong commitment to building relationships and expertise across the financial services profession, FSP strives both nationally and locally to empower the highest level of client service possible. For more information, visit www.SocietyofFSP.org.

Nancy L. Bosley, CLU, ChFC, has been named director of strategic business development for Global Insurance Solutions Group (GISG), an independent insurance brokerage firm with offices in Greater Philadelphia and Miami, as announced by Michael Blank, managing partner.  In this role, Bosley is responsible for the strategic development aspects of GISG, with specific emphasis on the firm’s expanded services for the international and domestic wealth management, private banking, and investment advisory channels.

Bosley most recently served as president of Transamerica Life Brokerage after serving as the organization’s senior vice president, CMO, and CSO.  Prior to joining Transamerica, Bosley served as president and CEO of LifeMark Partners, Inc., a national brokerage marketing organization.  Bosley has been in the life insurance industry since 1980, serving for 20 years as a principal in Security House, Inc., an independent life brokerage firm.

“Our firm is privileged to be a recognized leader in insurance-based solutions for businesses and families worldwide.  With the additional bench strength of Nancy, we are further positioned for expansion and growth in 2016 within the registered investment advisory and private banking channels,” said Blank. “Our expanded team further elevates our support model to assist wealth managers and private banks as they grow and scale their businesses.”

Bosley has served on the board of directors of Take the Lead, headquartered in Watertown, NY, and on the board of the Baltimore chapter of the Society of Financial Services Professionals.  She is a founding member of the Baltimore Life Underwriters Charitable Foundation.  Bosley is a graduate of Goucher College in Baltimore, MD.

Global Insurance Solutions Group delivers over 50 years of life insurance-based expertise providing comprehensive wealth protection, estate management, and business succession planning solutions for affluent individuals, families, and corporate clients in the U.S. and internationally.  GISG provides a distinct experience helping wealth managers, private bankers, and insurance advisors identify, recommend, and provide the most beneficial outcomes for their clients’ complex insurance, estate, and business planning needs. 

Additional information about Global Insurance Solutions Group may be found at www.globalinsurance.solutions.

In recognition of its upcoming 10th anniversary, LifeSecure Insurance Company unveiled its new brand identity. The change is a key step in the ongoing evolution of LifeSecure, as the company focuses on its next chapter of growth and strengthening its commitment to developing innovative insurance solutions.

“In 10 years’ time, LifeSecure has made incredible strides going from an ambitious, innovative start-up focused on simplifying insurance to a prominent, successful national carrier with an exceptional reputation,” said Kevin Stutler, LifeSecure president and CEO. “Today we aim to once again be a fresh voice in the industry and use forward-thinking ideas to create a different kind of insurance experience for our customers. Our new brand identity represents who we are and embodies the philosophy that is key to guiding LifeSecure’s future growth and success.”

LifeSecure unveiled its:

• Refreshed brand identity–a new visual identity and refreshed values for the company, which centers on the company’s new tagline, “See insurance differently.” In preserving some of its original guiding principles, LifeSecure believes insurance should be easy to understand, effortless to buy, and simple to use.

• New logo–a clean, smart look to match its brand, the logo symbolizes protection, security and the company’s evolution.

• Redesigned website – a simple, intuitive design that reflects the company’s identity and serves as a user-friendly educational resource for visitors.

For more information, visit www.YourLifeSecure.com.

Partners Advantage is pleased to announce its Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing Charlie Gipple, CLU, ChFC, will be a speaker at MDRT’s Top of the Table annual meeting. This year’s conference will be hosted in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, Sept. 21-24.

Gipple will be addressing the “Seven Secrets to Effective Communication” on Sept. 22, during the event’s Ten X Talks at the Top segment. His presentation provides insights on how to improve presentation, public speaking, storytelling and influencing skills. 

“I am honored to be part of the distinguished program at the 2016 Top of the Table event,” stated Gipple. “This is an extraordinary event that brings together some of the best in the business and helps them to become better.”

Gipple is a specialist in index products, financial markets, financial legislation, behavioral finance and the positioning of insurance products. He is well known in the industry as a keynote speaker on these topics. At Partners Advantage, he manages all sales, marketing, recruiting, agent training and sales support activities across all company segments driving a focus on Education That Causes Sales.

As an index product thought leader, Gipple regularly authors articles about index universal life insurance and index annuity products. His expertise has been featured in Broker World, LifeHealthPro, InvestmentNews, Financial Advisor, InsuranceNewsNet, National Underwriter and numerous other media outlets. He has also made appearances on thestreet.com and AM Best TV. Gipple joined Partners Advantage in 2015.

Partners Advantage Insurance Services, LLC, is among the top national insurance marketing organizations in the country with 70 associates located in offices across the United States. The company’s Advantage Division is a one-stop brokerage for licensed agents and agencies throughout the United States who sell annuities, life insurance and linked benefit products. The company’s Platinum and Premier Divisions work to enhance insurance marketing organizations and agencies throughout the country. The corporate headquarters for Partners Advantage is located in Riverside, CA. Regional offices are located in Huntington Beach, CA, Palm Beach, FL, Sioux City, IA, Ada, MN, Florham Park, NJ, Houston, TX and Henderson, NV. For more information about Partners Advantage, visit www.PartnersAdvantage.com.

For more than 35 years, Petersen International Underwriters, Valencia, CA, has been in the business of writing high-limit disability insurance for the men and women of the film, television and music industries.

They are pleased to announce the return of the StarCoverSM disability plan to the American insurance marketplace.  The product has had a complete makeover, modernized and refurbished for today’s showbiz clientele.  The focus of StarCoverSM is fiduciary security and income protection of the Hollywood elite–the talent in front of the camera and behind the microphone.  

The new plan touts a true “own occupation” definition of disability as well as robust high-limit monthly and lump sum benefit schedules.  According to Jimmy Petersen, marketing director of Petersen International, “What explicitly sets the new

StarCoverSM program apart from the rest of the market is its uniquely designed “disfigurement rider” which provides primary benefits to a client who has become irreparably maimed or scarred due to an accident or sickness, but is still physically able to work and isn’t considered disabled under traditional industry definitions.  We strongly believe this new product is the next generation of disability income protection for the entertainment industry.” 

Petersen International Underwriters specializes in unique disability insurance platforms for high-net-worth individuals, small businesses and large corporations.  They can be reached by telephone at: 800-345-8816. Email: piu@piu.org.