I’m so blessed to make a living by helping others and their communities. Each day, I sit down and help people overcome financial concerns and obstacles. I also get to help my community with our fraternal programs and activities. It’s very rewarding to do what I do.

southwest Michigan.

life insurance, mutual funds and fixed and variable annuities

families, those approaching retirement and small-business owners.

Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

earning the NAIFA Silver Quality Service Award.

served as the vice president of the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce. I was employed there for 21 years.

I believe in the organization -- not only for how it supports members to reach their financial goals, but also for the way it supports my community and allows me to give back.

helping families and small businesses protect their financial futures. I work collaboratively with my members to make a positive impact in our community through fraternal activities and giving.

I delivered a death claim to a member who’d just lost his wife after a long serious illness. He’d helped her as much as he could and, after making the final arrangements and working through his grief, he was laid off due to his absence for her care. Her life insurance benefit covered her final expenses and gave him time to search for a new job.

Another impactful memory was when a growing family that protected all members with permanent life insurance early in life needed a downpayment on a new home. Loans from the cash value in their certificates allowed them to complete the sale - and within nine months, they paid off the loans. It was money right when they needed it!