General Agents Conference
On a tiny strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Blackbank River, we gathered to celebrate successful agencies that are shining examples in productivity, recruiting, and more. To kick off our award ceremonies in 2023, attendees enjoyed golf, kayaking, and camaraderie in Sea Island, Georgia.

‍And between the fun, there were wonderful educational opportunities. With a theme of “Together, We Lead,” participants heard about recruiting success stories, how to optimize their practices and drive growth, need-to-know sales tools and technology, and much more. All of this led up to the big event of recognizing the following individuals and achievements.
Beatiful image of the main entrance to Sea Island Resort in Sea Island, Georgia
Photo courtesy of Sea Island Resort

Hall of Fame

‍Bob Fashano is Guardian’s newest member of the Hall of Fame for 2022. Bob began his career with Guardian in 1979 and during his time with us, he served on the Field Advisory Board (FAB) nineteen times, including as Chairman. He is also a founding General Agent of the Guardian Leadership Institute. And let’s not forget that, in addition to being a leader in our industry, he’s also a best-selling author! Bob has tremendous drive and commitment that led to his remarkable success in his career, with his family, and in his community.
Bob Fashano and family, joined by Leyla Lesina on the far right

Retirements

Congratulations to our recent retirees! We appreciate all you have done to champion this industry, build careers, and help individuals, families, and businesses within your local communities. We wish you all the very best in this new chapter of your life:

Rick Villavaso of New Orleans
‍
Kevin Bell of Indianapolis
‍
David Allen of South Central
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Joe Lucido of Lifetime Financial Growth
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Mike Morris of Lifetime Financial Growth
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Jerry Harnik of Strategies for Wealth
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Dan Linehan of Philadelphia
Rick Villavaso and family, joined by Meg Vecchi on the left and Leyla Lesina on the right.
Kevin Bell and family, joined by Meg Vecchi on the left and Leyla Lesina on the right.
David Allen and family, joined by Meg Vecchi on the left and Leyla Lesina on the right.
Joe Lucido and family, joined by Meg Vecchi on the left and Leyla Lesina on the right.                      
Mike Morris and family, joined by Meg Vecchi on the left and Leyla Lesina on the right.
Jerry Harnik and family, joined by Meg Vecchi on the left and Leyla Lesina on the right.

Field Service Award

This award is given to that individual in the Home Office who tirelessly contributes to and collaborates with the field. Congratulations to Tim O’Donnell, Head of Distribution Sales Compensation Administration, Individual Markets Agency Finance Management. Tim was recognized for always being willing to go the extra mile to help solve a problem or answer a question — no matter how big or small. He joined Guardian in 2014 and since then, his leadership and influence have expanded tremendously.
‍

FAB Presentation

Stewart Davis of North/Central Florida is the chairman of FAB and was recognized for the critical role he plays in maintaining a relationship between the Field Advisory Board and Home Office.
FAB Presentation winner Stewart Davis on the left with Field Service Award winner Tim O’Donnell on the right

New Agency Recruiting Award and New Agency of the Year Awards

Pasadena, led by Jack Mavyan, won both of these awards. Jack and his agency were recognized for bringing in 11 quality hires — all showing great promise — and for balancing the agency’s growth in the vital areas of recruiting, production, and agent retention.

Jack Mavyan, joined by Leyla Lesina on the left and Ed Youmell on the right

Client Builder Award

We all know the future of this industry depends upon a strong flow of new talent. Agencies that are doing an exceptional job of getting new FPs’ careers off to a strong start are recognized with this award:   
  
Non-Metal: Greater Los Angeles, led by Jason Koo 
    
Bronze: Chicagoland, led by Scott Hunken and Van Ewing 
     
Silver: Upstate New York, led by Jim Fashano and Barb O’Neill 
    
Gold: Wayne, led by David Alter, Jerry Clericuzio, and Anthony Campanile 
     
Platinum: Certified Financial Services, led by Tom Ciardella, Craig Feinberg, Bob Worgaftik, Rich Gribinas, Adam Katzman, and Pam Mellor  
   
Platinum: National Financial Network, led by Tony Mazzei, Mike Maresca, Gary DeStefano, Steve Earhart, and Derek Chan

Platinum Agencies
‍This award is the “pinnacle of excellence” for General Agencies.
It signifies success in production, recruiting, and leadership — all of which keep our agencies strong:

Strategies for Wealth
‍
‍Lifetime Financial Growth

‍California Pacific

National Financial Network

Brooklyn

‍Western Pacific

‍North/Central Florida

‍Forest Hills Financial Group

‍South Central
Platinum Agency Award winners
President’s Award

This award winner exemplifies excellence in leadership, as this award recognizes high performance in recruiting and developing FPs, growing an agency, and establishing a place in the company and community.

Congratulations to the President’s Award winner — National Financial Network — led by Tony Mazzei, Mike Maresca, Gary DeStefano, Steve Earhart, and Derek Chan.
National Financial Network, the winner of the President’s Award, Platinum Trident Award, and Platinum Medallion Award. Pictured (from left to right): Karen Chan, Derek Chan, Tony Mazzei, Margie Mazzei, Jean Earhart, Steve Earhart, Gary DeStefano, Mike Maresca, and Andrew McMahon.

Medallion Award

Agencies with the best overall performance in terms of production, recruiting, agent development, training, and persistency within their Medallion category are recognized with this award: 
‍
Silver: Denver, led by Travis Hart and Ryan Kelley
‍
Gold: Fort Myers/Naples, led by Jerry Hemmer and Michael Kochis
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Platinum: National Financial Network, led by Tony Mazzei, Mike Maresca, Gary DeStefano, Steve Earhart, and Derek Chan

Trident Award

This award goes to the agencies with the best overall sales growth in terms of Life, DI, and GDC sales within their respective categories:  
  
Non-Metal: St. Louis, led by Jeff Plummer

‍Gold: South Central, led by Tom Purcell, George Moore, and Camille Snyder
   
Platinum: National Financial Network, led by Tony Mazzei, Mike Maresca, Gary DeStefano, Steve Earhart, and Derek Chan

National Disability Insurance Award

This award is presented to the agency with the highest amount of Annualized Premium on new disability income business in the production year.
 
The winner of this award was California Pacific, led by Kelly Kidwell, Eric McDermott, Matt Shipman, and Misty Weltzien, with $5,353,125 in Disability Annual Premium.
California Pacific, the winner of the National Disability Insurance Award. Pictured (from left to right): Eric McDermott, Matt Shipman, Kelly Kidwell, and Misty Weltzien, joined by Leyla Lesina and Ed Youmell

Disability Brokerage Agency of the Year Award, National Multi-Life Disability Insurance Award, and National Recruiting Award

One agency is the winner of all three of these awards! Congratulations to Lifetime Financial Growth, led by Earl Luttner, Sandy Aderson, Matt Roddy, Mary Lou Rodgers, Tom Wyatt, Danielle Swann, Joe Lucido, Mike Morris, Greg Kreiner, and Eric Startare.

Lifetime Financial Growth won, with $2,760,554 in Disability Brokerage Annual Premium, $1,729,866 in MLDI Annual Premium, and 39 quality hires appointed.

‍The Disability Brokerage Agency of the Year Award is presented to the agency leader in brokerage disability premium sales, as reported on the year-end brokerage premium report, in the qualifying production year. The National Multi-Life Disability Insurance (MLDI) award is presented to the agency with the highest amount of Annualized Premium on new MLDI business in the qualifying production year. And the National Recruiting award recognizes the agency that has achieved superior results in new organization growth during the qualifying year. Three cheers for Lifetime Financial Growth!
Lifetime Financial Growth, the winners of the Disability Brokerage Agency of the Year Award, National Multi-Life Disability Insurance Award, and National Recruiting Award. Pictured (from left to right):  Leyla Lesina  Eric Startare, MaryLou Rodgers, Sandy Aderson, Mike Morris, Danielle Swann, Joe Lucido, Earl Luttner, Emily Viner, Katie Martineau, Nate Miller, Greg Kreiner, Tom Wyatt, Kevin Bell, Matt Roddy, Ed Youmell

Agency Cross-Offering Award

These awards go to the agencies with the highest growth over the previous year of clients owning two or more products from different lines of business:

Silver/Bronze/Non-Metal: Baton Rouge, led by JP Caswell, saw a 0.41% increase in clients owning 2+ lines of business, to 15.31%.     

Platinum/Gold: North Central Florida, led by Steward Davis, Chris Roussel, and Trip Higginbotham, saw a 0.83% increase in clients owning 2+ lines of business, to 19.82%.

Agency Productivity Award

This award is given to the agency that meets minimum requirements and has the highest points earned in FPs attaining MPR, FP retention, and quality hires. 

Brooklyn, led by Josh Becker, Yoel Felberbaum, Jerry Harnik, and Nat Perlmutter is this year’s winner. The agency earned 105 total points, had 81% of FRs attain MPR, an 89% FR four-year retention rate, and seven quality hires.

National Life Insurance Award

‍This award is presented to the leading agency in new individual life paid premium.

‍Strategies for Wealth, led by Josh Becker, Jerry Harnik, Jeff Neeck, Lyle Domenitz, Jerry Tavella, Joe Long, and Bobby Angel, with $42,896,031 in Life Annual Premium, was the winner of this award.

Life Face Value Award

This award is given to the agency leader in Life Face Amount in the qualifying production year.

The winner of this award was Brooklyn, led by Josh Becker, Yoel Felberbaum, Jerry Harnik, and Nat Perlmutter, with $6,377,913,053 of Life Face Amount.

Life Brokerage Agency of the Year Award

This award recognizes the agency leader in Brokerage Life Premium Sales, as reported on the year-end Brokerage Premium Report, in the qualifying production year.

‍South Central, led by Tom Purcell, George Moore, and Camille Snyder, captured this award, with $7,774,625 in Life Brokerage Life Annual Premium.
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National Group Insurance Award

This award honors the agency whose Financial Professionals and full-time agents produce the most group business.

The National Group Insurance Award went to Red River, led by John McGurran, with $974,028 in Premium (ranked #1), $54,200,950 in Life Volume (ranked #2), and 37 plans (ranked #2).

National Innovative Underwriters Products Award

This award is presented to the agency with the highest amount of Annualized Commissionable Premium in the qualifying production year.

The winner was NY Gotham, led by Howard Elias and Adam Kaufman, with $1,251,887 in Annualized Commissionable Premium.

The Guardian Quality Award

This award recognizes those General Agencies doing a significant amount of above-average, quality business:

Boston – led by Seth Medalie, Kevin Schneider, Thomas Harmon, and John Brady
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‍Brooklyn – led by Josh Becker, Yoel Felberbaum, Jerry Harnik, and Nat Perlmutter
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‍California Pacific – led by Kelly Kidwell, Eric McDermott, Matt Shipman, and Misty Weltzien
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‍Certified Financial Services – led by Tom Ciardella, Craig Feinberg, Bob Worgaftik, Rich Gribinas, Adam Katzman, and Pam Mellor
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‍Charlotte – led by Andy Brincefield
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‍Denver – led by Travis Hart and Ryan Kelley
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‍Des Moines – led by Kim Weaver and Aaron Brinks
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‍Forest Hills Financial Group – led by Nat Perlmutter, Tom Petrone, David Perlmutter, Andie Perlmutter, and Amy Salo
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‍Fort Myers/Naples - led by Mike Kochis and Jerry Hemmer
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‍Lifetime Financial Growth – led by Earl Luttner, Sandy Aderson, Matt Roddy, MaryLou Rodgers, Tom Wyatt, Danielle Swann, Joe Lucido, Mike Morris, Greg Kreiner, and Eric Startare
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‍National Financial Network – led by Tony Mazzei, Mike Maresca, Gary DeStefano, Steve Earhart, and Derek Chan
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‍North/Central Florida – led by Stewart Davis and Chris Roussel
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‍NY Gotham – led by Howard Elias and Adam Kaufman
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‍Red River – led by John McGurran
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Short Hills – led by Mike Salvatore and John Limongelli
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‍South Central – led by Tom Purcell, George Moore, and Camille Snyder
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‍South Florida – led by Jeff Newman and Robert Newman
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‍Southeast – led by Corky Dawes, Brad Stonecipher, Andy Meehan, and Dustin Dawes
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‍Strategies for Wealth – led by Josh Becker, Jerry Harnik, Jeff Neeck, Lyle Domenitz, Jerry Tavella, Joe Long, and Bobby Angel
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Texas PRS – led by Patrick Dickson, Rick Ray, and Shawn Arrington
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Toms River – led by Frank Congilose
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‍Upstate New York – led by Jim Fashano and Barb O’Neill
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‍Wayne – led by David Alter, Jerry Clericuzio, and Anthony Campanile
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‍Western Pacific – led by Nash Subotic, Phil Kang, Travis Scribner, and Jeff Pawlowski

National Annuity and Investments Awards

Joe Long, Jerry Harnik, Josh Becker, Jeff Neeck, Lyle Domenitz, Jerry Tavella, joined by Leyla Lesina on the left and Marianne Caswell on the right
Strategies for Wealth won both of these awards. Led by Josh Becker, Jerry Harnik, Jeff Neeck, Lyle Domenitz, Jerry Tavella, Joe Long, and Bobby Angel, the agency had $25,619,613 in Proprietary Annuity Sales, and $37,087,051 in Total Gross Dealer Concessions (GDC).

The National Annuity Award recognizes the agency leader in dollar amount of proprietary annuity sales and the Investments Award honors the leader in gross dealer concessions.

Congratulations to all the winning agencies for their outstanding achievements!

President’s Council

Guardian’s top financial professionals gathered on the scenic coast of Portugal in April 2023 to celebrate the prior year’s achievements. Attendees were able to renew long-standing friendships, welcome newcomers, and spend time together enjoying Portugal’s history, food, and culture — as well as a wide range of recreational activities.

The April event culminated in a celebration of the impressive milestones Guardian’s top producers have reached in their careers. Leyla Lesina delivered opening remarks at the awards ceremony:

“Tonight, we take time to recognize and celebrate your hard work and dedication to this industry. I also would like to take a moment to acknowledge that it’s not just the ‘what’ you did to get here — it’s the ‘how.’ You led with passion, you led with purpose, and you created a client-first culture.”

Leyla Lesina
Head of IM Distribution

Chairman’s Council Qualifiers

Congratulations to all who have reached this highest bar Guardian sets for achievement! Your outstanding commitment to your clients represents the essence of Guardian and is the underlying reason for your standing as “the best-of-the-best.”

Name
Agency
CC qualifications
PC qualifications
Ken Alter
Wayne
6
7
Hiram Arnaud
Strategies for Wealth
1
5
Joe Biondolillo
Short Hills
4
6
Eric Bouskila
National Financial Network
11
12
Ashvin Chheda
Red River
1
10
Elie Engel
Brooklyn
3
8
Michele Lee Fine
Strategies for Wealth
Strategies for Wealth
13
15
Randy Fine
5
23
Matt Gaglio
Strategies for Wealth
17
23
Aleks Jakovljevic
Western Pacific
4
6
Asghar Kazim
NY Gotham
5
11
Keith Knell
Southeast
9
22
Matt Lipscomb
South Central
2
14
Mark Murphy
Forest Hill Financial Group
20
30
Marty Nachemson
Strategies for Wealth
5
17
David Orsolino
Strategies for Wealth
1
3
Wolf Perl
Brooklyn
12
20
Jon Rosenbaum
Strategies for Wealth
1
5
Jacob Safrin
NY Gotham
8
16
Chet Schwartz
Strategies for Wealth
2
14
David Simkowitz
Brooklyn
17
21
Paul Vecchione
Wayne
5
24
Zev Walter
Brooklyn
3
15
Chairman’s Council Qualifiers in Attendance
Left to right: Back row: Chet Schwartz, Asghar Kazim, Paul Vecchione, Aleks Jakovljevic, Eric Bouskila, Matt Lipscomb, Zev Walter, Ken Alter, Jon Rosenbaum, Ashvin Chheda, Joseph Biondolillo, Marty Nachemson, Mark Murphy, Elie Engel
Front row: Leyla Lesina, David Orsolino, Michele Lee Fine, Randy Fine, Jeremy Dicker, Wolf Perl, Jacob Safrin, Hiram Arnaud, Andrew McMahon
Chairman’s Council 10+-Year Qualifiers in Attendance
Left to right: Andrew McMahon, Wolf Perl, Mark Murphy, Michele Lee Fine, Eric Bouskila, Leyla Lesina

President's Council First-time Qualifiers

It’s a significant accomplishment to join the ranks of President’s Council qualifiers. Every year, we look forward to welcoming first-time qualifiers and celebrating those who continue to qualify throughout their career.  
Mark Burkholder, Southeast
Ben Bush, Forest Hills Financial Group
Christopher DeYoung, Toms River
Brennan Drew, Western Pacific
Chana Lefkowitz, Brooklyn
Raymond Leyden, Strategies for Wealth
Garrett McMillan, St. Louis
Mike McSweeny, Certified Financial Services
Jordan Mimoun, National Financial Network
Adam Schlossberg, Forest Hills Financial Group
Marc Smith, Short Hills
Bobby Soler, Strategies for Wealth
Elizabeth Torres, National Financial Network
Benzion Weinfeld, Brooklyn
Steve Wilson, Strategies for Wealth
Reagan Wolfe, South Central
Taylor Wong, Western Pacific
Andrew Zimmerman, Strategies for Wealth

Special Milestones

Once an individual has qualified for President’s Council 10 times or more, Guardian continues to celebrate their accomplishments and recognize them on five-year milestones.
10- & 15-Year Qualifiers
Left to right: Ed Youmell, Zev Walter, Eric Studley, Joe Guyton, Ashvin Chheda, Michele Lee Fine, Leyla Lesina
20-Year Qualifiers
Left to right: Ed Youmell, Wolf Perl, Jay Hochheiser, Leyla Lesina
30-Year Qualifiers
Left to right: Ed Youmell, Mark Murphy, Rich Aronwald, Leyla Lesina

Life Quality Business Award

This award distinguishes one financial professional who has written the largest amount of Life annual premium over the last five production years (excluding variable life). Additionally, the winner must also attain a Life persistency rate of 90% or better, qualified for Chairman’s Council in the same calendar year, and qualified for at least President’s Council in the last five years.

‍Eric Bouskila, National Financial Network

Left to right: Ed Youmell, Eric Bouskila, Leyla Lesina, Marianne Caswell

Top 10 Leaders in Total Life/DI Commission Credits

Name
Agency
Credits
Eric Bouskila
National Financial Network
5,151,204
Keith Knell
Southeast   
2,658,030
Ken Alter
Wayne
2,428,288
Wolf Perl
Brooklyn
1,769,834
Elie Engel
Brooklyn
1,534,123
Mark Murphy
Forest Hills Financial Group
1,438,564
David Simkowitz
Brooklyn
1,364,051
Matt Lipscomb
South Central  
1,249,827
Jacob Safrin
NY Gotham   
1,040,064
Left to right: Ed Youmell, Marianne Caswell, Ken Alter, Jacob Safrin, Jeremy Dicker, Matt Lipscomb, Mark Murphy, Elie Engel, Wolf Perl, Eric Bouskila, Leyla Lesina

Top 10 Leaders in Total Commission Credits

Name
Agency
Credits
Eric Bouskila
National Financial Network
5,151,204
Mark Murphy
Forest Hills Financial Group
4,148,111
David Simkowitz
Brooklyn
2,985,188
Ken Alter
Wayne
2,905,436
Keith Knell
Southeast
2,716,802
Wolf Perl
Brooklyn
1,770,084
Matt Lipscomb
South Central
1,632,491
Elie Engel
Brooklyn
1,534,491
Matt Gaglio
Strategies for Wealth 
1,365,462
Left to right: Ed Youmell, Marianne Caswell, Mark Murphy, Eric Bouskila, Ken Alter, Matt Lipscomb, Wolf Perl, Elie Engel, Jeremy Dicker, Leyla Lesina

Pinnacle Council Qualifiers

Those who were both Pinnacle and President’s Council qualifiers in attendance were recognized:

Name
Agency
GDC
David Simkowitz
Brooklyn
3,594,294
Mark Murphy
Forest Hills Financial Group
3,007,160
Michele Lee Fine
Strategies for Wealth
2,027,038
Tony Bonanno
Indianapolis
1,820,134
John Lentz
North Florida
1,732,125
Anthony Domino, Jr.
Strategies for Wealth
1,675,127
Ashvin Chheda
Dallas Greater Texas  
1,601,433
Asghar Kazim
NY Gotham 57    
1,549,939
Jay Hochheiser
NY Gotham 57    
1,480,370
Left to right: Ed Youmell, Ashvin Chheda, Asghar Kazim, Jay Hochheiser, John Lentz, Mark Murphy, Tony Bonanno, Michele Lee Fine, Marianne Caswell, Leyla Lesina 

Centurion Club Qualifiers

These award winners produce a significant number of new paid cases each year. Recipients must place at least 100 new policies per year to qualify. The ceremony recognized first-time qualifiers, those who have qualified more than once, as well as those who have qualified for five or more consecutive years.  

First-time and Multi-year Qualifiers

Name
Agency
Years
Mike McSweeney
Certified Financial Services
1      (First-time qualifier)
Hiram Arnaud
Strategies for Wealth
2
Jared Rothbard
Certified Financial Services
2
Pat Hauge
California Pacific
3
Joel Heller
Brooklyn
3
Mendy Kaufman
Brooklyn
3
Jon Rosenbaum
Strategies for Wealth
3
Yosef Moskowitz
Forest Hills Financial Group
3
Ryan Brace
Lifetime Financial Growth
4
Benzion Weinfeld
Brooklyn
4
Mark Murphy
Forest Hills Financial Group
5
Kim Butler
Red River
6
Jim DesRocher
Strategies for Wealth
6
Andrew Guyton
Boston
6
Larry Keller
NY Gotham
6
David Simkowitz
Brooklyn
8
Shmuel Wolvovsky
Brooklyn
9
Left to right: Dan Ellen, Shmuel Wolvovsky, Andrew Guyton, Jim DesRocher, Mark Murphy, Ryan Brace, Jon Rosenbaum, Mendy Kaufman, Joel Heller, Pat Hauge, Jared Rothbard, Hiram Arnaud, Leyla Lesina 

Life & Qualifying Members

Name
Agency
Years
Yosef Moskowitz
Forest Hills Financial Group
3
Liang Lee
Western Pacific
5    
Ivan Watanabe
Strategies for Wealth
5
Tyler DeStefano
National Financial Network
11
Ashvin Chheda
Red River
12
Elie Engel
Brooklyn
12
Wolf Perl
Brooklyn
13
Jeff Benowitz
Certified Financial Services
17
Eric Studley
National Financial Network
22
Marc DiFiore
Strategies for Wealth
23
Earl Rubinoff
Chicago
26
Randy Fine
Strategies for Wealth
30
Left to right: Dan Ellen, Wolf Perl, Earl Rubinoff, Marc DiFiore, Eric Studley, Randy Fine, Ashvin Chheda, Elie Engel, Tyler DeStefano, Ivan Watanabe, Yosef Moskowitz, Liang Lee, Leyla Lesina

Praetorian Club Qualifiers

These award winners produce an even greater number of new paid cases each year — at least 200 new policies a year are needed to qualify.

‍First-time Qualifiers
Todd Salac, Lifetime Financial Growth
Mark B. Murphy, Forest Hills Financial Group

‍Qualifying Members
Elie Engel, Brooklyn, 3 years
Tyler DeStefano, National Financial Network, 7 years

Left to right: Dan Ellen, Tyler DeStefano, Elie Engel, Mark Murphy, Leyla Lesina

Praefectus Club Qualifiers

This award recognizes even more exceptional productivity. Recipients have placed 300 or more new policies in the year, while maintaining a persistency rate of 90% or better.

‍First-time Qualifiers
Elie Engel, Brooklyn, 3 years
Tyler DeStefano, National Financial Network, 7 years

Left to right: Dan Ellen, Tyler DeStefano, Elie Engel, Leyla Lesina
Presidential Citation Award
Presidential Citation Award (PCA) winners are invaluable Guardians who are having a profound impact on the lives of their clients and their financial professionals (FPs). Only 35% of Managing Directors and Recruiting Directors qualify for PCA. And in 2022, this year’s PCA honorees generated over $30 million in total unit production and attracted more than 200 new advisors to The Guardian Network®.

STARs

The award winners in this category are those individuals who have taken the Managing Director role to the next level:

Ben Teichman, Career Development Manager, Financial Growth Partners

‍James Gnefkow, Associate General Agent,
Peachtree Planning

‍Bobby Angel, Associate General Agent, Strategies for Wealth

‍Joe Long, Associate General Agent, Strategies for Wealth
Left to right:  Meg Vecchi, Ben Teichman, Keith Kronen
Left to right:  Meg Vecchi, James Gnefkow, Keith Kronen.
Left to right: Meg Vecchi, Bobby Angel, Keith Kronen
Left to right: Meg Vecchi, Joe Long, Keith Kronen

Platinum-Level Qualifiers

These winners earned at least 500 points in FP recruiting and productivity. Altogether, they brought in a total of 100 recruits, including 69 quality recruits, and over $17.4 million of unit production:
‍
Jonathan Codispoti, Lifetime Financial Growth
Dan Taylor, Ashford Advisors
Paul Barone, National Financial Network
Michael Fraiman, National Financial Network
Tom Freeman, Pacific Advisors
Steve Constantine, Alliance Advisory Group
Joe Long, Strategies for Wealth
Mike Longo, Alliance Financial Group
Bobby Angel, Strategies for Wealth
‍Joel Wertzberger, Brooklyn Financial
Josh Wawrzonek, Red River
Left to right: Meg Vecchi, Bobby Angel, Tom Freeman, Dan Taylor, Michael Fraiman, Paul Barone, Jonathan Codispoti, Steve Constantine, Joe Long, Mike Longo, Keith Kronen
Left to right: Meg Vecchi, Jonathan Douglas, Becky Thompson, James Gnefkow, Ian McGurran, Daniel Mills, Nickelle Leist, Nathalie Hundhausen, Andrew Rabas, Tim Heath, Mitchel Roussel, Andy Levenson, Keith Kronen

Gold-Level Qualifiers

These Managing Directors have earned at least 300 points. In 2022, these winners brought in a total of 90 recruits, including 63 quality recruits, and over $8.3 million of unit production:
‍
Natalie Hundhausen, St. Louis
‍Nickelle Leist, Rethink Wealth
Andrew Rabas, Lifetime Financial Growth
Tim Heath, Strategic Wealth Specialists
Daniel Mills, Peachtree Planning
Ian McGurran, Red River
Andy Levenson, National Financial Network
James Gnefkow, Peachtree Planning
Becky Thompson, Consolidated Planning
Jonathan Douglas, Lifetime Financial Growth
Mitchel Roussel, The Strategic Wealth Advantage
‍Peter Klay, The Bulfinch Group
Charles Nettles, Lifetime Financial Growth

Silver-Level Qualifiers

These individuals achieved 225 points. The winners in this category brought in a total of 41 recruits, including 32 quality recruits, with unit production credits of more than $2.3 million:
‍
Stephen Dellibovi, Forest Hills Financial Group
Anthony Scott Shunnarah, Peachtree Planning
Scottie Howard, Lifetime Financial Growth
Steve Eisner, National Financial Network
Tom Passante, National Financial Network
Chris Dapolito, Northeast Financial Network
Left to right: Katie Martineau, Stephen Dellibovi, Anthony Scott Shunnarah, Scottie Howard, Steve Eisner, Tom Passante, Chris Dapolito, Brook Thompson
Left to right: Katie Martineau, Steve Cucinelli, Brian Grande, Ray Berard, Brook Thompson

Bronze-Level Qualifiers

Leaders in this group earned a minimum of 150 points. And in 2022, they had a total of 25 recruits, including 17 quality recruits, and accounted for over $2.2 million in total team production credits:

‍Brian Grande, Planning Alliance
Steve Cucinelli, Planning Alliance
Ray Berard, Westshore Financial Group
Russell Kent Auyeung, Pacific Advisors

Recruiting Directors

This award recognizes those who have recruited 10 FP hires for their agency:

‍

Becky Fraga, Westshore Financial Group

Laura Mendoza, Pacific Advisors

Regina Reiff, West Pac Wealth Partners

Pat Wilson, Lifetime Financial Growth

Left to right: Katie Martineau, Laura Mendoza, Regina Reiff, Becky Fraga, Brook Thompson, Pat Wilson
Left to right: Katie Martineau, Shane Stelma, Scott Zedeker, Zachary Allen, Bryan Schod, Craig Gilliam, David Fromer, Gregory Campanile, Cameron Oliver, Brook Thompson

Managing Associates

To qualify for this award, Managing Associates must recruit a minimum of 3 gross and 2 quality hires:

‍

Gregory Campanile, Planning Alliance

David Fromer, Planning Alliance

Craig Gilliam, North Texas

Bryan Schod, Lifetime Financial Growth

Cameron Oliver, Strategic Wealth Specialists

Zachary Allen, Lifetime Financial Growth

Scott Zedeker, Alliance Financial Group

Shane Stelma, Alliance Financial Group

Lovepreet Ghotra, Forest Hills Financial Group

Qualifying Agency:
Alliance Financial Group

This award honors agencies that recruit a minimum of 30% of the prior year’s net field force, grow the agency’s start of the current year net field force by 15%, and have half of its Managing Directors, Recruiting Directors, and managing associates qualify for PCA.
‍

Frontline Leaders

Since 2007, Guardian has been recognizing superior frontline leaders who are directly responsible for recruiting, launching, and leading new advisors. Their leadership contributes substantially to the growth and success of The Guardian Network®.

‍2022 Frontline Leader Award:
Joel Wertzberger, Brooklyn Financial Group

First-time PCA Qualifiers

Anthony Scott Shunnarah, Peachtree Planning
Shane Stelma, Alliance Financial Group
Scott Zedeker, Alliance Financial Group
Bryan Schod, Lifetime Financial Growth
Craig Gilliam, North Texas
Cameron Oliver, Strategic Wealth Specialists
David Fromer, Planning Alliance
Stephen Dellibovi, Forest Hills Financial Group


Mitchel Roussel, Strategic Wealth Specialists
Andrew Levenson, National Financial Network
Daniel Mills, Peachtree Planning
Natalie Hundhausen, St. Louis
Nickelle Leist, Rethink Wealth
Ray Berard, Westshore Financial Group
Brian Grande, Planning Alliance
Becky Fraga, Westshore Financial Group

Leaders Club Awards
Leaders Club attendees gathered at the Arizona Biltmore to welcome newcomers, renew ties, and celebrate another year of accomplishments. In kicking off the awards dinner, Leyla Lesina shared,
“I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating — tonight is about you and the extraordinary work you do.”

‍

Hall of Fame Financial Professional (FP) Inductee

The Hall of Fame recognizes producers who have a long-standing track record of superior results. Requirements include attaining Leaders Club at least 30 times or President’s Council 20 times — a hallmark of a successful career with Guardian.

‍

2022 Hall of Fame Inductee: John Lentz

John Lentz and family, joined by Dan Ellen on the left and Leyla Lesina on the right

2023-2024 President of the Executive Committee

Michael Weinberg, joined by family

Christopher Ferrara Memorial New Agent of the Year Award

This award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of a financial professional who is new to the business and has achieved success in a very short time.  The winner achieved the highest annual Minimum Production Requirement (MPR) of the prior year.  

Don Pearson, Western Pacific, with $219,410 in total MPR credits.

Left to right: Leyla Lesina, Don Pearson, Western Pacific

Centurion Club Qualifiers 

Centurion Club recognition is earned by those with 100 or more new paid cases in a calendar year, of which 75 or more must be from individual life and disability income. The award also requires a minimum 90% persistency rate.

‍

First-time Qualifiers
Left to right: Kevin DeGray, Tim O’Donnell, Abraham Philipson, Shaya Iliovits, James Kachmar, Mike McSweeney, Shelby Green, Sharon Eliot, Michael DiFiore, Michael Fraiman, Leyla Lesina

‍Michael DiFiore, Strategies for Wealth

Sharon Eliot, Certified Financial Services

Michael Fraiman, National Financial Network

Shelby Green, South Central

James Kachmar, National Financial Network

‍Shaya Iliovits, Brooklyn

Mike McSweeney, Certified Financial Services

Abraham Philipson, Brooklyn

Bryan Schod, Lifetime Financial Growth

Chesky Rothstein, Brooklyn

Kris Schwartz, Austin

Qualifying members 
Left to right: Tim O’Donnell, Shmuel Wolvovsky, David Simkowitz, Richard Lunetta, Yosef Marsow, Edward Dennis, David (Cason) Parker, Shaye Katz, Jared Rothbard, Leonard Cohen, Pat Hauge, Mendy Kaufman, Ryan Brace, Eli Friedman, Mark Murphy, James DesRocher, Leyla Lesina, Kevin DeGray

2 years

Hiram Arnaud, Strategies for Wealth‍

Edward Dennis, South Florida‍

Chris Fontana, North/Central Florida‍

Lovepreet Ghotra, Forest Hills Financial Group‍

Shaye Katz, Brooklyn‍

David (Cason) Parker, North/Central Florida‍

Jared Rothbard, Certified Financial Services‍

Avrohom Stauber, Brooklyn‍

Gershon Weber, Brooklyn

3 years

Leonard Cohen, Forest Hills Financial Group‍

Pat Hauge, California Pacific‍

Joel Heller, Brooklyn‍

Mendy Kaufman, Brooklyn

‍Richard Lunetta, National Financial Network‍

Yosef Marsow, Brooklyn‍

Jon Rosenbaum, Strategies for Wealth

4 years

Ryan Brace,Lifetime Financial Growth‍

David DiPasquale, Certified Financial Services‍

Gregg Fishman,NY Gotham‍

Eli Friedman, NY Gotham‍

Marissa George, California Pacific‍

Charles Krugh, California Pacific‍

Marc Mirabella, Hudson Valley‍

Todd Salac, Lifetime Financial Growth‍

Benzion Weinfeld, Brooklyn

5 years

Mark Murphy, Forest Hills Financial Group

6 years

Kim Butler, RedRiver‍

Jim DesRocher, Strategies for Wealth‍

Andrew Guyton, Boston‍

Larry Keller, NY Gotham

8 years

David Simkowitz, Brooklyn

9 years

Shmuel Wolvovsky, Brooklyn

‍

Life and Qualifying members 
Left to right: Tim O’Donnell, Marc DiFiore, Randy Fine, Steve Willis, Tyler DeStefano, Aba Berkowitz, Ever Gonzalez, Yosef Moskowitz, Ben Glancz, Joshua Ketchie, Elie Engel, Wolf Perl, Ashvin Chheda, Leyla Lesina, Kevin DeGray

5 years

Liang Lee, Western Pacific‍

Ivan Watanabe, Strategies for Wealth

6 years

Aba Berkowitz, Brooklyn

7 years

Evaristo Gonzalez, Financial Growth Partners‍

Yosef Moskowitz, Forest Hills Financial Group‍

Dustin Peltier, Northern States

8 years

Ben Glancz, Brooklyn
‍

9 years

Joshua Ketchie, South Central

11 years

Tyler DeStefano, National Financial Network

12 years

Ashvin Chheda, Red River‍

Elie Engel, Brooklyn

13 years

Wolf Perl, Brooklyn

17 years

Jeff Benowitz, Certified Financial Services
‍

19 years

Steve Willis, Kansas City

22 years

Eric Studley, National Financial Network

23 years

Marc DiFiore, Strategies for Wealth

26 years

Earl Rubinoff, Chicago

30 years

Randy Fine, Strategies for Wealth

Praefectus Award Winners

Elite performers in this group have 300 or more paid cases in a calendar year, of which 225 or more must be from individual life and disability income. The award also requires a minimum 90% persistency rate.
‍
Left to right:  Tim O’Donnell, Elie Engel, Tyler DeStefano, Kevin DeGray, Leyla Lesina
Tyler DeStefano, National Financial Network
Elie Engel, Brooklyn

‍

Praetorian Club Qualifiers

Elite performers in this group have 200 or more paid cases in a calendar year, of which 150 or more must be from individual life and disability income. The award also requires a minimum 90% persistency rate.

Left to right: Tim O’Donnell, Tyler DeStefano, Mark Murphy, Elie Engel, Kevin DeGray, Leyla Lesina
First-time Qualifiers Mark Murphy, Forest Hills Financial Group
Todd Salac, Lifetime Financial Growth

Qualifying Members Elie Engel, Brooklyn, 3 years
Tyler DeStefano, National Financial Network, 7 years
‍

Leadership Awards

Cross-Offering Award
Joshua Ketchie, Southeast
31,000 Total Cross-Offering Credits

Combined Group Sales Award
Mouzon Bass, Red River
36 plans for a total of $53,650,950 in volume and $960,766 in premium

Annuity Sales Award
Nick Liapunov
$6,183,806 Variable, SPDA, DIA, and FIA sales
Lives and Disability Income Premium Award
Tyler DeStefano, National Financial Network
309.24 Total Life/DI/Group Lives
$720,937 Disability Annual Premium

‍Life Premium and Life Face Value Award
Eric Bouskila, National Financial Network
$10,350,391 Life Annual Premium
$448,769,877 Life Face Value

Three-time Client Builder Award Winners

This award recognizes those FPs with exceptional starts to their careers. These individuals achieved CBA levels at three milestones — their first 90 days, their first-year anniversary, and their second-year anniversary. In recognition of their achievements, they received $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice.
Katie Martineau, Meg Vecchi, Scott Zedeker, Shane Stelma, Jordan Zecher, Jason Rotman, Jared Goldstine, Eric Banson, Bill Bennett, Clantz Liggett, Julian Simmons, Joseph Miller, Garrett Williamson, Chad Wilson, Leyla Lesina 
Eric Banson, Strategies for Wealth
Bill Bennett, Red River
Jon DeGroff, Lifetime Financial Growth
Jared Goldstine, Chicago
Adam Gordon, Lifetime Financial Growth
Clantz Liggett, Lifetime Financial Growth
Joseph Miller, Western Pacific
Jason Rotman, California Pacific
Julian Simmons, Western Pacific
Avrohom Stauber, Brooklyn
Shane Stelma, Fort Myers-Naples
Garrett Williamson, Southeast
Chad Wilson, Western Pacific
Jordan Zecher, Strategies for Wealth
Scott Zedeker, Fort Myers-Naples

Top Producer in Park Avenue Securities Gross Dealer Concessions

David Simkowitz, Brooklyn — $3,594,294

Guardian Network Talent Introduction Program Top 5

This award recognizes the top FPs who exemplify our values and show us the true meaning of the power of community by attracting and referring quality candidates to our profession. In honor of their achievements, these winners are awarded money to give to the charity of their choice. To learn what charities these winners chose and why, see the Top Honors Award.
  1. Mark Murphy, Forest Hills Financial Group; $10,000; Hoosiers for Good
  2. Lovepreet Ghotra, Forest Hills Financial Group; $5,000; Orlando Food Not Bombs
  3. Eric Bouskila, National Financial Network; $5,000; Central Fund of Israel
  4. Bryan Schod, Lifetime Financial Growth; $2,000; Mon Valley Habitat for Humanity
  5. Craig Gilliam, North Texas; $2,000; Christian Homes and Family Services
Left to right: Meg Vecchi, Craig Gilliam, Katie Martineau, Mark Murphy, Leyla Lesina  

Growing up Guardian

Watch to see what it means to “Grow up Guardian” across generations.
Watch video
Pinnacle and Peak Awards
Pinnacle & Peak Council recognize financial professionals who excel in wealth management and in meeting their clients’ investment needs. These dedicated events celebrate their contributions to the growth and success of Park Avenue Securities.

‍

Pinnacle Council Qualification Requirements
The Top 20 Registered Representatives in GDC as reported in the December VIP report.

Peak Council Qualification Requirements
The Top 40 Registered Representatives in GDC as reported in the December VIP report.

Pinnacle Council qualifiers (Top 20) are automatically invited to Peak Council. Individuals who meet the above requirements will be invited to the annual Pinnacle & Peak Council. Pinnacle Council producers will receive an additional day at the Council.

This year, we celebrated Pinnacle Council at The Breakers Palm Beach in Palm Beach, Florida. Congratulations to all our qualifiers and award recipients.

Top sales and deposits by product

  • 401(k) sales — Mark Murphy: $86,095,198
  • Annuity sales — Asghar Kazim: $17,701,446
  • Advisory deposits — Mark Murphy: $133,031,193
Asghar Kazim joined by Marianne Caswell and Joe Fuschillo

Top in overall sales and deposits

  • Mark Murphy — $224.3 million
Mark Murphy joined by Marianne Caswell and Joe Fuschillo

Top 3 GDC growth in attendance

David Simkowitz—79.9%
Joe Guyton—32.5%
Asghar Kazim—28.3%
Left to right: Joe Fuschillo, Asghar Kazim, Joe Guyton, and Marianne Caswell

Top 3 AUM growth in attendance

Tom Dumas—9.8%
Mark Connely—8.7%
Gwen Chatham—6.6%
Left to right: Joe Fuschillo, Mark Connely, Gwen Chatham, Thomas Dumas, and Marianne Caswell
Left to right: Carly Maher, Asghar Kazim, Michael Ferik, Mark Connely, Jeff Howard, Jay Hochheiser, Robert Koscik, Ashvin Chheda, Gracio Garcia, James Hegland, Anthony Domino, Jr., John Lentz, Annette Hammortree, Scott Kaplan, Michele Lee Fine, Robert Votruba, Gwen Chatham, Marianne Caswell, Mark Murphy.

Pinnacle Council Qualifiers

Those who were both Pinnacle and President’s Council qualifiers in attendance were recognized:

Name
Agency
GDC
David Simkowitz
Brooklyn
$3,594,294
Mark Murphy
Forest Hills Financial Group
$3,007,467
Rob Votruba
National Financial Network
$2,763,050
Gracio Garcia
Boston
$2,318,350
Gwen Chatham
Pacific Advisors
$2,068,048
Michele Lee Fine
Strategies for Wealth
$2,027,038
Annette Hammortree
Great Lakes
$1,821,143
Tony Bonanno
Lifetime Financial Growth
$1,820,134
Scott Kaplan
Strategies for Wealth
$1,755,487
John Lentz
North/Central Florida
$1,732,124
Adam Greenstein
NY Gotham
$1,678,173
Anthony Domino, Jr.
Strategies for Wealth
$1,675,113
Rob Koscik
Lifetime Financial Growth
$1,674,855
Mark Connely
Texas PRS
$1,613,470
Ashvin Chheda
Red Bank
$1,601,433
Don Sestrich
Lifetime Financial Growth
$1,589,846
Asghar Kazim
NY Gotham
$1,549,938
Jay Hochheiser
NY Gotham
$1,480,369
Jeff Howard
Charlotte
$1,345,013
James Hegland
Northern States
$1,344,753

Peak Council Qualifiers

Name
Agency
GDC
Mark Smiley
Worcester
$1,277,914
Thomas Dumas
Charlotte
$1,263,589
Dean Rothman
National Financial Network
$1,141,942
David Orsolino
Strategies for Wealth
$1,127,694
Michael Ghioto
South Central - Atlanta
$1,121,899
Donn Waite
California Pacific                      
$1,110,925
Matthew Gaglio
Strategies for Wealth
$1,093,122
Thomas Pallogudis
Hudson Valley                          
$1,080,806
Kenneth Bogert
Certified Financial Services
$1,060,983
Joseph Delisi
Western Pacific
$1,042,944
Michael Blackwell
Strategies  for Wealth
$1,039,753
Donald Connors
Philadelphia                            
$1,017,849
Michael Klotz
Strategies  for Wealth
$1,005,512
Patricia Picardi
Philadelphia                            
$981,565
Joseph Guyton
Boston                                  
$951,003
Jay Wilen
Central Atlantic                        
$933,863
Michael Spicer
Central Atlantic                    
$921,451
Boris Lokshin
Boston                                  
$911,859
Matthew Lipscomb
South Central - Atlanta
$893,384
Advanced Disability Meeting 
The 2023 Advanced Disability Meeting recognizes top producers who consistently produce high-volume, high-quality disability income business. “It's about Guardian thanking all of you for your business and for your drive to serve your communities and clients,” said Ed Youmell, Head of Life, Disability, and Annuity Sales, as he opened the awards dinner.

‍

New DI Circle of Excellence Inductee

In recognition of qualifying as a $1 million agency a minimum of 10 times with a minimum of $20 million in-force DI premium (individual and multi-life combined): North/Central Florida.

Left to right: Ed Youmell, Stewart Davis, Larry Hazzard

Triple Crown Award

These triple crown winners qualify for DI Inner Circle, President’s Council, and Centurion Club in the same year:

Jeff Benowitz, Certified Financial Services
Ryan Brace, Lifetime Financial Growth 
‍Tyler DeStefano, National Financial Network
‍Randy Fine, Strategies for Wealth
‍Pat Hauge, Pacific Advisors
Lawrence Keller, New York Gotham
Yosef Moskowitz, Forest Hills Financial Group
‍Mark Murphy, Forest Hills Financial Group
‍Jared Rothbard, Certified Financial Services
‍Eric Studley, National Financial Network
‍Ivan Watanabe, Strategies for Wealth
Left to right: Ed Youmell, Jared Rothbard, Pat Hauge, Larry Keller, Jeff Benowitz, Tyler DeStefano, Ryan Brace, Randy Fine, Ivan Watanabe, Dan Ellen

DIS of the Year

This category recognizes the Disability Income Specialist who has the highest unit production and has growth from the prior year: Jason Klunder, Des Moines.

Left to right: Larry Hazzard, Jason Klunder, and Ed Youmell

DIS Growth Award

This award recognizes the Disability Income Specialist who has reached $1 million unit production and has the top growth percentage from the prior year:  Bob Jaffe, Certified Financial Services.

Left to right: Larry Hazzard, Bob Jaffe, and Ed Youmell

DIS Activity Award

This award recognizes the Disability Income Specialist who finishes the year with the greatest unit growth considering production, the number of new producers writing DI, and the number of producers writing more than three cases: Matthew Berard, Boston.
Left to right: Larry Hazzard, Matthew Berard, and Ed Youmell

Platinum Qualifiers

This category recognizes and reward the very best producers of high-volume, high-quality disability income business:  

Jeff Benowitz, Certified Financial Services

Bob Bhayani, Wayne

Leonard Cohen, Forest Hills Financial Group

Tyler DeStefano, National Financial Network

Gregg Fishman, New York Gotham

Eli Friedman, New York Gotham

Anthony George, Pacific Advisors

Insmed Insurance Agency Inc., represented by David Blake

James Kachmar, National Financial Network

‍Bob Kaplan, Pacific Advisors

‍

Larry Keller, New York Gotham
‍Chuck Krugh, Pacific Advisors
‍Jennifer Loyall, Red River
‍Richard Lunetta, National Financial Network
‍Pattern Life, represented by Dustin Karas
‍Dustin Peltier, Northern States
‍Todd Salac, Lifetime Financial Growth
‍Eric Studley, National Financial Network
‍Steve Willis, Kansas City
Left to right: Ed Youmell, Adam Mahnen, Todd Salac, Dustin Karas, Chuck Krugh, Larry Keller, Bob Kaplan, Steve Willis, David Blake, Anthony George, Leonard Cohen, Eli Friedman, Tyler DeStefano, Jeff Benowitz, James Kachmar, Richard Lunetta, Dustin Peltier, Catherine Cackowski

Top 3 Corporate Total New Paid DI Production

Left to right: Ed Youmell, Dustin Karas representing Pattern Life, and Larry Hazzard
  1. Pattern Life — $1,853,799 New Paid Premium
  2. Insmed Insurance Agency — represented by $418,385 New Paid Premium
  3. Health Professionals Insurance Service – $349,865 New Paid Premium

Diamond Level Agencies

Agency must have a minimum of $1,500,000 new combined IDI and multi-life premium. The top 3 are:

1. Lifetime Financial Growth - $6,866,788

2. Pacific Advisors - $5,582,854

3. National Financial Network - $4,020,087

And these agencies also qualified for Diamond Level:
Boston
Certified Financial Services
Des Moines
Forest Hills Financial Group
Lifetime Financial Growth
Mid-Atlantic
National Financial Network
New York Gotham


North/Central Florida
Northern States
Pacific Advisors
Red River
South Central
Strategies for Wealth
Wayne
Western Pacific
Left to right: Larry Hazzard, Matthew Roddy, Danielle Swann, Greg Kreiner, Ed Youmell
Left to right: Larry Hazzard, EricMcDermott, Kelly Kidwell, Misty Weltzien, Ed Youmell
Left to right: Larry Hazzard, Michael Maresca, Tony Mazzei, and Ed Youmell

DI Inner Circle Qualifications 

DI Inner Circle recognizes top producers who consistently produce high-volume, high-quality disability income business. Individuals must have at least 80 in-force cases, 25 new paid cases, and $65,000 in new paid premium. Of our 128 qualifiers for 2023 recognition, the producers shown were recognized for qualifying more than 15 times.

Name
Agency
Years
Mark Crites 
Red River
26
Robert Kaplan
California Pacific 
26
Steve Willis
Kansas City
24
Warner Issacs
Kansas City
23
Tony DeLuca
National Financial Network
21
Jeff Benowitz
Certified Financial Services
21
Lori O'Neil
West Pac
21
Anjali Singh
21
Washington Dentists Insurance 
California Pacific
California Pacific
21
David Richards 
Denver
20
Larry Keller
New York Gotham
20
Eric Studley
National Financial Network
20
David  Washkowiak 
California Pacific     
20
Chuck Kofoed
Salt Lake City
19
Anthony George
California Pacific     
19
Randy Fine
Strategies for Wealth
18
William Olmsted
Mid-Atlantic 
18
Amy Dickenson
Lifetime Financial Growth
18
Jennifer Loyall
Red River
18
Mark Matia
South Central
18
Insmed Insurance Agency, Inc.
Wayne
17
Treloar & Heisel, Inc  
Lifetime Financial Growth 
17
Tiedtke Marketing Group 
Red River 
16
Keith Bowman
Denver
16

First Timer Inner Circle

  • Kelly Eng, Western Pacific
  • Pearson Ravitz LLC, Wayne
  • Kris Schwartz, Central Texas
  • Gary Scholnick, Lifetime Financial Growth
  • Laura Houston, Western Pacific
  • Caleb Reed, North/Central Florida
  • Brian Hutt, Mid-Atlantic

DIS Qualifiers

These award winners have $575,000 of unit production of Individual and multi-life DI and no greater than a 10% drop in new paid premium.

  • Igor Acimovic, Western Pacific
  • Donny Beattie, Red River
  • John Bechtel, Lifetime Financial Growth
  • Matthew Berard, Boston
  • Michael Bourassa, Certified Financial Services
  • Dana Campion, WesternPacific
  • Kara DeStefano, National Financial Network
  • Sarah Dozier, Southeast  
  • Matthew Finn, Mid-Atlantic
  • Dale Forsythe, Northern States
  • Vincent Gallo, Financial Growth Partners
  • Michael Hagedorn, Pacific Advisors
  • Michael Hecht, Lifetime Financial Growth
  • Tasha Jo Hill, Lifetime Financial Growth

‍

  • Bob Jaffe, Certified Financial Services
  • Jessica Jordan, Red River
  • Evan Kidwell, Pacific Advisors
  • Jason Klunder, Des Moines
  • Greg Kreiner, Lifetime Financial Growth
  • Connor Marrone, Strategies for Wealth
  • Robert Newman, South Florida
  • Andie Perlmutter, Forest Hills Financial Group
  • Kirk Quitno, Pacific Advisors
  • Domingo Rodriguez, Wayne
  • Tom Sherry, North/Central Florida
  • James Steidel, National Financial Network
  • Daniel Taylor, SouthCentral
  • Keith Tison, Lifetime Financial Growth
  • Howard Udoff, Wayne
  • Paula Zonin-Crowley, National Financial Network
DI Inner Circle Qualifiers 15-20 years, left to right: Ed Youmell, Chuck Kofoed, Anthony George, David Blake representing InsMed Insurance Agency, Chuck Krugh, Todd Salac, Elizabeth Holmen representing R.K. Tongue Company, Randy Fine, Kevin DeGray
DI Inner Circle Qualifiers 21+ years, left to right: Ed Youmell, Lawrence Keller, Steve Willis, Matthew French, Anjali Singh, Jeff Benowitz, David Richards, Bob Kaplan, Kevin DeGray, Larry Hazzard
Left to right: Ed Youmell, Ryan Willis, Jon DeGroff, Jared Fenlason, Yossi Marsow, Shelby Green, Michael Reyes, Colton Mendenhall, Bryan Schod, Matthew Voss, Kevin DeGray

Next Gen Qualifiers

DI Next Generation rewards new producers in their first three contract years, who show a strong and growing commitment to selling individual disability products. These are the producers who will lead us into the future.

  • Jared Fenlason, Northern States
  • Shelby Green, South Central
  • Jeffrey Malone, Charlotte
  • Yosef Marsow, Brooklyn
  • Colton Mendenhall, Charlotte
  • Michael Reyes, National Financial Network
  • Bryan Schod, Lifetime Financial Growth
  • Matthew Voss, Lifetime Financial Growth
  • Ryan Willis, Kansas City

Top 5 Total New Paid DI Production Winners

  • Bob Bhayani, Wayne — $845,290
  • Tyler DeStefano, National Financial Network — $720,937
  • Bob Kaplan, Pacific Advisors — $635,049
  • Eric Studley, National Financial Network — $613,873
  • Larry Keller, NY Gotham — $491,477
Left to right: Larry Hazzard, GA David Alter, and Ed Youmell
Left to right: Larry Hazzard, Tyler DeStefano, and Ed Youmell
Left to right: Larry Hazzard, GAs Michael Maresca and Tony Mazzei, along with Ed Youmell
Left to right: Larry Hazzard, Bob Kaplan, and Ed Youmell
Left to right: Larry Hazzard, Larry Keller, and Ed Youmell

Top Multi-Life Producers

  • David Wujczyk, Lifetime Financial Growth—$262,411
  • Mark Murphy, Forest Hills Financial Group—$219,529
  • Jason Frederico, Western Pacific—$219,480      
  • Gregory Lough, Lifetime Financial Growth—$178,631
  • Amy Dickenson, Lifetime Financial Growth—$152,385

Forbes recognizes industry excellence

Congratulations to the 17 Guardian producers named to the Shook/Forbes list of America’s Top Financial Security Professionals. Most impressively, seven of these 17 honorees are repeat winners from past years.

The Forbes America’s Top Financial Security Professionals list for 2023 recognizes these outstanding producers as being among the best financial securities professionals in the US, as determined by SHOOK® Research. As a result of this award, these same individuals have also been named to the Forbes “Best in State” Financial Security Professionals list.

Putting this ‘win’ in perspective

This year, SHOOK Research received 42,108 qualifying nominations from agencies throughout the country, of which it evaluated more than 16,500 professionals for consideration in its rankings published by Forbes. Only 100 producers were chosen for this honor. The winners are those financial securities professionals who SHOOK Research determined represent “the role models of the industry.”

How the honorees were selected

In choosing the 100 top advisors, SHOOK Research focused on quantitative and qualitative criteria, such as production/premiums, persistency rates, client retention, best practices, community involvement, and client service models.

‍

Congratulations to these top performers on this prestigious award, which shines a very public spotlight on their hard work and dedication to their clients.

‍

‍

And the award goes to…

Kenneth Alter, Planning Alliance**

Eric Bouskila, National Financial Network

Jeffrey Benowitz, Certified Financial Services

Ashvin Chheda, Opes One**

Rafael Ekstein, Brooklyn Financial Group

Asghar Kazim, Wealth Advisory Group, LLC**

Lawrence Keller, Wealth Advisory Group, LLC

John W. Lentz, VII, North Florida Financial**

Matthew Lipscomb, Ashford Advisors, Inc.**

Mark B. Murphy, Forest Hills Financial Group**

Martin Nachemson, Strategies for Wealth

Michael Olivia, WestPac Wealth Partners

Joseph Pombriant, Strategies for Wealth

Andrea Schaffer, Pacific Advisors

David Simkowitz, Brooklyn Financial Group**

Brian Smith, Lifetime Financial Growth

Brett Zuckerman, National Planning Corporation

** Past winners in 2021 and/or 2022.
‍
Forbes published the rankings of those in the Top Advisors list in its online magazine (Forbes.com) on July 26.

1 Data provided by SHOOK®Research, LLC. Data as of 12/31/21. Source: Forbes.com (July 2023). Neither SHOOK nor Forbes receives any compensation in exchange for placement on its Top Financial Security Profession.  (FSP) rankings, which are determined independently (see methodology). FSP refers to professionals who are properly licensed to sell life insurance and annuities. FSPs may also hold others entails and licenses which would allow them to offer investments and securities products through those licenses. Ranking algorithm is based on qualitative measures learned through telephone, virtual and in-person interviews to measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management, sales figures and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and these professionals rarely have audited performance reports. Individuals must carefully choose the right FSP for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help individuals choose the right FSP and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC.

‍2 This award is not issued or endorsed by Guardian or its subsidiaries.
To the field: Thanks for all you do!
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Pub8927 (01/23) 2023-149372 (Exp. 01/25)   |   New York, NY