Marc Kiner, CPA, is a co-founder of the National Social Security Advisor (NSSA^®) Certificate program and a new NAIFA member as of early March.

Over his three-decade career as a CPA, Kiner grew increasingly interested in the inner workings of Social Security benefits. In 2008, he bought three books on Social Security, read them cover to cover, and emerged with more questions than answers. So, he sought out an expert and was referred to Jim Blair, then the District Manager of the Piqua, OH, Social Security office. Blair worked for SSA for 35 years before retiring on December 31, 2010.

NAIFA-Ohio honored three chapter members with awards at their 2022 Success Summit. Matthew Meeker, CLU, ChFC, CLTC, and James Fuller, LUTCF, received the NAIFA-OH Political Involvement Award and Daniel Brookman, LUTCF, was named the 2021 NAIFA-OH Young Advisor of the Year.

“We are pleased to recognize Matthew Meeker, James Fuller, and Daniel Brookman,” said NAIFA-OH President Tracy Cartwright. “Their talent, energy, and dedication provide a shining example of how insurance and financial professionals make a meaningful difference in NAIFA, in their communities, and in the lives of their clients. Matthew, Daniel, and outstanding NAIFA members like them are the reason NAIFA will continue to be the largest, most influential, and most successful membership association for financial professionals in the United States.” 

Scott Blake, MBA, knows the value of political advocacy. After a career in the political sphere, he now works to protect the interests of Main Street Americans as well as insurance and financial professionals.

From Politics to Financial Services

Blake transitioned from politics to financial services at the suggestion of his own financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual. Now, he's also a financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual. Working primarily with upwardly mobile millennials, Blake says he likes helping driven, motivated people achieve their dreams and goals. He talks about one such instance when he helped a millennial client buy their first home. “It's about serving your client. I get to wish for the best for them and help them achieve their dreams.” That's his favorite part of being a financial advisor—he gets to be everyone’s cheerleader.