In the News
Shane Westhoelter: Celebrating a New Milestone in Excellence
In a world where dedication and passion often shine through, Shane Westhoelter stands out as a remarkable leader and inspiration to others. Shane was recently honored with the Distinguished Service Award from NAIFA California. It is not just a testament to his individual achievements but also serves as an acknowledgment of the impact he has made on his peers and the industry as a whole over his 35 year tenure. This honor recognizes his outstanding contributions, innovative thinking, and leadership qualities that have propelled him to new heights.
NAIFA-California’s highest honor is the Norman G. Levine Distinguished Service Award. The award was originally established in 1992 as the Distinguished Service Award. It was later renamed to honor the longtime service and leadership of the industry great, Norman G. Levine. Norm Levine made unparalleled contributions over more than six decades and left an indelible mark on the profession. Even now he continues to inspire generations of industry professionals. Norm’s speeches and writings provided invaluable insights and strategies, shaping the careers of thousands, and elevating the standards of the industry. Much like Norm, Shane’s achievements have garnered widespread recognition, highlighting his unwavering commitment to excellence in the insurance and financial services industry.
Shane’s journey has been marked by hard work, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of his goals. His career, which spans 35 years, has been characterized by a series of accomplishments that reflect his talent and determination. Colleagues and industry leaders alike have expressed their admiration for Shane, highlighting his ability to motivate and uplift others. This award is a culmination of years of dedication and hard work, and it reflects the high regard in which he is held.
From the outset, Shane has shown a remarkable ability to foresee, embrace, innovate and finally inspire. Put more succinctly, he can foresee a vision for the future, embrace the inevitable change, innovate broadly, and inspire those around him to greater success professionally and personally. Whether through constant mentorship, focused advocacy efforts, or through industry and community board service, Shane’s influence extends far beyond personal accolades. Through workshops, speaking engagements, and community involvement, Shane shares his insights and experiences, encouraging others to pursue their dreams. His story serves as a reminder that success is not solely defined by personal achievements but also by the positive influence we have on others. Shane embodies this philosophy, and his commitment to mentoring the next generation is a hallmark of his character. As Shane always says, “dream of tomorrow, learn from the past, live for today.” His journey serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with hard work, resilience, and a commitment to uplifting others, remarkable achievements are possible. As he moves forward, there is no doubt that Shane will continue to excel and inspire those around him, leaving a lasting legacy in his wake.
Disclosure: The NAIFA-California Norman G. Levine Distinguished Service Award 2024 winner. This award is given annually to recognize an individual who is a current member of NAIFA, and/or a person dedicated to the enhancement of the association/industry with evidence of meritorious service to the insurance and financial advisors association and/or the life and health insurance industry and/or the community. This award is not indicative of past or future investment performance. For more information, see ca.naifa.org/dsa.
Gateway Financial Advisors Named ‘Excellence in DE&I’ Finalist
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – April 17, 2023 — Gateway Financial Advisors is proud to be named a finalist in the category of ‘Diversity Champion’ as part of the 2023 InvestmentNews Excellence in DE&I awards program. The firm was profiled in the April 17 edition of InvestmentNewsMagazine, and winners will be announced at a May 10 awards banquet in New York City.
Now in its fifth year, the InvestmentNews Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Awards recognize individuals and firms that have made an impact on the financial services industry through innovative diversity-enhancing programs, leadership, and willingness to share experiences and contributions with their communities. Finalists in the category of ‘Diversity Champion’ were selected after an InvestmentNews judging panel evaluated firms around the industry making an impact in diversity, equity, and inclusion by implementing programs, practices, and elements of culture that have led to lasting, measurable change.
Always looking to build awareness around diversity and inclusion, Gateway continues to create meaningful change in the financial services industry and local communities it serves. Over the past several years Gateway has worked with a variety of diversity-focused organizations — including Thrive/My Money My Future, Crossroads for Women, WomenToBe, and Albuquerque’s African American and Hispano Chambers — to provide financial literacy to Black and Latino people in Albuquerque and other surrounding communities. All of Gateway’s internal initiatives are driven by a small group of its financial professionals who serve on diverse non-profit boards and DE&I councils around the industry.
Leaders at Gateway have appeared on the Cambridge Stronger podcast to share their work in the area of diversity and inclusion with Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. CEO Amy Webber. Aprilyn Chavez Geissler shared her inspiring story on Episode 131 and Shane Westhoelter appeared on Episode 109 of the show.
Shane Westhoelter – Turning Struggles and Challenges into Success
Shane Westhoelter, CEO of Gateway Financial Advisors, did not grow up thinking he would be in the insurance and financial services industry. Growing up on a farm in rural Missouri, Shane excelled in sports and played everything from basketball to football to soccer to track. While on the Junior Olympics team, he qualified for the US Olympics team.
Cambridge Stronger: Episode 131 – Finding Your Voice.
Amy Webber, Cambridge CEO, hosts Aprilyn Chavez Geissler of Gateway Insurance and Financial Services on the Cambridge Stronger Podcast. Amy invites independent financial professionals to offer insight on how they integrate values and purpose in their care for their investing clients. Hear Aprilyn’s story about how she got started and why she chooses to be an advice professional.
Shane Westhoelter Makes Passion for His Business Routine
written by Mark Briscoe (NAIFA Advisor Today, Summer 2021 Issue).
If it’s 7 a.m., Shane Westhoelter, AEP, CLU, LUTCF, LTCP (loyal member since 1994), is up and running… adhering to his proven routine has made him a hugely successful financial professional, as the President and CEO of Gateway Financial Advisors, and a valued thought leader and frequent speaker for NAIFA’s Business Performance Center.
From Door to Door to Top Producer – with Shane Westhoelter
interview with Paul Feldman (InsuranceNewsNet Magazine).
Shane Westhoelter started his insurance career selling small policies door to door until the death of a young boy in a drive-by shooting made him realize his “why.” And it inspired him to start a practice that has grown nationwide.
Cambridge Stronger: Episode 109 – A Drive to Succeed.
Amy Webber, Cambridge CEO, hosts Shane Westhoelter of Gateway Financial Advisors on the Cambridge Stronger Podcast. Amy invites independent financial professionals to offer insight on how they integrate values and purpose in their care for their investing clients. Hear Shane’s story about how he got started and why he chooses to be an advice professional.
Aprilyn Chavez Geissler wins Investment News, WOMEN to WATCH Award.
Aprilyn Chavez Geissler wanted to be an insurance agent and financial adviser from the time she was a youngster. Observing the invaluable help one such professional provided to her working-class family, she has been committed to helping others, and especially women, understand “the power of money and how to make it work for them.”
Shane Westhoelter Honored with 2020 Spirit of Cambridge Award
Gateway Financial Advisors is pleased to announce Shane Westhoelter received the 2020 Spirit of Cambridge award by his broker-dealer, Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. (Cambridge). Westhoelter was one of three recipients honored at Cambridge’s annual national conference, Ignite. To honor the Spirit of Cambridge winners, Cambridge makes a donation to a qualified charity of each recipient’s choice. Westhoelter selected the ALS Association New Mexico Chapter for his charitable contribution.
Aprilyn Chavez Geissler shares her story with InsuranceNewsNet Magazine
In this issue, Aprilyn Chavez Geissler of Albuquerque, NM, is featured as an “Agent of Change” rising from abuse and homelessness to achieve her dream and help other women achieve theirs.
Aprilyn Chavez Geissler Receives the 2019 NAIFA Diversity Champion Award
Aprilyn Chavez Geissler of Albuquerque, NM, First Executive Vice President at Gateway Insurance and Financial Services, Inc., has been recognized as the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) 2019 Diversity Champion. Geissler has been instrumental in helping Gateway focus on providing insurance and financial services to Hispanic and Native American families, as well as increasing staff diversity.
Don't Be That Neighbor… Tips to Increase the Value of Your Home, written by Gateway for NextHome.
Reach out to Gateway Insurance Group to learn more about simple tips that can make all the difference for the value of your home.
NextHome Launches Full-Service Insurance Offering Through Gateway Insurance Group, Inc.
written by RISMedia Staff.
Through this strategic partnership with Gateway Insurance Group, Inc., NextHome franchise members will be able to offer their clients a diverse portfolio of world-class insurance products. Same as NextHome, Gateway Insurance Group, Inc. is committed to providing an exceptional experience from beginning to end, crafting the ideal coverage package based on the person’s individual needs.
Retired Players Congress announces new partnership with Gateway Financial Advisors.
Some exclusive Gateway products with name brand carriers for NFL Retired Players Congress and Alumni group include: Guaranteed Life Insurance, Guaranteed Home Health Care, NFL Investment Portfolios with product sponsors of the NFL, Auto/Home Insurance, and Event (Charity and Golf event) Insurance. Quick Innovative Insurance Solutions >>
The Dirty 'D' Word of Insurance - Deductible, written by Gateway for NextHome.
Reach out to Gateway Insurance Group to explore your options for home insurance deductibles and discounts.
When you are no longer here, what will be your legacy – financial and otherwise? How do you want to be remembered? This week, Financial Professional Shane Westhoelter joins Real Wealth® Media to ask what type of legacy you want to leave and show you how you can get there!
Podcast Air Date: 2019-02-25