Paul Szkotak honoured for transforming NAIFA’s new member onboarding experience

We take great pleasure in honouring Paul Szkotak, the recipient of the Q1 Hard Hat Award in the Membership category for his exemplary contributions to the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). As a committed member of NAIFA's National Membership Committee, Paul has dedicated significant time and effort to transforming the new member onboarding experience, ensuring it is not merely procedural but one that fosters connection and belonging from the very beginning.

Receiving the Hard Hat Award holds particular significance for Paul. “This recognition is special because it highlights the often-overlooked efforts behind the scenes in enhancing a 135+ year tradition of volunteerism within our industry,” he stated. His commitment to continuous improvement affirms that the evolution of membership processes is vital for both membership growth and his own work as a financial advisor.

Paul's involvement with the Membership Committee is rooted in a strong belief in the power of collaboration and legacy. His professional journey, which spans various sectors from real estate to Wall Street, underscores the importance of networks. In his own words, “I could never be the advisor I am without the benefit of all those who came before me.” This sentiment resonates deeply within NAIFA, an organisation that aims to strengthen the industry by connecting professionals eager to share knowledge and experience.

Significant to his contributions is the redesigned onboarding journey for new members. Paul has driven efforts to refine the onboarding process by streamlining procedures and enhancing the welcome experience. Collaborating closely with NAIFA's staff, he has advocated for a clearer, more engaging onboarding experience that better aligns with the needs of new members. This effort encompasses a redesigned welcome package, improved orientation programmes, and even the introduction of on-demand orientation options—each intended to make the NAIFA experience as meaningful as possible from day one.

“I’m most excited about the tangible improvements we’re making,” Paul remarked, emphasising how these changes enhance accessibility and relevance for every new member. His vision for effective onboarding goes beyond immediate engagement; he recognises it as a strategic initiative with lasting implications for NAIFA's growth and retention. He elaborated, “Effective onboarding creates a multiplier effect,” suggesting that each well-integrated member has the potential to attract two or three others into the fold over time.

Paul’s motivation springs from the dedication and passion of NAIFA’s staff and volunteers. As he articulates, “It’s inspiring to be part of a community that constantly strives to be better than it was yesterday.” His alignment with NAIFA’s core pillars—advocacy, education, and recognition—speaks to his commitment to elevating financial literacy and the profession as a whole.

For members keen on becoming more involved, Paul advises cultivating a focused passion. “Master the one aspect of NAIFA that excites you most, then share it,” he encouraged. By becoming a resource in a specific area, members can forge meaningful connections that elevate their contributions to the organisation.

While NAIFA is in the midst of implementing many of Paul’s innovative recommendations, the impact of his leadership is already palpable. His endeavours epitomise the essence of the Hard Hat Award—labouring diligently to construct something beneficial for the entire NAIFA community. The organisation’s commitment to supporting its members is further strengthened by contributions like Paul’s, which promise a more connected and engaged future for all involved.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Paul Szkotak for his well-deserved recognition and express our gratitude for his unwavering commitment to NAIFA's mission. His insights and the energy he brings to the membership development process not only enhance the NAIFA experience but also set a standard for excellence within the sector.