BIP Fall 2024

NABIP Engagement

NEW MEMBERS May 193 June 206 July 218

Why Austin Eppinette chose NABIP

Driven by the desire to build networks and forge business-enhancing relationships, Austin Eppinette, a Shreveport, Louisiana-based agency owner and general agent for Colonial Life, joined NABIP in July. The former Marine and principal at Frontline Benefits reveals what brought him to NABIP and what he expects will keep him engaged. Why did you join NABIP? One of my colleagues recently did an event with the chapter in the Tyler [Texas] market. It made me look into NABIP. We get moving in business so much that we forget to work on the business with our resources, networking and building relationships. Ultimately, that brought me in. Building relationships with those trying to do the same things you’re doing is a good business practice. How did you get into the industry? I’m in North Louisiana, so if you don’t have a degree or a heart to be in civil service, education or things like that, you go into the oil field, and I didn’t want to do that. I was fresh out of four years in the Marine Corps and still had it on my mind to serve people. The growth opportunity that came with the service of people through the insurance industry

became attractive to me. It was parallel to the military aspect of my prior career. When you get a notification to renew one year from now, what would make you stay? It’s going to come down to the relationships that I build. If I’m trying to help one of my clients with a solution that I don’t provide, but I know that ‘John’ does, and I built a relationship with John through NABIP, that is what it’s about for me. If I can form relationships and network with people, I’ll stick around. Do you plan to attend a local chapter meeting? Yes. I’m in the Red River chapter. I get to these types of things regularly. I’m heavily involved with our local Chamber of Commerce. I hope that NABIP

is less political and closer to the best practices regarding what we’re talking about and who we’re networking with. Also, if I can take one of my newer agents along with me to a meeting, and now they’re getting to ask a seasoned veteran some questions or whatever the case may be, that’s all positive. I’m definitely going to attend whatever meetings that I can attend.

Where in the World is NABIP? Naama O. Pozniak, founder and CEO of Paz Holding, Inc./RightPlan.com in Valley Village, California, embraced the new bip magazine at NABIP’s Annual Convention in Chicago this summer and noted a connection

of behaviors of concern. Setting specific, measurable goals for behavior change should be part of the goals. We are leaders who can influence the masses to fix and enhance our healthcare system, which is a total mess. Through education and actions, we bring mindful conversations and enhance our value by promoting and highlighting what can be done to take actions toward real authentic care, which is health.”

between its title and industry objectives. “The letters b-i-p also stand for behavioral intervention plan, which I find fascinating, as positive behavioral intervention is a huge part of our mission,” Pozniak says. “As influencers in our industry, it’s a reminder that we should continue to assess our understanding

Taking bip on the road with you? Submit a picture of yourself with the magazine to editor@nabip.org.

48 bip magazine Fall 2024