 
By Lucretia DiSanto Jones
Twenty-eight-year-old Ryan Stangler, LUTCF, an active Central Florida AIFA member, had a brush with death at the tender age of 18. In 1995 he developed an unusual health condition that became a life-and-death situation.
When he recovered from the illness, he had a perspective on, and an appreciation for life uncommon among 18-year-olds. It changed the course of his life.
A change of plans
“My intention was to attend the University of Florida’s pharmacy school,” Stangler says, “but I realized that my passion was more toward helping people in the event something happened to them, like death or disability. You know anything can happen to anyone regardless of age, and it’s important that we look at our situations and plan ahead. Because my condition happened to me at a young age, it really made me look at what I wanted to do in life. I wanted to help people, I wanted to give back, and I wanted to have an impact on people’s lives.”
Stangler had to step back and determine which road to take. Insurance and financial services seemed to offer all he was looking for. “My parents were entrepreneurs, so for me it offered the opportunity for freedom, independence, being able to go out and help people, and still make a very good living, provide for my family and do the things I wanted to do,” explains Stangler.
 |
"we do have a very important job, and for me it's all about helping people."
— Ryan Stangle
|
|
It takes hard work
He says that young people entering the business, however, need to get beyond the dollar signs and be prepared to work hard. “So many times we see young people graduating from college, and they’re anxious to get out into the workplace and make $50,000, $60,000 a year to start. They need to understand that this business is hard work,” he explains. “People get into it oftentimes for the money, but I think the money is the byproduct of the service we provide to our clients.
“I think the people who do best in this business are the people who truly have the passion for helping people and want to have an impact in their lives. We do have a very important job, and for me it’s all about helping people.”
How does this young advisor handle clients who question his knowledge simply because he has not yet turned 30? He doesn’t think about it. “I never let my age be a factor,” he says. “I view myself as a professional. When I meet with people, I establish the fact that I’m there for their needs.”
Stangler, manager of Mutual of Omaha’s Orlando district sales office, works with 13 advisors. When he was hired, he had to start a unit from scratch. “I had to identify the profile of the individual I wanted to work with,” he says. “I look for someone who has an entrepreneurial mindset, passion, a desire to be successful and help people, a drive.”
Teacher, motivator
Stangler is part teacher, part colleague and part motivator. He works one on one with advisors who need a push to navigate through rough patches.
“I talk with them,” he says. “I find out what the problem is, what they’re struggling with. We identify if it’s something they can or can’t control. I give them a different perspective on something that maybe they are not doing, and I suggest new things to try. I think what’s important is just truly listening to the agent or the rep and letting them know I’m there for them.”
Clearly, if Stangler had to describe himself in one word it would be passionate. “The true inspiration comes from within you and from being able to tap into your inner desires and passion,” he stresses. “When people can tap into their passion, they will be truly successful, and they can make a difference in people’s lives—not only in the lives of their clients but in the lives of other advisors as well.”
September 2005
And We're Off!
Your Shining Moment
Keys for Early Success
|
