Chris Spurio, CPA, CGMA’s Post

Subject: Reaching Out for Support During a Tough Time Dear LinkedIn Friends and Colleagues, I never imagined I’d be writing a message like this, but life has taken a turn that I simply can’t navigate on my own. It’s with a heavy heart and great humility that I reach out to you today. Asking for help is never easy, and I’ve struggled with the decision to post this, both because it’s embarrassing and because I fear it will affect future career opportunities. However, I’m at a point where I have no other choice. Life hasn’t always been like this. I’ve always been a go-getter, driven by a strong work ethic instilled in me by my parents. At 22, I bought my first home, and for the past 13 years, I thrived as an elevator mechanic. Before that, I graduated at the top of my class from a renewable energy institute, which led to an exciting career building wind turbines and cell towers across the country. My journey has been full of accomplishments that I’m proud of, but sometimes, life can shift in unexpected ways. A few years ago, I hurt my back outside of work, and without workman’s comp, I had to find a new path. I transitioned to solar sales, where I hoped to combine my passion for renewable energy with my ability to connect with people. Unfortunately, the timing was tough, and despite my best efforts, the companies I worked with didn’t align with my values or deliver on their promises. On top of that, a difficult divorce, severely damaged my credit. I’m now facing the potential loss of my storage unit, which holds priceless personal belongings left to me by my late father. My phone is on the brink of being disconnected, which would cut off my ability to receive job calls. And in just a week, I could lose my car, my last means of transportation. I’ve exhausted every option. I have frequent doctor’s appointments and physical limitations that make it difficult to take on physically demanding work. I’m struggling with mental health challenges, including depression & anxiety, and I’ve lost access to my doctors and psychiatrist due to a lack of private insurance. There are moments when I feel like giving up, but I continue to push forward because I know this isn’t the life I’m meant to live. If anyone has the means to help me get back on my feet, I would be forever grateful. Just being able to cover essential bills, secure a place to stay, and regain some stability would mean the world to me. I want to stress that I’m not asking anyone to feel obligated to donate. Your prayers, advice, or simply sharing this post would be a tremendous help. However, if you are able to contribute financially, it would be a lifesaver and deeply appreciated. Please know that any assistance will be used responsibly and wisely, and I will be sure to keep you updated PayPal-$ssimpson373 Apple Pay-530.350.0800 Thank you from the bottom of my heart for any support provided. Whether it’s a donation, a kind word, or simply sharing this message, it all makes a difference.

🎉 Exciting AFLAC Career Update! 🎉 Greetings LinkedIn community! I am thrilled to share a quick update on my journey with AFLAC so far. Just a few months ago, I embarked on this incredible career path, and it has been nothing short of rewarding. As a local pastor, I have a passion for helping people, particularly churches. During my time at AFLAC, I've had the privilege of partnering with several esteemed companies, providing their employees with top-notch benefits. I'm honored to have received accolades such as Fast Start, Super Fast Start, Founders Week Award, Fire Ball, and most recently, Super Fireball. These achievements are a testament to AFLAC's robust training and exceptional policies that cater to businesses of all sizes. In my portfolio, I've had the pleasure of serving a diverse range of clients, including a local symphony, recreational entertainment group, general contractor, daycare, funeral home, nail salon, church daycare, and church staff. AFLAC's employee benefits truly add significant value to any organization, regardless of its size. If you're a small business owner, pastor, or leader looking to provide quality employee benefits for your church staff or church daycare, I can help tailor AFLAC's offerings to suit your needs, whether you're based in my home state or anywhere across the country. Our policyholders consistently express gratitude for the comprehensive coverage and satisfaction they receive. Whether your team needs better benefits or you're starting from scratch, I'm here to assist in providing affordable group benefits that ensure your team's well-being. Let’s connect and explore how AFLAC can support your organization’s growth and success through superior employee benefits. Reach out to me today, and let’s discuss how we can elevate your business with AFLAC! #AFLAC #EmployeeBenefits #CareerGrowth #Insurance #BusinessSuccess #Leadership #ChurchSupport

This will help you attract better fit roles in the industry. But 99% of WOC in insurance miss this. Here’s why: It’s all about visibility. But instead of being seen, they: • They fear standing out.  • They worry about being judged. • They tense at the idea of vulnerability. It’s just too risky and uncomfortable. I get it – I’ve been there, too. I used to: • Play it safe. • Blend in with everyone. • Think twice before posting on LinkedIn. I didn’t want the attention. Unwarranted things come with attention. But everything changed with one simple shift: I stopped thinking – “I need to fit in.” And started saying – “I need to share my story.” (little by little) Because when this happens: • You don’t need fit a mold. • You don’t need to compete – just align. • You don’t need to do the norm to succeed. You just need to show up authentically: • Tell your story. • Speak at industry events.  • Share what you bring to the table. That’s how you become memorable. And your success will be based on the fact: That you’re unafraid to be just you. Stop blending in.  Show up as a 1 of 1. And watch as you turn into the obvious choice for the right opportunities in your insurance career. P.S. I’ll teach you exactly how to do this during my 3-day LIVE Masterclass. Join me in 1 WEEK from today. Grab your spot before it’s too late here: https://lnkd.in/gkMdd9WC #WOC #insurance #careers #development #pursuewhatmatters

Gratitude isn't just a feel-good emotion. It's a game-changer in business. Every morning, I wake up with a heart full of gratitude. Not for the obvious reasons. Not for the comfort of a cozy bed or the promise of a new day. I'm grateful for the challenges. The unending stacks of paperwork, the late-night calls, the intricate puzzles that insurance cases often are. 📄 Why? Because they have shaped me into a problem solver. They have led me to serve a community that I deeply respect and admire. I'm thankful for the trust that my clients place in me. Each policy is a testament to their dreams, their hard work, their legacies. It's an honor to safeguard these treasures. Never underestimate the power of gratitude. It doesn't just make you feel good. It makes you invincible. Embrace the challenges. Cherish the trust. Express gratitude. And watch your business soar. #gratitude #insurance #insuranceagent #insuranceagency #glendora #businessowner #trust #insurancebroker #grateful

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤: 𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 No matter the role or task at hand, it’s easy to overlook the inherent dignity of work. But work is not just a means to an end. It is an opportunity to contribute, serve, and find purpose in even the simplest of tasks. I started my insurance career at the bottom of the food chain, so to speak-- working in service roles where I made benefit guides, handled claim and service issues for employees, and did a lot of spreadsheeting. In 12 years, I’ve increased my income sixfold, and yet still step in to make benefit guides, handle claim issues, and absolutely do a lot of spreadsheeting. There isn’t a job that I did 12 years ago, that I do not do today. This is not because I really enjoy making benefit guides, but because it’s just the 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑜. My title or income make no difference to the human being on the other end, that needs that medication but is being denied at the pharmacy for some reason unknown to them. The Bible reminds us in 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟑:𝟐𝟑, “𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜, 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡, 𝑎𝑠 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑, 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑢𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠.” This powerful scripture encourages us to view every job—big or small—as an act of service, and it calls us to give our best, as though we are performing it for a higher purpose. As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today, let us remember how he beautifully echoed this sentiment in his words: “𝐼𝑓 𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑎 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑟, ℎ𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑡𝑠 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑠 𝑀𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑙𝑜 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑, 𝑜𝑟 𝐵𝑒𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑐, 𝑜𝑟 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑤𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑦. 𝐻𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑡𝑠 𝑠𝑜 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑓 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡ℎ 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑝𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑎𝑦, ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑎 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑑𝑖𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑗𝑜𝑏 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙.” Whether we're leading teams, managing projects, or making benefit guides and solving claim issues, the dignity of our work is found not in the title, but in how we approach our responsibilities. It’s a reminder that every role is an opportunity to shine and contribute to the greater good. Let’s celebrate the dignity of work by bringing excellence, integrity, and purpose to everything we do. #DignityOfWork #APathToHoliness #MLK

Summertime, and the livin’s easy.. I wish! I just fropped my family off at the airport this morning for a mini vacation I can’t accommodate. This is, by far, our busiest time of the year. An overwhelming amount of renewals happening through September 1. Open enrollments on the health insurance side are starting to kick off as well. Lots of moving pieces and extra work when you commit to being different, improving financial positioning and employee satisfaction/outcomes. #worthit Property/liability Insurance notes : still a challenging market. Especially in areas with wildfires, tornadoes/hail, hurricanes and flooding. Theft claims are up, employment disputes, cyber crimes. I’m not enjoying these market conditions, but it’s much more bearable to have premiums go up rather than having to tell a client a claim isn’t covered. On that note: I’m actively working to help a school that has a policy written for a medical professional. ie no coverage & an expensive stack of paper/certificate. I looked through the policies prior to our intro call, dove into my analysis and confirmed their suspicions. That’s why they’ve been having difficulty with coverage for school activities, like field trips and experience based curriculum. The basics! That’s what happens when you’re working with a consultant who isn’t a specialist, especially in this hard market. Scrambling for a quote, not paying attention to the details. Tens of thousands of dollars wasted. Don’t let that be you.. Reach out if you’d like to chat, I am always happy to help provide a second opinion or fresh take on your program. #charterschools #EPIC #charterschoolleaders

What do you do when your back is against the wall? when you need to act in real time? Sometimes, it pays to prepare for a rainy day—even if you don’t know when you’ll need that umbrella. That’s exactly what one of our clients did after a quick sales visit from us at Infinite Resources in Des Moines. Months ago, they signed an Agreement of Service, even though they didn’t have an immediate need for staffing. It was a small, forward-thinking step that would end up saving the day when they needed it most. For nearly 10 months, we didn’t hear from them. But as the end of the year rolled around, they realized they needed help with their inventory. They called us to request two people for a one-week assignment. Simple enough, right? But by the end of that first week, the scope of the job had grown—fast. They reached out again, this time needing eight additional people to tackle the workload. Here’s where the story gets even more interesting: the simple fact that they had signed the Agreement of Service months earlier allowed us to act immediately. Normally, onboarding a new client takes a couple of days because we rely on insurance companies and credit bureaus to finalize pricing and establish credit limits. Because everything was already set up, we were able to send help overnight. Without that agreement in place, providing support on such short notice would have been much more challenging. Now, four weeks later, we’re still working with them to wrap things up, ensuring their inventory project stays on track. This story is a great example of how trusting your instincts can pay off in a big way. By taking a moment months ago to sign an Agreement of Service—without any obligation to place an order—they set themselves up for success. When the pressure was on, they didn’t have to scramble to find help; they already had Infinite Resources in their corner.

GREATEST WHAT IFS OF LIFE Ask yourself this question: Are you prepared enough for all the possibilities of life? You must prepare for multiple scenarios. If you love yourself and your family, go and get yourself adequately protected. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gerBB8-d

My Personal Account On Turning Twenty-Six I have never liked my birthday, but as I quickly approached October I experienced an onslaught of dread. It’s the perceived adultness of the number, I think. I felt as though I should have crossed a clear line in the sand by now. I had to admit to myself that there is no strict admission process to being a grown-up. It seems audacious to truly believe the fact that there is no timeline or map I need to follow. The only thing rushing me to find the perfect full-time career fit is losing access to my family's health insurance. I can still minimize this issue by maintaining accountability for my health at least. My twenties have been underlined by a state of confusion, fear, and self-doubt that I have allowed to fester beneath the surface. Looking back, I can accept I needed all of this time to truly desire the self-discipline and self-mastery that I seek going forward. Birthdays will always be scary. They will also be an opportunity to make yourself proud, just like every day is, really. It's eerie how your mindset and attitude can turn your whole reality inside out. For me, twenty-six is about establishing new routines, new habits, and new attitudes. I spent the better part of a day identifying my core principles and my personal mission statement. The principles I want to define me and my choices going forward are boldness, effectiveness, expressiveness, healthfulness, and simplicity. I am excited to find that job that aligns with these values and gets me out of bed in the morning. With my self-assessment complete and my initial goals for the year set, I choose to perceive the opportunity in front of me. I will be taking on twenty-six as a never-ending personal challenge. As Jason Mraz says in one of my favorite songs, "It's never too late to be what you might have been".

TL;DR -- Make Friends not Enemies. Your enemies won't be interested in helping you when you're down. “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar” is an old Italian proverb first published by Giovanni Torriano in 1666. A small statement with a large impact and hopefully my personal story can speak to it for you too. Eleven years ago, as a young agent with Modern Woodmen, I saw an email from our underwriting team about bad news on a client’s case. At this point in my career, bad news on one case, was bad news for my practice. Frantically, I called the underwriter assigned to the case, and that just so happened to be this five-foot bundle of joy, Leslie Brown. When Leslie answered the phone she did NOT sound like she was having a great day. In that moment, I knew I had a choice – unleash my anger, or be the respectable human I was raised to be. I decided that ripping into this stranger wasn’t the best move, so I instead decided to love on her. Come to find out that another agent right before me had done the exact same thing I had in mind when I called her. To this day I don’t know who it was, but I know how they made Leslie feel: like she wasn’t worth being given the respect of just being another human being trying to do the best she could at her job. Over the next 15 minutes or so Leslie and I got to know each other. We talked about her career, how I came to Woodmen, my family, her family – you know, life! Of course, we got around to what I called about (and truthfully, she was in the right); I was just bitter in the moment before Leslie answered. Little did I know that this call would change my career. Subconsciously, I began to treat all strangers I interacted with both at home office and elsewhere by “catching flies with honey”. I made friends, allies, and advocates. All through nothing else other than kindness and respect Eleven years later, Leslie and I became not just co-workers, but friends. She would call me to check in about all of the big life events she knew I was experiencing (engagement, wedding, first home, second home, the birth of my daughter). I sent her get well cards after surgeries and gifts on special days. Heck, she’s on our Christmas card list! Leslie saved my bacon more times than I can count when it came to weird and sticky cases (even on holidays!). I can’t help but smile and know I got my buddy there to help me when I would and she answers it with “Hi Tim” before I even tell her it’s me. Alas, most real life heart-warming stories have a bittersweet end: On October 18th, Leslie retired from Modern Woodmen after FORTY-ONE YEARS. I could not let the moment pass without flying up and sending Leslie off with a final hug and a gift. Leslie, thank you for being the human you are and especially for being the woman who inadvertently taught me the importance of how “it’s easier to catch flies with honey than vinegar”. All the best in your retirement Leslie – and don’t worry, the Christmas Cards will keep on coming 😊.