Building a Legacy of Leadership & Community in Financial Services

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) has highlighted member Colin Aubin for building a legacy of leadership in financial services. Aubin, who was raised in Orland Park, is a registered representative/brokerage director/board member, speaker, and nonprofit advocate for NAIFA since 2013 and a registered representative/brokerage director for Park Avenue Securities and Guardian Life.

Aubin’s path to success in financial services is rooted in a strong family foundation, an early background in competitive sports, and a commitment to community impact. His values were shaped by a family deeply committed to service and education. His mother, Donna, was a dedicated teacher who spent over three decades shaping young minds, while his father, Tom, worked in finance as a CFO.

“Growing up with a mom who taught and a dad in finance, I learned the importance of both dedication and service,” Aubin said. “Those values have stayed with me, guiding me through every phase of my career.”

This upbringing cultivated in him a sense of responsibility and compassion—qualities that would later define his leadership style. Emily Cabbage, senior director, NAIFA, noted Aubin’s resilience and drive were also honed through his years as a competitive soccer player, and he was recently inducted for the second time into Carl Sandburg High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

From a young age, Cabbage noted, he played at an elite level, learning the discipline, teamwork, and commitment required to excel in athletics pointing out that this background in soccer gave him a competitive edge that he carried into his professional life.

“I was an athlete my whole life, and that’s a big part of who I am. Playing soccer at a high level taught me resilience, how to work as part of a team, and how to push through challenges,” Aubin said.

With a degree in English and history from Illinois Wesleyan, Aubin initially envisioned a career in law. However, an internship during college prompted the realization that the legal field wasn’t his passion. Graduating during the 2008 financial crisis, Aubin found himself at a crossroads and eventually joined a MassMutual office.

He was fortunate to work with influential mentors such Chris Gandy, LACP, a loyal NAIFA member since 2003 and the 2025 NAIFA President, and John Wheeler, Jr., CFP, CLU, ChFC, LACP, CLTC, LUTCF, a loyal member since 1973 and the 2026 NAIFA President, both of whom saw promise in him. With their support, Aubin began to develop a unique perspective on his work: building trust and serving others.

Working alongside Gandy and Wheeler early in his career, Aubin benefited from their combined guidance, rooted in both salesmanship and a commitment to professional ethics. “They showed him the importance of continuously honing his skills and encouraged him to become part of something bigger than himself,” Cabbage said. “The leadership and lessons Colin learned from Chris and John continue to shape his vision for the future.”

The two men were an inspiration to Aubin. “They taught me that success is not just about what you achieve for yourself,” he said. “It’s about what you give back and how you help others grow. If I can continue that legacy, then I know I’m on the right path.”

As the 2024 President of NAIFA-Chicagoland, Aubin has prioritized building an inclusive and dynamic culture that invites members from diverse professional backgrounds. “In our industry, it’s easy to get siloed,” Aubin explained. “I want NAIFA to be a place where CPAs, JDs, financial advisors, and others can come together and find common ground. When good people come together, great things happen.”

In January 2025, Aubin will step into his second term as NAIFA-Chicagoland President and he is more determined than ever to expand the chapter's impact. With the board’s support, he sees the next year as an opportunity to build on the foundation he’s laid. “I don’t believe in just dipping a toe in the water,” he said. “I have another 12 months, and I want to see how big we can make this. Let’s see what we can accomplish together.”

One of Aubin’s standout initiatives as NAIFA-Chicagoland President was a recent Young Advisors Team (YAT) event organized in just 10 days, which included a visit from NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux. With little time to plan, Cabbage noted Aubin orchestrated a successful gathering at Harry Caray’s in Chicago that was both accessible and welcoming.

“Sometimes people think you need a ton of planning and meetings to make things happen,” he noted. “But sometimes you just need to jump in and do it. That’s what we did with the YAT event, and it turned out to be one of our most successful gatherings.”

Cabbage noted that the YAT event exemplified Aubin’s ability to bring people together, creating a space where emerging professionals could network with established leaders. “The success of the event affirmed his vision for NAIFA Chicagoland: a diverse, vibrant community that goes beyond traditional roles and broadens the organization’s influence across financial services.

Commitment to community is equally evident in Colin’s work with local causes. For instance, he led NAIFA-Chicagoland’s most successful golf outing in a decade, which included Labradoodle puppies from a veteran-owned rescue to raise funds for the local VFW and first responders,” she said.

Reflecting on the event, Aubin remarked it was about finding creative ways to make a difference. “If we’re going to do something, let’s make it as impactful as possible,” he said. His dedication extended to adopting one of the puppies, humorously noting, “I couldn’t ask others to support this cause if I wasn’t willing to do it myself. My wife might have been surprised, but now we have Blue—a 5-month-old, soon-to-be 80-pound Labradoodle!”

Aubin’s journey serves as a powerful example of how mentorship, community, and dedication to service can create a fulfilling and impactful career, Cabbage stated. “Through his leadership, he is not only advancing his field but also fostering a culture of integrity, resilience, and collaboration—values that will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.”

Founded in 1890, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors is the preeminent association for financial service professionals in the United States. NAIFA members, in every Congressional district and every state house, subscribe to a strong Code of Ethics and represent a full spectrum of practice specialties to promote financial security for all Americans. Complemented by its professional development and consumer divisions, the Society of Financial Service Professionals, and Life Happens, the association delivers value through advocacy, service, and education.

This article was written by an independent third party. It is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed herein may not be those of Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. Guardian does not verify and does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions presented herein.

National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors is endorsed by but not affiliated with Guardian or its subsidiaries. Members must pay an annual fee. This association is unaffiliated with my insurance/financial business. 7442308.1 Exp. 12/26