When Daniel C. Fortier, CLU, MSFS, a 25-year MDRT member from Yakima, Washington, reflects on his time as a mentor within the MDRT/GAMA International Mentoring Program, he reveals the merits of the program and his continued fondness for the profession.

Fortier became acquainted with mentoring at MDRT while serving on an MDRT committee in the early 1990s. However, Fortier describes that his experience in the industry with sharing knowledge and offering guidance was already in motion.

"My first teacher was my father, a career agent," Fortier said. "He brought a lot of people into the business."

Throughout his career, Fortier has been a mentor in his own company and less formally, as someone who young aspirants sought out. It is his fathers influence, Fortier explains, that motivates his desire to help and guide others.

"It is second nature that we help others who have helped us, I feel its my obligation to kind of pass it along," Fortier said. "I've been at this 37 years and it just kind of comes naturally."

Currently, Fortier is mentor to two aspirants, one of whom is becoming an MDRT member. Both aspirants will attend the MDRT Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, June 7-11, 2009.

There are several attributes to Fortier and his aspirants' success. With his current aspirants, Fortier said going out "in the field" together can have a great impact. Fortier said a strong interpersonal relationship is also important. "I think you've got to look for someone you like — and be genuine about helping them."

The succession element of mentoring is one that Fortier has also enjoyed. "I'm always looking for a successor," Fortier said. "I dont have any kids who are in the business. I look for people I like and who I can imagine taking over some of my business."

Personal guidance and the opportunity to attend the MDRT Annual Meeting is a treat for his aspirants, but Fortier said that the benefits go both ways.

"It's very rewarding, not so much from a monetary sense, but because you watch aspirants grow and I like knowing I'm part of that."