I sure wish we could be together in person, and I so look forward to visiting with you when it is safe to do so. What an honor, privilege and amazing opportunity to be asked to serve on the Executive Committee. Those who know me well know that family is one of the highest priorities in my life. And since being chosen as the nominee, I have had a chance to reflect on what has brought me to this moment.

It started with the lessons learned from my parents, Lou and Diane Gagne. I grew up in a small, rural community of just 4,000 people in New Hampshire. My parents gave me unconditional love. They taught me the importance of working hard, doing what you say you will do and persevering when challenges come your way.

Mom, Dad, thank you for teaching me that if I do the right thing, over time, good things will happen. And good things did happen, despite the time I decided at about 5 years old to pack up and run away from home. I left with my stuffed animal and made it all the way up to my neighbor’s house at their front steps. My two sisters were horrified that my parents were watching me run away, until my parents calmly walked up the street and brought me back home.

Or the time I decided to kill a spider that was on my house. The only problem was, the spider was actually on a window, and I threw a handful of rocks to get it. Well, the spider lived, and the window ― that needed to be replaced. Sorry about that, Dad.

1992 was a big year for me. That is when I began my career in the industry. I was also lucky enough to marry my high school sweetheart, Diana, whom I met in psychology class and convinced her to go on a date with me. We have been together for over 34 years and married for almost 28. Diana is the rock in our family. She is the one who kept us financially afloat during my early years. And once my business was doing well and we started our family, Diana was able to stay home with the kids and still manage special projects for the business. Our family has grown to include our three wonderful children, Lucas, Emily and Sarah. You make your mom and me so proud in all you do. And, I cannot forget the youngest member of our family, Rosie.

What makes MDRT so special and different from any other financial services organization is the Whole Person concept. It was through MDRT that I learned how to manage my time so that I could be there for the moments important to my family. At the beginning of each year, school activities and other important family events go into my calendar first. My work schedule is built around them. And I certainly can’t forget my work family. Without them, I could not be the Whole Person I strive to be. The hard work of this incredible team has allowed our firm to reach heights I never imagined.

Finally, there is my MDRT family. MDRT has helped shape me as a business owner and taught me many, many lessons. None of us gets to this place of excellence on our own. Mentors can help in several ways. If it were not for two of my mentors, Andrew Lord and Bob Garneau, my MDRT journey may have never happened. It took me many years of “under-the-table” production before finally making it to my very first Annual Meeting back in 1999 in New Orleans, Louisiana. From them, I learned how to do enough production to qualify for a seat at the table, and, thankfully, they encouraged me to volunteer at the meeting.

My first volunteer experience was serving as a roadie for the MDRT bands. Even something like carrying band equipment can lead to amazing adventures. You see, I play drums, and I mentioned to one of the bands that should they ever need a drummer to let me know. Fast-forward to 2008 ― I get the call, and I am performing along with four other MDRT members in the MDRT band called Roundabout. Fast-forward to 2014, and the band and I are in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, performing at the MDRT Experience.

When you give, you always get back more than you give. MDRT is the path to opportunity. The friendships we make provide a network of people we can call upon for a tough case, when we are going through a challenging time or perhaps to celebrate a success. As a volunteer, we learn leadership skills that can lead to committee appointments and maybe, maybe being nominated to the Executive Committee.

Involvement in MDRT has provided me so many ways to expand my perspective of the world. As a kid, I never thought I would have the chance to travel to other countries, let alone meet and become friends with people from around the globe. I have learned that, although we are from different cultures and we are from different parts of the world, we share many, many of the same challenges. Today, I video stream filled with profound gratitude for the many men and women who have preceded me on the Executive Committee.

There is a lot for me to learn as this new journey begins. I look forward to visiting my fellow members and discovering ways MDRT can best help you reach your goals and dreams. With humility and excitement, I accept your nomination.

Gregory B. Gagne, ChFC, of Exeter, New Hampshire, is the 2020 Nominee to the MDRT Executive Committee. He is a 21-year MDRT member with four Court of the Table and 12 Top of the Table qualifications. He is also a Platinum Knight of the MDRT Foundation and has served on its Board of Trustees. Gagne is the founder of Affinity Investment Group LLC, which provides wealth management and distribution-planning services. His extensive MDRT volunteerism has included roles as Global Council Member of Top of the Table, Program General Arrangements (PGA) and the Program Development Committee (PDC). He has spoken at 12 MDRT meetings. In addition to his MDRT leadership, Gagne is a past president of NAIFA–New Hampshire and was awarded the NAIFA–New Hampshire Distinguished Financial Advisor Award in 2008.