Our Laureates | Financial Hall of Fame

Solomon Hicks

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame®

If you know the life insurance industry, you know the name Solomon Hicks. With over 53 years in the business, Sol is a sought-after speaker, career coach, and consultant. Even after decades of success, he continues to inspire and innovate, most recently launching Hicks Global Institute—a worldwide training platform for advisors and sales professionals.

For 35+ years, Sol was a dominant force at Prudential Financial, earning the company’s highest honor, the President’s Trophy Award, seven times. While others took over 25 years to achieve this, Sol did it in just 10. He also received the President’s Citation Award 21 times. A life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) for 36 years, he is a 25-time Court of the Table (COT) and Top of the Table (TOT) qualifier—many times reaching TOT within the first month of the year!

Beyond personal achievements, Sol is passionate about sharing his knowledge. He has authored three books—Wise Guys Finish First, The Secret Life of a #1 Salesman, and Making Disciples—offering insights into the mindset, discipline, and strategies behind his success. He also mentors over 150 agents worldwide, including his daughter Cynthia, a 9-time MDRT, 4-time COT, and 3-time TOT qualifier.

Sol Hicks isn’t just a top performer—he’s a leader, mentor, and visionary helping others rise in the industry.

Marvin Feldman

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame®

Marvin H. Feldman, CLU, ChFC, RFC is a highly respected leader in the life insurance and financial services industry, with an illustrious career spanning 58 years. He began his journey in 1966 with New York Life while still a student at Ohio State University and later transitioned into leadership roles.

Marv is a past President of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) and a former Top of the Table Chair, achieving an incredible 45 Top of the Table honours. His contributions to the profession were recognised with the John Newton Russell Award, the industry’s highest distinction.

He has delivered speeches in 37 countries, written for professional journals, and authored the book "Man on a Mission." As the CEO Emeritus of Life Happens, Marv has been instrumental in educating the public on the importance of life insurance.

Currently, he serves as President of the Feldman Financial Group in Florida, continuing his mission of mentoring and shaping the industry. His dedication and leadership have left a lasting impact on professionals worldwide.

Guy Baker

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame®

A certified business and wealth coach, Guy has extensive experience in financial planning, investments, and life insurance. Guy has been featured on numerous talk shows, radio shows and tele-video conferences, including speaking several times on the national and international stage. He was selected as the 77th recipient of the John Newton Russell Award, the Life Achievement award for the Financial Industry and as the 50th recipient of the California Norman G. Levine Life Service Award. He was also named by Worth Magazine, as one of the USA’s top 250 planners and by 5 Star Professional as an 10 times recipient.

Guy has lectured at various NAEPC council meetings, spoken at CLU Institutes and was featured on six CLU tele- conferences. A frequent writer, Internet TV guest, speaker, he has been quoted by many media sources. In addition, Guy has lectured internationally, in more than 40 countries.

A prolific writer, his most recent book “Simple Retirement Math” follows “The Great Wealth Erosion” which details four factors investors must manage to improve portfolio performance. Other books include “Manage Markets, Not Stocks” and "Investment Alchemy" both are guides to understanding modern portfolio theory. He also wrote “Market Tune-up”, "Why People Buy", and "Baker's Dozen - 13 Principles for Financial Success", each with over 50,000 in print. His bestselling booklet “The Box”, an easily understood guide to the mathematics of life insurance.

Tony Gordon

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame®

Tony Gordon began his life insurance career in Manchester, England, in 1969 before moving to Bristol in 1973 to start his own independent agency. After struggling in his early years, discovering MDRT in 1977 transformed his career, leading him to Top of the Table status, where he remained throughout. In 2000, he merged his firm with a national advisory group, which was later acquired by Europe’s largest independent advisor. He retired—or as he says, "rewired"—in 2004 after 47 years with MDRT, including 46 at the Top of the Table.

A dedicated industry leader, Tony chaired the UK Life Insurance Association in 1977, became MDRT’s Top of the Table Chair in 1989, and in 2001, was the first non-North American MDRT President. He was featured in The Greatest Insurance Stories Ever Told and served eight years on the UK regulatory board. As a sought-after speaker in 56 countries, he shares simple yet powerful sales strategies.

Author of It Can Only Get Better, with over 100,000 copies sold in eight languages, Tony balances mentoring, charity work, and business interests with family time. When not in Bristol, he enjoys the tranquility of Italy’s Tuscan hills.

Derek Dingwall

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame®

In 1967, Derek Dingwall emigrated from Scotland to South Africa with his wife, Joyce, and their nine-month-old daughter, Darlene, embracing a new life filled with opportunity. Seeking to refine his communication skills, he joined the Jaycees in 1969, where he discovered a passion for public speaking. Through debating and speaking competitions, he quickly honed his skills and began standing out as a talented communicator.

His ability to connect with audiences became a major asset when he joined Legal & General Insurance in 1977 as a life assurance agent. Recognizing the power of concise, persuasive messaging, he mastered five-minute presentations that consistently secured policies. By 1981, his success earned him a place at the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) as a provisional member, leading him to attend the life-changing conference in New York.

At Radio City Music Hall, surrounded by 6,000 top professionals, he was captivated by speakers who could make audiences laugh, cry, and reflect. The experience was so profound that he described feeling as if he could fly home without a plane. This inspiration fueled his continued growth, and a decade later, in 1991, he stood on the MDRT main stage in New Orleans as a featured speaker—an extraordinary full-circle moment.

For nearly four decades, Derek remained deeply engaged with the MDRT community, attending annual meetings until 2018. After a distinguished career, he retired in 2020 and now enjoys a serene life by the Indian Ocean with Joyce. The couple recently celebrated 57 years of marriage, marking a lifetime of shared achievements and adventures.

Godfrey Phillips OAM

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame®

Godfrey Phillips OAM is a 41-year Life and Honour Roll MDRT member, an internationally recognised industry leader and sought after speaker. He views his career as an opportunity to be a life changer always working on the client’s best interest. He was awarded the Lifewriter of the Year award in 1994 for “ superior performance in all fields of life.” In 2007 he was awarded the Michael Murphy Award, the industries’ highest honour in recognition of his Lifetime Achievement of extraordinary service to the AFA, its members, and the financial advising industry in Australia. He was also made a Life member of the AFA.

Godfrey has spoken at numerous MDRT Annual Meetings, served on numerous committees, an Ambassador since 2006, Divisional Vice President, Nominating Committee, Finance Committee and the Chair of the Leadership Board. In 2015, MDRT’s highest award for outstanding service to the MDRT in Australia was named after Russell Collins and Godfrey Phillips and named the “Collins/Phillips MDRT Award. In 2019 he was honoured by the MDRT President to carry the Flag of MDRT at the inaugural MDRT Global Conference in Sydney his hometown in front of 10,000 attendees, for his significant voluntary service to the MDRT Globally.

Godfrey is a former International field hockey player, NSW Captain/ Coach of the men’s team, Coach of NSW women’s team and Chair of selectors for over 50 years of service. He started the NSW hockey academy in 1985, was a commentator at the Olympics, World Cups and World Series Hockey in India. For outstanding service to hockey, he was honoured with life Membership of the NSW hockey association in 1983, inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008, and in 2024 was awarded the Hockey Australia Award of Merit in recognition of dedicated and sustained service to hockey in Australia and the regions around Australia.

In the Queen’s Birthday Honour’s list in 2021, the Governor General of Australia awarded Godfrey the Order of Australia Medal OAM, for service to hockey and the financial services industry by exemplifying significant achievement and voluntary service. He feels honoured, proud, and truly Blessed to have received the Order of Australia Award OAM.”

Van Mueller

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame®

Van Mueller, LUTCF, is a Registered Representative with Mass Mutual. January 23, 2024, marks his 51st year as an insurance agent. A longtime MDRT member, he qualified for Court of the Table in 1990 and Top of the Table for 34 years.

Van has held leadership roles, including President of the Milwaukee Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors (1998-99) and Membership Chairman for Milwaukee and Wisconsin. He also served on MDRT’s Annuity Advisory Panel, Middle-Income Task Force, and Sales Idea Committee.

A dedicated industry supporter, Van is a member of NAIFA, MDRT, and the Society of Financial Service Professionals. He is an Emissary Contributor to IFAPAC and a Diamond Knight of the MDRT Foundation.

Van has spoken worldwide, including MDRT main platforms in 1998, 2008, and 2021, as well as NAIFA conventions in 2003, 2005, 2009, 2014, and 2015. He was the 2010 Advisor of the Year for Senior Market Advisor and has contributed articles to Retirement Advisor magazine.

Tracey Devonport

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame®

Thirty-year MDRT and TOT member Tracey Devonport has enjoyed a life of accolades.

From humble beginnings as a teacher, she found her dream job as a financial advisor through her law studies.

She has served on numerous councils and committees, both in South Africa and the World.

She has been a regular guest & speaker on TV and radio locally and internationally and still enjoys her dynamic investment practice.

She has been married to John for 40 years and has two beautiful and dynamic children, Keagan and Kelcey, both of whom are in the process of joining her business.

She is terribly excited as she no longer has to worry about succession planning.

Karl Hartey

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame®

Karl Hartey is a passionate wealth strategist, author, and speaker who’s spent over 30 years helping people make sense of their money and live the lives they truly want. As Chairman of Hartey Wealth Management, he’s guided generations of families through life’s big financial decisions with warmth, clarity, and straight-talking advice.

Karl’s career has taken him around the world, from giving keynote talks at the Million Dollar Round Table to writing books that make finance feel human. His All You Need to Know About Money series has helped thousands take control of their finances, and his children's books — the Mollie and Tobie adventures — are all about inspiring the next generation with life lessons, laughter, and heart.

At his core, Karl believes money is just a tool — but used wisely, it can shape dreams, secure legacies, and give people true peace of mind.

Ashok Sardana

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame®

With over 40 years in financial services, Ashok Sardana has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families secure their futures. Arriving in Dubai in 1977, he took up insurance part-time, unknowingly stepping into his lifelong passion. In 1994, he founded The Continental Group, growing it from a three-person team into a leading global financial advisory firm with a global footprint across the UAE, India, Mauritius, Hong Kong, and Switzerland. Today, Continental is home to over 300 professionals, helping High Net Worth and Ultra High Net Worth clients with insurance, financial planning, and legacy solutions.

A lifetime MDRT member and Top of the Table qualifier for 33 years, Ashok believes in building lifetime relationships, guiding multiple generations of families in their financial journeys. Known for his warmth and humor, he ensures even serious discussions feel engaging, making financial planning empowering, not overwhelming.

Sandro Forte

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame®

Sandro Forte, FCII, FPFS, CFP is a 27 year MDRT member, with 27 Top Of The Table qualifications. He is the recipient of over 40 awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to financial services and philanthropy, having raised over $28m for numerous charities. He is a renowned speaker, author (his book ‘Dare To Be Different is one of the best selling books of all time in financial services) as well as a success coach, helping more than one million advisers, across 93 countries, become more successful. He has served MDRT in various DVP and Chair leadership roles and currently has the honour of being the 2025 MDRT Foundation President.

Micheline Varas

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame®

Micheline joined Customplan in 1994 and is both a Senior (Managing) Partner and an independent advisor. She works in conjunction with several insurers, their underwriters and reinsurers and is a consulting resource for advisors, institutions, HNW and corporate clients. Micheline has grown her practice and that of others by focusing on intellectual interplay and the collaboration of specialist expertise. She structures creative, cost and tax-effective risk mitigation strategies for clients, both nationally and internationally, and plays an integral role in achieving solutions for those deemed difficult to insure.

Micheline was the first recipient of the GBDS (Group Benefits Disability Specialist) designation in Canada and a founding moderator of the Canadian Initiative for Elder Planning Studies. She heads Customplan’s Living Benefits Division as well as ACT (Advanced Consultancy Team), assisting advisors to achieve best-of-class solutions. A Top of the Table (MDRT) member, Micheline has penned industry and non-industry publications, held training and educational events, and spoken at international congresses (inclusive of The Million Dollar Round Table and Top of the Table conferences). She was named one of 50 Women of Influence in Canada’s insurance industry.

Logan Naidu

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame®

Logan Naidu is a financial and life coach, thought leader and author, with 44 years as a Qualifying and Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, with 12 Top of the Table and 22 Court of the Table qualifications. He exemplifies the highest standards of professional excellence, ethics, and service.

Logan has held key leadership roles in MDRT, including Divisional Vice President and Chair of the MDRT Foundation’s Global Engagement Committee. His inspiring presentations have been delivered at global MDRT events, translated into multiple languages, and have impacted professionals worldwide.

Logan is the author of Unleash Your Magic, a transformative book blending Eastern wisdom and Western strategies, translated into Korean and widely acclaimed.

A CFP® and Chartered Insurance Institute exam graduate, Logan also holds a BCom and is an alumnus of India’s Vedanta Academy, grounding his work in timeless philosophy.

He lives between the UK, India, and South Africa, and is dedicated to empowering others to unlock their full potential.

Joe Jordan

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame® - Builder Category

Joe Jordan, inspirational speaker and behavioral finance expert, is the author of the award-winning book Living a Life of Significance. The book has sold over 125,000 copies, is translated in five languages and was featured in Nick Murray's "The Advisor's Essential Library." He has given hundreds of presentations to over 400,000 financial professionals in 28 countries around the world.

Joe is the recipient of the 2023 John Newton Russell Memorial Award. The award is the highest honor accorded by the insurance industry for outstanding services to the institution of life insurance. Formerly, Joe ran insurance sales at Paine Webber and more recently was a senior vice president at MetLife. He was responsible for retail product development and started their fee-based financial planning program and behavioral finance department.

Joe is also a founder of the Insured Retirement Institute and has been featured on the cover of Life Insurance Selling magazine.

For three consecutive years, he has been honored by Irish America magazine as one of the "Top 50 Irish Americans on Wall Street."

He was inducted into the Fordham Football Hall of Fame and has played rugby for the New York Athletic Club for 30 years.

Bruce Etherington

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame® & Laureate of the Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame®

A fully accredited financial planner with a specialty in life insurance, Bruce holds the CLU, CHFC and CFP designations. His firm, Bruce Etherington & Associates, specializes in “Family Harmony and Philanthropy” and achieved the objective of creating $1 billion for charities and not-for- profits in the first decade of this century.

A renowned speaker, Bruce has spoken to virtually every major insurance and financial planning organization in the world. He has appeared 25 times on the program of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), which is considered by many to be the preeminent sales organization in the insurance and financial planning industry. His books “See The People” and “Reflect & Prepare” are international bestsellers, as are his CDs, which continue to change the lives of salespeople around the world.

Born in Purley, Surrey, England, Bruce came to Canada at the age of two. He graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and entered the life insurance business with London Life. He subsequently obtained his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (CHFC) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations.

Bruce resides in Mississauga, Ontario with his wife of 56 years, Karen who was his ‘first date’ and high school sweetheart. Bruce and Karen have four grown children and 5 grandchildren. Bruce enjoys golfing, pickle ball, fishing, cycling, reading, music, speaking, writing and selling!

George Sigurdson

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame® & Laureate of the Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame®

George Sigurdson from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada started in the Life Insurance Business with London Life in 1970 after graduating from the University of Manitoba.

George quickly became a success in the business and has consistently been one of the top 25 representatives with the company for over 54 years.

With over 50 years of experience, he has built a successful business including over 3000 clients and over 250 million in individual and pension assets. His business has been built with the John Savage philosophy in mind of “serve the masses, eat with the classes….serve only the classes and you may go broke.”

George is a 50 year member of MDRT, 43 year member of Court of the Table and 23 year member of Top of the Table. He continues to be active in the industry serving on various MDRT committees and speaking at meetings across North America.

As a huge supporter of the Winnipeg community, George serves on various boards and community groups. George and his wife Pam love to travel and have visited over 76 countries. They have 4 children and 5 grandchildren between them.

Marc Silverman

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame® & Laureate of the Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame®

Allow me to introduce Marc Silverman CLU, ChFC. He is from Toronto Canada and currently resides in Miami Florida. He is happily married to Patti for the past 38 years and they have 1 daughter who lives in New York City.

Marc entered the financial services business in 1983. He qualified for the million Dollar around table his first full year in the business and each year thereafter. He has qualified for the top Of the table for the past 23 years.

He has spoken all over the world in trying to help advisors get to the next level. He has authored 2 books, 1 for the public and 1 for financial advisors. He is a past chair of the top of the table and past president of the MDRT foundation.

His hobbies include piloting his twin engine plane, golf and 600 gall saltwater aquarium and travel.

Alphonso Franco

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame® & Laureate of the Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame®

Alphonso Franco is a Jesuit educated linguist with the ability to speak 11 languages, he is the 2006 Top of the Table Chairman and MCC Chairman of 2011 and has achieved 26 Top of the Table Honours and 27 Court of the Table Honours. The 1st person to speak on the Main Platform of both Million Dollar Round Table and the Top of the Table on Critical Illness Insurance.

Author of the best-selling book “99 Critical Ideas for Insurance Professionals” and author of the Critical Vision System TM written 30 years ago. It is still being used around the world. Creator of the World Critical Illness Insurance Conferences and the Financial Hall of Fame, Alphonso is well known as one of the best cricket managers in the world cricket and one of the most popular managers.

A former National level track and field as well martial arts teacher became accidentally a cricket hero after a car accident.

He has been managing the Canadian Men’s National Cricket Team including the 2024 T 20 World Cup held in the US and West Indies.

Alphonso arrived 49 years ago as a teenager in this very city not knowing anyone and made a life for himself. This independent and fierce Canadian always gives credit to God’s Grace first and foremost.

Diane McCurdy

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame® & Laureate of the Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame®

With over 50 years in financial services, Diane McCurdy has broken barriers, mentored future leaders, and shaped the industry. As CEO and Founder of one of Canada’s largest independent firms, she set a high standard for financial planning.

Diane was Canada’s first female Top of the Table MDRT member and first woman to chair CALU. She founded Canada’s first women’s financial study group and coined the term “Financial Planning” in 1977, naming her firm McCurdy Financial Planning long before the concept was widely recognized.

A dedicated mentor, she has guided professionals through organizations like the International Women’s Forum and GroYourBiz. As a bestselling author of How Much Is Enough?, her insights have been featured in the New York Times, Globe and Mail, and National Post. A sought-after speaker, she has addressed global conferences and appeared on BNN, CTV, and Global TV.

Her contributions have earned her recognition as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women (Top 100), the Bank of Montreal Celebrating Women Award, and an appointment as Honorary Colonel of the Canadian Air Force 442 Search and Rescue Squadron. She continues to influence the industry as a Board Member of the National Arts Centre Ottawa and advisor to GroYourBiz.

Diane remains committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of financial advisors, ensuring a more secure financial future for all.

George Goulet

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame® & Laureate of the Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame®

George Goulet is from Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

He entered the life insurance industry in 1985 and is the President of United Benefits Group Ltd. which serves business owners in Alberta and British Columbia.

George is a Registered Trust & Estate Practitioner, a Fellow of the Life Management Institute, a Chartered Financial Services Broker and a Registered Financial Consultant.

George is a Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Round Table with 28 consecutive Top of the Table Honours.

He is a Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioner’s and the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants.

From 2020 - 2025 he has received the Consumers Choice Award for Business Excellence being voted Best Life & Health Insurance Advisor for Business Owners in Alberta.

He has spoken internationally as a subject matter expert on practice management and the MDRT Whole Life Concept.

George is the Founder and Director of the Access Foundation Fund which is a Donor Director Fund of the Calgary Foundation and has been responsible for over $1,000,000 in community charitable contributions.

George’s greatest joy is his family. He has a blended family with his wife Polena of 6 kids ranging in age from 15-31 with 3 of the kids being 15 and one being 16.

Michael Evers

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame® & Laureate of the Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame®

Michael Evers is the co-founder and VP of The Canadian Estate Planners Inc., a boutique firm which specializes in doing high-end planning for Canadians with significant USA property and/or with private corporations.

Mike graduated Summa Cum Laude from McMaster University in 1974.

He has been in the life insurance and financial services industry since 1983. In his has 39 years of MDRT Membership, he served 2 terms as Zone Chair for Canada, served on many Boards, Committees and Task Forces.

He has served as President of many organizations, including The Canadian MDRT Foundation, his local Chamber of Commerce, the Estate Planners’ Council of Hamilton ON, Sun Life’s Agents Council, etc. etc.

He has been a member of the Gryphin Advantage Hall of Fame for 10 years. Mike also spent many years on the Board of Advocis, Hamilton, the Hamilton Regional Cancer Centre, the Caledonia BIA, etc. etc.

While a career agent at Sun life, he was a perennial leading agent, including #1 in Canada and #3 in the world one year.

Mike and his bride Kathy will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary later this spring. They have 2 adult sons.

In his precious little spare time, Mike has enjoyed automobile racing off and on since 1973 – having won well over 40 races in his Honda Prelude.

Pascale Cauchi

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame® & Laureate of the Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame®

Pascale Cauchi is the President and Founder of Pascale Cauchi Inc. and Santé Fiscal Inc.

With over 36 years of experience in the financial sector, Pascale is a seasoned professional known for her strategic insight and dedication to personalised client service. Her leadership has helped individuals and families navigate complex financial decisions with confidence and clarity.

Through her work, Pascale continues to provide expert guidance in wealth management, financial planning, and insurance solutions, always supported by a strong and capable team. She is committed to staying current, innovative, and focused on the evolving needs of her clients.

Amy Tong

Laureate of the Financial Hall of Fame® & Laureate of the Canadian Insurance Hall of Fame®

Amy Tong, a Bachelor of Commerce graduate from the University of Toronto, specializing in tax and accounting, is a distinguished financial planner with over 25 years of experience in working with health care professionals. As a Lifetime Top of the Table member, Amy’s unparalleled expertise in financial and estate planning has helped countless clients optimize their financial structures, maximize after-tax income, and secure tax-efficient estate payouts.

At our firm, we are proud to have a team of seasoned professionals holding a wide range of designations, including MBA in Finance, CFP (Certified Financial Planner), CIM (Chartered Investment Manager), CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter), CHS (Certified Health Insurance Specialist), TEP (Trust and Estate Practitioner), CH.F.C (Chartered Financial Consultant), and RCIS (Registered Critical Illness Specialist). This diverse skill set ensures that we provide comprehensive, high-level financial and tax planning services that are precisely tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.

As a Managing General Agent (MGA), Amy is committed to mentoring and guiding the next generation of financial professionals. By cultivating the skills and knowledge of our agents, Amy ensures that we uphold the highest standards of service in both insurance and investment planning. Her focus on intergenerational wealth transfer strategies helps clients preserve and grow their financial legacies for future generations.

Laureates of Financial Hall Of Fame®