Ozarks Profile: Roy W. Kern

In August of 1984, I started my agency in Springfield. Over the years, I’ve trained many associates, some of whom work with me: Duane Givler, Larry W. Wilson, and my daughter, Amy R. Kern. Shirley Pyron has been my office manager for 16 years.

What professional designations do you hold?

Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow, Certified Long-Term Care, Certified Senior Advisor, Certified Elder Caregiver Advisor and Registered Financial Consultant.

When did you begin working in insurance?

In 1979, following studies in health care, business administration, marketing, management and advertising. I began with Christian Fidelity, and I have been a member of the Top Producer’s Club for more than 21 years.

In what ways have you been involved with the insurance industry?

I have been a member of Springfield Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors for 25 years, and a member of the Missouri Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors for that time. With both MAIFA and SAIFA, I’ve served as regional vice president and past president. I’m also a 25-year member of the National Association of Health Underwriters and a charter member of the Association of Health Insurance Administration, which I’ve been in for 14 years, just to name a few examples.

What are some of the industry awards you’ve received?

This year, I was named one of the top 100 long-term care producers by the American Association for Long-term Care Insurance. The listing was in Sales Strategies Magazine, and the award was presented at the Long-Term Care Insurance Summit in San Francisco. I also received the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors’ 2004 Advisor of the Year Award, not just for Springfield, but for the entire state of Missouri.

What are some of the best changes you’ve seen in the industry?

Technology has been a great change. With the use of cell phones, Internet and Palm Pilots, we can do so much for our clients more quickly than we were able to do in years past.

What are some ongoing challenges in your work?

The government handling insurance issues rather than keeping them in the private sector. Those of us who are educated on these issues constantly are lobbying to make sure benefits are not legislated away or taxed away as Canada’s, Great Britain’s and Australia’s benefits have been.

Tell us about your family and spare-time interests.

I am married to my high-school sweetheart, Becky, and we have three children, Laura, Amy and Daniel. We have three grandsons – soon to be four, with another due in late January. I am a deacon at Ridgecrest Baptist Church and a trustee. I also am a qualified speaker for Gideons International, and I serve as secretary of the Southwest Springfield Gideon Camp. I’m also on the board of directors at the Ozark Empire Kiwanis Club.