Dennis Kagel Financial Services
By Alexander Germanis
A great many sports films over the years have focused on the underdog, the every man, the bench player who, although we in the audience know he has what it takes to be put in the game, neither his teammates, coach, fans, or sometimes even he himself fully believes he’ll be able to pull off the win. There is something inherently human to be inspired by that underdog – deep down inside you believe he can win.
Dennis Kagel of Dennis Kagel Financial Services understands that feeling better than many people. He lived it from his burgeoning days as a student athlete to his career as a high school teacher and coach. When he transitioned from that world to one of insurance and finances 40 years ago, he found that the inspiration of the sports field applied just as well to his new endeavors.
Whether on the baseball diamond, the basketball court, or the fields of finance, his attitude, his approach, and his philosophy have not changed: Remain competitive, believe in the future, and, above all, never give up.
Good Sportsmanship Above All
Life has a funny way of directing us down paths we might not have ever thought we would tread. Playing baseball and basketball while attending Illinois Wesleyan University, Dennis dedicated himself to a career in sports after graduation.
“But you know what they say, ‘When no one wants you playing anymore, you become a coach,’” Dennis chuckles. “I was a high school teacher/coach for 11 years and really enjoyed it. It was a natural way for me to stay involved in athletics.”
As for many others in academia, the summer months meant no employment, so Dennis pursued a part-time profession. “I got my insurance license in 1977 and started in the life insurance business,” he recalls. “Gradually I saw other people like me that were transitioning out of other careers and into insurance and financial services, so that become my goal.”
In 1983, Dennis made that switch as well. But his time as a player, coach, and educator did not go to waste. Certain aspects of his former career carried over into his new one. Competitiveness, a dedication to develop one’s skills, and a willingness to put in the time are a few attributes he learned, but they ride alongside what is, perhaps, Dennis’ most valued carry-over from his athletic days.
A stalwart belief in playing fair is at the core of how he carries out his work. “I will never forget going to a sales meeting when I first got into the business,” he shares. “I remember them teaching us these clever lines – all this stuff that was very manipulative and disingenuous and just not me. I remember coming home and telling my wife, ‘If that’s what you have to do to be successful, I’m not going to do that. I’m just going to do it my way.”
His way, as it turns out, was the educator’s way. By using a teaching approach, he found he could not only educate his clients on investing and finances, but also remain true to himself.
A Changing Career
Making the change from teacher and coach to one of financial planner was not the only major shift Dennis experienced in the last four decades. The way the financial world itself is navigated has altered dramatically since Dennis first operated as a part-timer.
Because of major improvements in technology, how he conducts business has taken a complete one-eighty. “The first half of my career we didn’t have computers or cell phones,” he states. “And we’d draw plans out with a legal pad and pen. Today everything is done on our smart board in the office.”
The ‘when’ has also changed as much as the ‘how,’ Dennis says. “We were taught to work the golden hours, the only time you were going to be able to talk to a person was from five to nine o’clock at night. But today, all of our appointments are held in my office during the day.”
What he handles in term of business has also expanded. Now, Dennis tackles not just life insurance, but also investments, annuities, wealth management, IRA Legacy planning, and tax efficient strategies.
Dennis freely admits he has come a long way since he first sought advice from his manager during his early days in the business. “I remember saying, ‘I’m not sure I know enough.’ He said, ‘Dennis, if you wait until you know everything you’re going to need to know, you’ll never get out there. You’ll never take your first step.’”
He learned there is no substitute for experience. Only by rolling up his sleeves and getting to work was he able to find out in what areas was he deficient and how to increase his arsenal of knowledge. “Those were all positive experiences,” he says, looking back. “When you have a challenge and you meet it, you grow in a very positive way. I have so much to be thankful for. I have a great business. I don’t ever plan to retire. I love what I do.”
Attitude Is Everything
That positivity works in sports, it works in running a business, and it works in finance, as Dennis has found. This mindset of positivity and a willingness to never give up is something he tries to instill in his clients.
“A lot of people feel like they don’t have enough money or are too old to make a financial plan. It’s never too late,” he assures. “Don’t give up on the idea that you can improve your situation. Believe in your future.”
That attitude carries over into what he considers to be his true mission statement: The Golden Rule – treat others as you yourself wish to be treated. “I consider each person as a unique individual,” he confirms. “We don’t look at a cookie cutter plan. We’re committed to getting to know each person, tailoring a plan and recommendations specific to them, and following through with periodic reviews and service.”
Taking a comprehensive approach to planning is how Dennis describes this method. This is done by not only considering the client’s entire financial picture, but also the client’s emotions, goals, and desires.
Finance and Friendship
Taking on a new client means first ascertaining if there’s a compatibility with the client. A prospective client shouldn’t feel any pressure at all when first meeting Dennis. The first meeting, Dennis says, is one of discovery – of simply getting acquainted.
“I want to know about you, where you work, what concerns you,” he outlines. “What keeps you awake at night? What are you worried about?” Most of time, those concerns all come back to money and finances.
After learning of Dennis’ personal business philosophy, a potential client can decide if Dennis is going to be the right fit for them. Dennis isn’t promising a miracle, but he does promise he’ll work hard for you and be as much help as he can be.
Over time, Dennis has found his business philosophy and his dedication to serve his clients has given him a deep appreciation for his line of work. Being able to help people realize their dreams and goals makes Dennis feel like a lot more than just a financial adviser, he has been made to feel like a trusted friend and a member of the family.
“Personal goals are more than just money or dollar figures,” he asserts. “I help my clients set goals and work towards them. Sometimes they want to plan a trip with their grandkids to Disney World or Europe. They share their ideas, and we look at what their situation is and work to design a plan to help get them there. I enjoy getting to know my clients and learning what their interests are.”
Your Teammate
Whether watching Rocky, Rudy, or The Rookie, it eventually becomes clear why the underdog sports story speaks to so many of us. Most of us identify with the underdog. We struggle through life, simply trying to make ends meet, but we’re always yearning for, working toward, and dreaming about the day we’ll finally be able to succeed financially and really start to enjoy life.
At Dennis Kagel Financial Services, Dennis wants to be able to help with those dreams. As your teammate, he’ll be competitive in helping you carry out your goals; he’ll be alongside you, believing in your future; and he’ll never give up on you.
Dennis Kagel Financial Services is located at 321 Susan Drive, Suite A in Normal, Illinois. If you would like to meet with Dennis to see if he’s the right fit for you and your financial or life insurance needs, please call (309) 454-9171 or visit the website at www.denniskagel.com.
