JOEL FERRIS

My insurance career focus has been on helping clients plan for for their eventual long term care needs. I feel my first job is to build trust by listening actively to their story, why they decided to look into having a long term care plan. Then, based on what they have told me, I proceed to educate them on various options they may have. Before we go too far I qualify their health so that they have a clearer picture of whether LTC insurance could be part of the solution for them whether they are an individual or a couple. I feel it is very important for the client to see and feel the need. it is not about me selling as it is about me being a trusted advisor who helps them by facilitating the fact finding process and designing a plan that meets their needs. As part of my public commitment to LTC education, I developed a senior resource team in my area that put on long term care planning public workshops that included myself as an LTCI professional, an elder law attorney, a CPA, an Investment advisor, a senior certified real estate agent, a geriatric case manager and elder care author and educaI started out my LTCI career as a captive agent for Genworth Financial and after four years went our on my own as an independent agent. I love helping people find solutions. I grew up in family that had trendsetting gift and furniture store that was all about quality products and customer service so I have integrated that influence into how I treat all my clients. I value each and every one. Long term care insurance is a specialized niche and requires a well-trained professional to handle all aspects of the planning process, policy design, application submission and, hopefully policy approval. It also requires an agent who is a straight shooter and advocate on behalf of his clients. I feel I bring those skills to the table as an LTCI professional with 15 years of experience. As part of my role as a LTCI I always pre-screen clients with underwriters to assess risk and adjust policies accordingly. I always ask my prospective clients if they want to be a burden on their adult children, and what that would entail. I make sure they my clients understand that qualifying for this type of insurance is not about age as much as it is heal and if you wait too long you can limit your options. I also want clients to know that Medicare does not cover long-term care, so they may be forced to spend down assets if they don't have LTCI coverage. Care coordination is also a critical piece of having a plan. When you go on claim you have a plan of care that is based on your specific needs and an empathetic care coordinator guiding that process. Also important to know is that your should consider LTCI part of an overall plan that includes an updated will, medical directive and durable power of attorney. These are just some of the key touchstones that I communicate to my clients to make sure they have a clear picture of what long term care is (and that 70% of us will need it at some point) and why it is important for them and their voluntary spouse or family caregivers.

• Sold high quality, gently used home furnishings.
• Managed daily operations for upscale home furnishings retail environment.
• Developed strong relationships with suppliers to ensure quality product selection.
• Trained staff on customer service techniques and product knowledge.
• Coordinated logistics for timely delivery of home furnishings to clients.

• 55 year family owned design driven gift and furniture business.
• Managed daily operations and staff scheduling for a small business.
• Developed marketing strategies to enhance local community engagement and visibility.
• Oversaw inventory management and supplier relationships for product sourcing.

• Led an advocacy organization of retailers, service businesses and property owners in our downtown core area.
• Led community engagement initiatives to strengthen local business relationships.
• Developed strategic plans to enhance economic growth in Spokane's business landscape.
• Coordinated marketing campaigns promoting Spokane Central Business Association events.
• Facilitated networking events connecting local entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
• Advocated for policy changes benefiting small businesses in the region.
• Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, including board members, donors, sponsors, partners, and community leaders.