This year's finalists hail from all over the country and represent a wide range of backgrounds, strengths, and philosophies.

• Bradley Davis learned firsthand the importance of financial preparation when he filed for bankruptcy a decade ago. As he worked to make sure it never happened again, Davis decided to always be “one of the smartest guys in the room.” Ten years later, he spends much of his time teaching others what he has learned.

• After nearly 40 years in the industry, Fred Garfield hasn't lost an ounce of the passion that made him successful in the first place. It comes through as he shares anecdotes about finding solutions for clients and helping them manage health care costs. In a time when many brokers would describe themselves as burned out or disillusioned, he's still using words like “hungry” and “growing” to describe his practice.

• Nathaniel Garfield prides himself on doing the right thing, even when it isn't easy. Whether telling a client something they don't want to hear or leaving a high-paying job to start his own shop, his actions throughout his career show this philosophy is more than a talking point. Oh, and you'll never guess who he's related to…

• Sallie Giblin doesn't give up when she sees an obstacle in her path. In a male-dominated industry, she describes herself as “a hard-charging female who doesn't pick up my toys and go home when I don't get my way.” After years of working to build a successful career of her own, Giblin created a mentorship program where she helps teach and inspire young female producers to take their careers to the next level while making a positive impact.

• When Reed Smith talks about change, you can't help but listen. He views the turmoil currently taking place in the industry as a positive. Because when consumers are expecting change, he says, “that provides a great opportunity.” Smith started his career as a sales rep for several carriers, which has given him a larger perspective and helped him build strong relationships with clients.

Look for more on the finalists in the pages of our April issue and on BenefitsPro.com in the coming days. I hope you enjoy getting to know these five brokers as much as I have. One final tough decision is coming, and we will announce the Broker of the Year onstage at Benefits Selling Expo on April 19 (we hope to see you there) and in the May issue of Benefits Selling. Cutting down the net will be optional.