John Baker announces upcoming retirement from National Guardian Life Insurance Company as Vice President, Strategic Partner Development

National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) announces the upcoming retirement of John Baker, Vice President, Strategic Partner Development in December 2022. Baker’s experience in the funeral service industry spans three decades.

He is a well-known and knowledgeable leader who has participated in countless industry events and a popular speaker at national conventions and meetings.

“Since the early days of my career in funeral service, Preneed funeral planning has always been my passion.  Knowing that the work we do to help our customers with this is very satisfying,” shared Baker.   

Baker joined NGL in December 2013 as Regional Vice President and has been an integral part of the growth of NGL’s Preneed product. He began his career in the funeral service industry working for a family-owned funeral group. During his tenure with the firm, he learned all aspects of the business, including developing and managing the Preneed sales department. In 1995, Baker was promoted to President and General Manager of a funeral home and cemetery combination operation in Colorado.

His experience in Preneed sales includes joining Great Western Insurance Company where he served in key sales and marketing roles, including National Sales Manager and serving as Executive Vice President for AFP Horizon, a national independent marketing organization.

“I have known John for over 13 years. His expertise and professionalism are traits I have always admired. John’s commitment to the industry and desire to serve is contagious and I will always be a better person from working with him and for being his friend. NGL and the funeral service industry overall are better because of his service to others,” shared Cameron Black, Vice President, Sales and Business Development at NGL.

“John is irreplaceable. We began our professional relationship when he was a customer of NGL. Then, we became coworkers, and I was fortunate when he became my manager. Throughout our relationship, he has been my mentor but, best of all, he has become a great friend and that will continue long after he begins his well-earned retirement,” Judy Olson, Regional Vice President, Sales at NGL shared.

“I have had the honor of working with John over the course of my career in different capacities. Throughout this time, his devotion and passion to the funeral home profession, alongside his unwavering belief of Preneed has made an impact on everyone who knows him. His legacy is a true testament to all the lives he has touched along the way. I wish John all the best in retirement,” said Jennifer Kaset, Regional Vice President, Sales at NGL.  

“John is a mentor, leader, friend, and one of the most recognized individuals not only at NGL but within the entire Preneed industry. His knowledge, experience, and overall love for what he does will missed by all of us. I’m grateful for my time working with John and look forward to continuing our friendship well into his retirement years,” shared Robert Heins, Marketing Partner Advisor at NGL.

About NGL

Established in 1909 National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) is an insurance company headquartered in Madison, Wis. Licensed to do business in 49 states and the District of Columbia, NGL markets preneed and individual life and annuities, as well as group markets products. Information about NGL can be found at www.nglic.com; Facebook: Facebook.com/NGLIC and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-guardian-life-insurance-company.

National Guardian Life Insurance Company is not affiliated with The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America a/k/a The Guardian or Guardian Life.

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