Why I Went to Madison.
I got the opportunity to go to Madison Wisconsin, not for a vacation, but to become a better resource for the families I have the privilege of serving.
When I started DeWaard Insurance, I made a promise to myself- If I was going to ask families to trust me with some of the most important financial decisions of their lives, I would never stop learning. That’s why I’m investing time this week to an intensive long-term care training.
There are plenty of ways to learn in this industry, online, webinars, continuing education, and product training. All of which have value, but sometimes, the best learning happens when you step away from your everyday routine, sit in a room full of experienced professionals, ask questions, listen to real life stories, and challenge yourself to grow. That’s exactly what I hope to do in Madison.
The truth is, long-term care isn’t really about insurance, it’s about families. It’s about protecting independence, preserving dignity, and helping people maintain choices when life doesn’t go according to plan.
Every family has a different story, different priorities, and different goals. That’s why I believe continuing to learn isn’t optional, it’s part of my responsibility. The more I grow, the better equipped I am to guide families through conversations that are often emotional, sometimes overwhelming, but incredibly important. One of the things I love most about this profession is that there is always more to learn.
I’ve learned that growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when we are willing to stay curious, ask questions, and invest in ourselves so we can better serve others.
Over the next several weeks, I’ll be sharing some of my biggest takeaways, the questions that challenged my thinking, and practical lessons that I believe every family can benefit from. My goal isn’t to overwhelm you with insurance terminology. It’s to share real insights that can help you make informed decisions for the future.
At DeWaard Insurance, my mission has never been simply to sell insurance, but to educate, encourage, and help families make confident decisions before they're forced to make difficult ones.
Thank you to everyone who has trusted me to be part of your family’s planning journey. It truly is a privilege. Your confidence in me is something I never take for granted, and it’s one of the biggest reasons I’m committed to continually learning and growing.
I’m excited to come home with new knowledge, a fresh perspective, and even greater ability to serve our community.
Before I wrap up, I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Renee Caldwell, owner of Caldwell Insurance Services LLC. Thank you for believing in me, investing in my growth, and making this opportunity possible. Your mentorship, encouragement, and willingness to share your knowledge have already had a tremendous impact on my journey. Opportunities like this don’t happen without people who are willing to invest in others, and I’m incredibly grateful to be learning from someone with your experience and passion for serving families.
-Tracy DeWaard
Founder|DeWaard Insurance LLC
Modern Planning. Timeless Legacy.