NADR - Let's Get Into It

It isn't certain whether Ali Kofiro found his disability practice, or if through fate - it called him. Today, we take a look into Ali's journey from Somalia to the United States. The series of events that led him to the United States and the climate that played a part in him finding a community of people that needed someone that spoke their language. This is the fascinating story of some of the challenges in the disability process that many of us never face or possibly knew existed.  

Steve Skinner, long time member and former NADR President, along with his daughter Alicia, share with us their inspirational story of building the family business, life's challenges, and successful transition. Many of our members will not only relate to Steve's beginning but Alicia's step into becoming a young business owner. Together, they share their triumphs and struggles that has lead to how they approach representing their client's. 

Puerto Rico will have a lasting impression upon everyone who attended. Many members will compare 2022's Conference with others in the past. However, for a group of NADR members, the 2022 Conference in Puerto Rico was their first time to attend a conference. Shay was able to sit down with a few of the first-time attendees and talk about their experience. 

Kerie Stone has been a member of NADR for many years. Here passion for the organization is evident with any conversation you have with her. In this episode, Kerie takes on her journey into SSA representation. She and Eva also share some tips on marketing you will want to hear. Also, there is an audio soundbite from a past NADR conference you won't want to miss! 

Every organization has a patriarch, and The National Association of Disability Representatives is no different. Join us in this episode as we spend time with the true patriarch of NADR - Mr. Dale Cowan. 

Some of our newer members may not know that NADR has a voice in Washington D.C. Join us today and meet our Public Policy Advisor, Jeanne Morin. Jeanne has appeared at our conferences in the past to give us updates on the congressional efforts with Public Policy. In today's episode, Jeanne will share how she got into this field and how her personal experience with Social Security Disability played an important role that ultimately became her passion. Jeanne's story and her passion is inspiring because Public Policy affects us all and the client's we represent. 

Meet our keynote speaker Dr. Thomas Van Vleet, who will be presenting at this year's conference in Puerto Rico on Monday morning.

Dr. Greg Cates is the immediate past president of the National Association of Disability Representatives and joins us on this episode to discuss his experience dealing with leading the organization through the pandemic. Dr. Cates also discusses his involvement with NADR and not only leaves us with his own way to inspire new members but also what should motivate all members to get more involved. 

This month our special guest probably needs no introduction. He's been referred to as, The Godfather of NADR, it is Mr. Perfect Attendance, Mr. Art Kaufman. In this episode, Art takes us all the way back to the beginning of not only NADR, but what got him involved in Social Security Disability. Anyone that knows Art History 101 - knows this is going to be a great show. 

Your hosts, Eva Sirman and J. Shay Guess discuss Thanksgiving family traditions, food and all they are thankful for this year. We hope you enjoy this BONUS episode. We also hope you will join the discussion on our Facebook page and share your family traditions for Thanksgiving.