Haitham graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business from Brevard College in North Carolina in 2005. Haitham began his career in the insurance and financial services industry as an Insurance Advisor with Bankers Life & Casualty in Central Florida. During his tenure there, Haitham managed a strong team of up to 40 agents.
Haitham continued his focus on financial planning when he joined Futurity First in August 2013 as the Associate Managing Director. Working with his agents at Futurity First, Haitham was able to develop and maintain multiple carrier relationships with top insurance companies, enabling him to provide his clients with outstanding products and services.
In 2017, Haitham co-founded Florida Retirement Group, an independent insurance agency that aims to help eliminate the complexity around insurance and investments.
Haitham holds a Series 7 Securities License, 215 Insurance License, and the CLTC (Certified Long Term Care) designation.
Haitham enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his wife, Priya, and their three sons, Zain, Naveen and Keyan.
Michael Kovacs is the President of Florida Retirement Group (FRG) as an insurance & financial services professional. In 2010, Michael began his career with Bankers Life & Casualty in Central Florida.
In August 2013, he joined Futurity First, an independent insurance and investment group. In 2017, Michael co-founded Florida Retirement Group, an independent insurance, and financial services agency to help eliminate the complexities around insurance and investments.
He believes that with his knowledge and expertise in his field, he can provide information and education on the issues facing pre and post-retiree markets. Attention to detail, excellent listening skills, and empathy are characteristics his clients appreciate.
A team of investment product specialists, and tax and estate planners supports him. Their teamwork and professionalism help Michael build long-term relationships with his clients and provide thorough advice with enhanced customer service. Doing what’s right for the client is a motto Michael lives by daily, and he is passionate about his work.
Michael is a member of NIAFA and the exclusive Million Dollar Round Table Association. He holds a Series 6 Securities License, 215 Insurance License, and the CLTC (Certified Long Term Care) designation. Michael aims to grow continually in and out of the office.
Michael lives in St. Petersburg with his wife, Annie, and their son, Bowie. Away from the business, he enjoys traveling and creating memories with friends and family.
Michael’s most significant observation over the years has been that, people don’t plan to fail; they fail to plan.
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Jonathan has resided in Florida for over 25 years and he takes pride in providing transparent access to the health care products that serve each client’s best interests and specific needs. Alongside the Florida Retirement Group team, Jonathan is partnered with many carriers to provide a full range of coverage options for his clients including Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans. Utilizing an empathetic lens, Jonathan seeks to empower others by providing them peace of mind regarding their health care solutions. He is a third-generation insurance advisor, following in the footsteps of father and grandfather who served in the industry for multiple decades.
Jonathan is a proud M.B.A. graduate from Stetson University. Prior to becoming an Insurance Advisor, Jonathan served as a collegiate and youth coach for the last 20 years, earning a B.S. in Sports Management in 2006 (Mars Hill University) and his first master’s degree an M.S. Kinesiology in 2011 (University of Texas P.B.) along the way. Helping young people grow and flourish by providing them insight and pathways to continued development is at his core. These skillsets continue to serve him well as he provides guidance and understanding to the clients he advises through FRG.
Jonathan and his wife Kristina have two young children, Paloma and Sawyer, and in addition to spending time with his family, Jonathan enjoys playing soccer, fishing, and surfing.
Diana Auman is an independent insurance advisor with Florida Retirement Group. Her main goal is to advocate on behalf of her clients. With the continual changes happening in the insurance industry, many clients are left confused and frustrated. The vast array of products and confusing literature available to customers today can be very difficult to navigate and may impede the consumers’ understanding of the insurance and investment landscape.
Mrs. Auman prides herself on helping her clients reach their goals by simplifying the process and providing the best possible options available to them with the top carriers in the business. She is able to achieve this by first establishing a productive working relationship with the clients. Then determining the clients’ needs and financial situations followed by scheduling a fact-finding appointment to determine the extent of their present coverage and investments.
Rick Bowes was born and raised in Florida State Seminole country in Tallahassee, FL. After graduating high school, his hard work and dedication landed him a baseball scholarship to attend the University of Central Florida. Rick graduated from UCF with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in education.
It was always Rick’s passion to join the family business and become an individual senior insurance specialist. Rick has been involved with the Florida Retired Educators Association for 20 years. Assisting the FREA with benefits and growth has always been an important part of Rick’s life, as he himself is an active FREA member.
When not working with FREA and its members, Rick enjoys spending time with his wife Piper and daughter Isabella. He also enjoys sports, cooking out, music, and many other outdoor activities.
Rick’s goal is to continue to learn and grow in the insurance industry. He will also continue to work with FREA and help take the association to the next level.
Raised primarily in Kentucky, Jim graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. After 20 years in the corporate world focusing on Risk Management, Jim entered the insurance and financial services industry in 2003, where he has been an endorsed insurance agent for active and retired educators from several states. The business climate change to working with individuals to reach their hard-earned goals has been one of the most rewarding attributes that contributes to his passion about this field. He has spent the past 17 years utilizing various insurance products to provide financial security for his clients with risk-free investments, estate preservation tools & health insurance products for strategic protection from acute and chronic health conditions. Jim is excited to work with FREA members in his new role with Florida Retirement Group and is passionate about helping his clients achieve their retirement goals.
Jim is thrilled to have relocated to the Panhandle to join his two Florida resident children, one of which who is a current Florida educator in the Walton County school district. He is an exceptionally proud grandfather of his twin grandchildren and loves to spend time with them as often as possible. Jim also is an avid golfer, active in many outdoor activities and is a die-hard college sports enthusiast.
For nearly 10 years, Priscilla has helped her clients get the most out of their retirement. She has served hundreds of individuals and families; guiding them through their Medicare options, ensuring their income and assets are protected from changes in the economy, and protecting their families from unforeseen final expenses.
Alongside her Florida Retirement Group team, Priscilla is partnered with many carriers to provide a full range of coverage options for her clients including Medicare Supplements, Part C Advantage, and Prescription Drug Plans; Life Insurance; and Annuities as part of their Retirement Planning.
Priscilla is deeply rooted in Central Florida. After moving to Orlando, she established herself in the Retail and Manufacturing industries, owned and operated a well-known business in Central Florida for 20 years, and started two adult vocations schools for 12 years.
Family is very important to Priscilla, and she loves to spend time with them as often as she can. Priscilla is also involved in her community and participates in fundraisers to help those in need. She also enjoys leather journal crafting and is passionate about providing support to her clients and getting to know new individuals and families in order to assist them with their needs.
Shannon graduated from Florida State University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Fitness. After 25 years as a small business owner specializing in corporate wellness, Shannon turned her energy and focus towards helping people determine their healthcare and financial needs as they approach retirement. Shannon has a special interest in assisting clients as they navigate their Medicare choices. As an insurance advisor with Florida Retirement Group, Shannon is not only committed to guiding clients towards their best healthcare solutions, but also looks at the big picture to understand the short and long term financial needs of the individuals and their families.
Gary began his career in the insurance industry in 2004, transitioning from a successful 20 year career in retailing. Born in New York City, he attended the State University of Albany, majoring in Business Administration. He has advanced his dedication to the needs of seniors by acquiring designations including Certified Long Term Care Consultant (CLTC) and Certified Senior Advisor (CSA).
An award winning speaker, Gary is frequently invited to address senior groups on issues relating to health coverage, life insurance and retirement planning throughout South Florida. Steadfast in his commitment to his clients and the community, he has raised thousands of dollars to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association and has chaired The Senior Health Expo at The Pride Center in Fort Lauderdale.
Gary prides himself on his ability to be totally objective in offering his clients the most appropriate insurance products from top rated companies through the Florida Retirement Group and is currently licensed in Florida, Georgia, New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Vermont, North Carolina and California to provide coverage to his clients.
Bill Matherly brings over a decade of insurance experience to Florida Retirement Group. Bill began his career in the insurance industry in 2009 at Florida Blue, formerly known as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida. During the eight years he was there, he was a consistent top producer. In 2018, Bill joined Florida Retirement Group and quickly became one of their top producers as well.
His main goal is to build strong relationships with the client by focusing on what’s best for them. Bill understands how confusing Medicare can be and has a passion for educating his clients on this subject. Bill’s patience, good listening skills, and attention to detail assist him in choosing the plan that will best suit the specific needs of each individual.
Bill currently holds a 2-15 License for Life, Health, and Variable Annuity, and is contracted with a variety of insurance carriers which is beneficial when properly deciding the best path for the client.
Bill is originally from Mattoon, IL and moved to Florida in 2009. He attended Eastern Illinois University and studied communications at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In his spare time, he enjoys running, watching the St. Louis Cardinals, and spending time with his family. Bill currently lives in Tampa with his wife, Amy, and their daughter, Ruby.
Chaz was licensed in Florida in February of 2009 and started with a company called Great American Senior Benefits, based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. In 2010, he started his own company, My Medicare Hotline, and has since helped over 1,000 seniors enroll in Medicare and choose a Medicare plan. He is contracted with every Medicare plan in Florida and makes sure that every client is enrolled in a plan that best suits their needs. Because he is not tied to one company, you’re sure to receive an unbiased opinion.
Pete entered the financial services industry as a registered representative and a registered securities and options principal for a large investment banking firm. He spent several years traveling the country sharing with folks how to improve their financial lives through a simplified, non-complicated approach.
Currently an Advisor with Florida Retirement Group, Pete is dedicated to client support and the ability to create long-term mutually beneficial relationships.
As an Insurance Professional, Pete is partnered with the country’s leading providers of financial services and products. A specialist in Retirement Planning, he works with clients to help them properly prepare for their future. This may include: income protection, asset protection, healthcare, and legacy planning.
A United States Marine Corp veteran, Pete is active in his local American Legion and VFW chapters.
Lynn was born in Kansas City, Missouri and has lived in 13 states across the country. Along the way, Lynn has been involved in startup companies three times and she has patented an invention, which was issued March 1, 2016.
She spent 30 years in administration, working for large corporations such as Eastman Kodak and Fisher Scientific, as well as working under Press Secretary, Marlin Fitzwater in the White House Press office from 1989 – 1992; and, the White House Office of Protocol from 1992 – 1993, under Ambassador John G. Weinmann, former U.S. Ambassador to Finland.
Lynn is also an avid snorkeler; and, she enjoys roller blading and would like to become certified for hang gliding.
Eric became a licensed insurance agent in 2010 and has gained valuable experience with several companies since then. He joined the FRG family in 2017 for many reasons, one being so he could offer his clients a multitude of products that best fit their needs and situation. Eric has a passion for helping people and he believes FRG provides the platform to do just that.
Eric is a Florida native who was raised right here in the Greater Orlando area. He grew up with a passion for soccer and played competitively all through his youth as well as in college. Eric attended and graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Eric is also a professional youth soccer coach at Orlando City Youth Soccer and the varsity head coach at Lake Mary High School. Eric has been mentoring youth soccer players for 15 years now in the Central Florida area.
During his free time, Eric enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife Paula and his dogs Tucker and Derby.
Elizabeth began her insurance career over 15 years ago. She started with Independent Health in Buffalo, NY, where she was born and raised. While there, she managed over 300 small business accounts providing employee benefit solutions for employer groups. In 2009, the itch for warm sunny weather brought her to Florida. She worked for Florida Blue, as a sales consultant providing insurance solutions for individuals including Medicare beneficiaries. She then transitioned to working for a major broker in the area where she was able to gain the knowledge of working with several carriers and multiple product lines. Her diversified experience of working with insurance carriers, brokers and individuals alike, provides a holistic approach when searching and finding the best insurance option tailored to each client’s need.
Elizabeth is highly motivated and has a drive for working one on one with individuals. This enables her to help clients navigate the complex insurance industry and really let them better understand their options. As an advisor with the Florida Retirement Group, she is excited to partner with many insurance companies to provide a wide variety of resolutions such as Medicare Supplement Plans, Medicare Advantage Plans and Prescription Part D Plans. Elizabeth’s primary goal is to establish long lasting relationships and is committed to being your trusted advisor.
Elizabeth lives in Trinity, FL, with her two children. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, working out, sports, and visiting Florida’s beautiful beaches. She is a member of her local YMCA and volunteers as a blood donor. She holds an active 2-15 Life, Health, and Variable Annuity License.
