Meet Team Excelerate
Phil Blosser Vice President of Advisor Development
Phil Blosser entered the financial services industry in 2003. On a daily basis, he is deeply involved in the practices of his valued producers, serving as a virtual extension of their offices. No mere product specialist, Phil offers the proactive, comprehensive support today’s producers and advisors need to excel. Dozens of the nation’s top financial professionals count on him to help enhance their businesses and drive their profits upward.
Phil Blosser Vice President of Advisor Development
Phil Blosser entered the financial services industry in 2003. On a daily basis, he is deeply involved in the practices of his valued producers, serving as a virtual extension of their offices. No mere product specialist, Phil offers the proactive, comprehensive support today’s producers and advisors need to excel. Dozens of the nation’s top financial professionals count on him to help enhance their businesses and drive their profits upward, relying on him for:
- One-on-one coaching and practice development
- Sharing of time-tested sales ideas from other top producers around the country
- Prospecting support and annual marketing plan development
- Competitive angles and approaches in a host of sales scenarios
- Marketing profitability analysis and solutions
The real value of Phil’s support is reflected in the premium written by the producers he and his team serve and the key connections of like-minded producers they make available. Last year, Team Excelerate’s producers issued a total of $2.50 billion in paid annuity production. Their top producer office wrote $278 million in premium, their top individual producer wrote $42 million in premium and they had 26 producers write more than $20 million in premium. Phil can help you leverage what’s working right now for many of the top producers from coast to coast.
Behind the Scenes:
Outside of work, you can find me and my beautiful wife Lori trying to keep up with our two wonderful and ultra-active children – Easton and Enslee. Easton is an avid baseball and soccer player, and Enslee is a competitive dancer. I also have two great beagles named Jersey and Piper that keep us on our toes. I love volunteering throughout the community, engaging in anything outdoor related or kicking back with family and friends.
Get to Know Phil:
Who is your hero?
My hero is my father. He had a way with people that inspired me. He taught me the value of hard work, that success is earned and to always honor God.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Right here in Kansas. It’s flyover country for most, but it’s home to me. Being born and raised here has instilled into me a strong work ethic and good Midwestern values.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a forensic psychologist. You know, one of those CSI guys that solves murder mysteries. I thought it would be cool to wear a suit and carry a gun.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming a father for the first time would rank amongst the biggest. The ability to lead, shape and guide a child is simply amazing and one I will never take for granted.
What makes you laugh the most?
Playing Ping-Pong with my son. I’m not exactly sure why, but we tend to do more laughing than playing. Frequent breaks are required to dry our eyes. We have a good time.
Dan Couture Vice President of Marketing
Dan is a sales and seminar coach. Dan is a familiar face that spent 7 years with Advisors Excel traveling the country providing real time feedback on how to host the most effective live events with seminars and workshops.
COVID placed him on leave for a few months and we’re excited to have him back with AE and even more thrilled to have him part of Team Excelerate.
Dan Couture Vice President of Marketing
Dan is a sales and seminar coach. Dan is a familiar face that spent 7 years with Advisors Excel traveling the country providing real time feedback on how to host the most effective live events with seminars and workshops.
COVID placed him on leave for a few months and we’re excited to have him back with AE and even more thrilled to have him part of Team Excelerate. He has worked with over 550 of our top advisors around the country, helping them craft strategies for both marketing programs and client meetings. His coaching style is relaxed, but specifically focused on each advisors level of experience.
His ideas are highly transferable and can be implemented immediately. He spent 13 years in personal production previous to joining AE in 2013, managing a book of over 350 clients. He is passionate about this business and speaks from experience – not a training manual.
Get to Know Dan
If you were to become famous for something, what would it be?
My wife would say for having the worlds loudest sneeze.
What was the least favorite gift you ever received?
A chess board
What could you talk about for 30 minutes with no preparation?
The 13 Time World Champion Green Bay Packers!
What’s something you’re shamelessly proud of?
Being a Trump supporter
What is something you wish would come back in style?
80’s Rock Music
What’s your favorite breakfast destination?
The Breakfast Queen
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Treat everyone as if their heart is breaking, because it probably is.
If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Do you believe in big foot?
Nope
How should someone handle success?
Help other achieve it as well
Is your college GPA reflective of your potential?
No
If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare us?
Seafood Linguini
As a child, what did you want to be when you grow up?
Someone in the Army
Have you ever stolen a pen from work?
Yes
If there was a movie produced about your life, who would play you and why?
Tom Hanks, because he can play any part perfectly
What’s one shocking thing about you that no one could guess?
I ran a nightcrawler bait business empire when I was in Jr. High
Daniel Hotujac Vice President of Sales
Daniel entered the financial services industry in 2015, selling life insurance. After some time, he decided to pivot – taking his knowledge of marketing, selling and running a business to the other side of the industry as an independent advisor coach and consultant.
Daniel Hotujac Vice President of Sales
Daniel entered the financial services industry in 2015, selling life insurance. After some time, he decided to pivot – taking his knowledge of marketing, selling and running a business to the other side of the industry as an independent advisor coach and consultant. His favorite part about his role is helping independent advisors better understand their clients and find more opportunities within their current book of business.
Behind the Scenes:
I've been married to my wife, Olivia, since December of 2018. She and I are local business owners and avid travelers. I played baseball while in college, so you'll oftentimes catch me coaching pitching fundamentals to the younger ball players in my family. I stuck with my first love of athletics, and earned a bachelor’s degree in sports psychology from Washburn University before earning my Master’s of Science in sports administration from the University of Northern Colorado.
Get to Know Daniel:
Who is your favorite book to read?
The Travelers Gift by Andy Andrews.
What would be your dream day?
Sun, sand and a slight breeze with the ocean in front of me, a book in my lap and a mojito in my hand.
If you could share a meal with any four individuals, living or dead, who would they be?
Jesus, Christopher Columbus, Alexander the Great, Martin Luther King Jr.
What's a guilty pleasure of yours?
Fantasy football and games of all kinds (video games, board games, card games, etc.).
Do you or does your family have a "motto" or "mantra" that you live by?
"Keep going."
Ryan Key Director of Sales & Marketing
Ryan’s role is all about empowering our financial advisors to achieve success. With years of experience in sales and marketing, coupled with a deep knowledge of the financial industry and annuities, he is skilled at identifying gaps in advisors’ businesses and offering solutions that create meaningful growth. Known for his ability to connect with others, Ryan leads with insight and builds relationships that enable advisors to level up their practices.
Ryan’s role is all about empowering our financial advisors to achieve success. With years of experience in sales and marketing, coupled with a deep knowledge of the financial industry and annuities, he is skilled at identifying gaps in advisors’ businesses and offering solutions that create meaningful growth. Known for his ability to connect with others, Ryan leads with insight and builds relationships that enable advisors to level up their practices.
Behind the Scenes:
Even when you take a step away from Ryan’s professional life, you’ll find someone who still embodies warmth, energy and a passion for connecting with others. It’s a value raised in him by his parents, who taught him that relationships make life worth living. Whether he’s mentoring youth in the community, traveling to bucket-list destinations or simply enjoying weekends with his wife, Madeline, Ryan is intentional about having meaningful connections.
Get to Know Ryan:
What’s your favorite way to relax?
A sunny lake day with Madeline and a glass of wine in hand.
If you could live anywhere for a year, where would it be?
Somewhere on the Amalfi Coast—I fell in love with the views, food and especially the people there.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
People come first, no matter the job or circumstance. My dad taught me this, and it shaped how I build relationships.
What’s something people might not know about you?
My wife is an advisor at AE!
What excites you most about your work with Advisors Excel?
Seeing the growth advisors experience through the AE community—it’s amazing to watch their transformations and know I played a part in making that happen.
Nick Gitto, MBA, CFP®, CPWA® Director of Annuity Planning
Nick has been supporting the nation’s top producers since 2015. He collaborates with producers as a product and advanced planning professional, assisting in achieving clients’ goals through his product knowledge and advanced case planning skills. Nick graduated from Washburn University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration as well as a Masters of Business Administration. Additionally, he received his CFP designation in 2020.
Nick Gitto, MBA, CFP®, CPWA® Director of Annuity Planning
Nick has been supporting the nation’s top producers since 2015. He collaborates with producers as a product and advanced planning professional, assisting in achieving clients’ goals through his product knowledge and advanced case planning skills. Nick graduated from Washburn University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration as well as a Masters of Business Administration. Additionally, he received his CFP designation in 2020. His in-depth expertise has helped him dramatically enhance top producers’ case planning – finding solutions that best fit the consumers goals and objectives.
Behind the Scenes:
When I’m not in the office, you’ll find me at home in Lawrence, Kansas with my fiancé, Jordan,and our two black labs – Otto and Penny. Most of our time is spent taking the dogs on walks at various parks around Lawrence, playing games with our friends and family and traveling. My love of travelling comes from the study abroad trip I took back in 2012. I lived in Denmark for 6 months and made friends with people from all over the world.
Get to Know Nick:
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I would move to Sicily, Italy. I’ve visited three times now, and it’s the most beautiful place with the most amazing food you’ll find on the planet.
What are your hobbies?
I love playing pick-up sports – mainly basketball and soccer – and other games. Board games, puzzles, word games – I love getting together for a game night.
How many languages do you speak?
Currently? One. But I'm currently working on learning Italian as one of my personal goals.
What could you talk about for 30 minutes with no preparation?
''The Office" – I've seen this TV show about three to four times through, and it still makes me laugh! Unfortunately, it was taken off Netflix this year, but I'll find a way to get my fifth round in!
If you could sing one song on “American Idol,” what would it be?
"All Star" by Smash Mouth! This was my favorite song for years and now those lyrics are forever stuck in my brain.
If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare us?
I would most likely make a ribeye with vegetables. Maybe broccoli, carrots, onions, mushrooms or all of the above. I’d have a salad in there and then my wife, Jordan, would make some tremendous dessert.
What is something you wish would come back in style?
I wish we could go back to the days of the flip cell phone. It was a much simpler time, and those phones were way more fun to use than the iPhone!
If you could share a meal with any four individuals, living or dead, who would they be?
Kobe Bryant, Denzel Washington, Adam Sandler and Tina Fey.
What was your favorite book to read?
My favorite book of all time was "Living with a Seal" by Jesse ltzler. It had me laughing out loud and offered some incredible lessons on mental toughness.
Dexton Swinehart Senior Annuity Planner
Dex provides expert guidance on annuity products, helping advisors refine their book of business, answer complex product questions and make informed financial decisions that support both their clients' retirements and their business growth. He values the opportunity to support advisors worldwide, contributing to their success while ensuring clients achieve financial security in their retirement.
Dexton Swinehart Senior Annuity Planner
Dex provides expert guidance on annuity products, helping advisors refine their book of business, answer complex product questions and make informed financial decisions that support both their clients' retirements and their business growth. He values the opportunity to support advisors worldwide, contributing to their success while ensuring clients achieve financial security in their retirement. Outside work, Dex enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, golfing, grilling and cheering for his favorite sports teams, including K-State, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Royals.
Get to Know Dex:
What’s your hometown?
Lyndon, Kansas
What’s your secret sauce?
Lifelong friendships, Emporia State football and Advisors Excel
How do you hit the reset button?
Quality time with family and friends, perfecting my grill marks, hitting the golf course
Who do you root for?
Kansas State, Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals
Any siblings?
Yes, two older brothers whose names also start with “D” – Dillon and Dawson
Dallas Johnson Advisor Development Coach
Dallas Johnson has been assisting some of the top producers nationwide since 2005. Through the personal relationships he’s developed, he has learned what producers need most from their business partners. Dallas truly understands marketing, sales and business operations and has a wealth of time-tested ideas to share from some of the most elite producers in the country.
Dallas Johnson Advisor Development Coach
Dallas Johnson has been assisting some of the top producers nationwide since 2005. Through the personal relationships he’s developed, he has learned what producers need most from their business partners. Dallas truly understands marketing, sales and business operations and has a wealth of time-tested ideas to share from some of the most elite producers in the country. His personalized service, responsiveness and attention to detail allow our producers to focus on what they do best – selling.
Behind the Scenes:
When not at work, you’ll find me chasing our kids around. We have two sons, Davin and Parker, and a daughter, Halle. When I do have free time, I spend it reading and listening to books with a particular interest in history and the Civil War. I’ve have always been fascinated by this subject and love visiting national parks and learning about the birth and growth of our nation. If not reading, I’m often listening to music. I tend to worship through music, and great songs are my soul food. On a rare evening, you may even catch me singing a bit of karaoke at the pub.
Get to Know Dallas:
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
I would live in Florida. My family and I love visiting Disney World.
What is your favorite book you’ve read?
David French’s Divided we Fall. This is one I believe we all must read.
What did you want to be when you were little?
A dentist. One of my granddads was a dentist, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.
What really makes you angry?
Watching the division of our country continuing to grow.
Would you rather ride a bike, a horse or a car?
A horse. I grew up on a farm, and there’s nothing more relaxing than riding through the countryside on a horse hearing that clip clop – with the wind in your face – while enjoying God’s creation.
Dave LaGue Vice President of Sales
Dave’ focus on the team is finding and building relationships with advisors who are not currently with AE. He LOVES to connect hungry advisors with best practices and relationships that help them get what they want out of their businesses. In the half-decade he’s been in the business, he has been fortunate enough to interact with several of the top producers in the country.
Dave LaGue Vice President of Sales
Dave’ focus on the team is finding and building relationships with advisors who are not currently with AE. He LOVES to connect hungry advisors with best practices and relationships that help them get what they want out of their businesses. In the half-decade he’s been in the business, he has been fortunate enough to interact with several of the top producers in the country. These producers have a high caliber of character and have enabled him to help many others solve their frustrations and grow their practices by graciously sharing their playbooks. Dave has helped advisors effortlessly transition into the AE community, often more than doubling their business while increasing their quality of life along the way.
Behind the Scenes:
When I am not in the office, you will probably find me at home in Lawrence, Kansas with my wife and high school sweetheart, Makenzie, and our three kids, Luna, Juniper and Peter. Luna is in elementary school and Juniper and Peter are young enough to hang out at home throughout the day. I love hanging out with my kids, and when we finally get them to bed, Makenzie and I have a weekly Monopoly game night over Zoom with college friends from across the country. Every game, the winner gets to Sharpie their name on the winner’s board, so there’s a great deal at stake every week. I love long conversations with good friends and having a good laugh.
Get to Know Dave:
Who is your favorite fictional character?
Atticus Finch from “To Kill A Mockingbird.” He is an imperfect man who strives to be a loving and present father, even when the odds are stacked against him. His calm wisdom inspires me to be a better dad and a better man.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Go for a hike with people I love in Rocky Mountain National Park.
What are your hobbies?
Playing guitar, running, and keeping up with Marvel Movies.
If you could share a meal with any four individuals, living or dead, who would they be?
Jesus Christ, Alexander Hamilton, Fred Rogers and Walt Disney.
If you were ruler of your own country what would be the first law you would introduce?
Generous hospitality for those in need.
What is one thing you will never do again?
Work as a bookkeeper/accountant. I did that fresh out of college for all of two months and quickly learned it is not something I love. It gave me a ton of respect for my tax guy!
Does your family have a “motto” – spoken or unspoken?
My kids say it all the time: “LaGues don’t quit!”
Kelli Kenney Advisor Development Coach
Kelli Kenney has been helping producers grow their practices since 2003. She has personal experience as a producer in the field, making her an invaluable resource to the team’s producers.
Kelli Kenney Advisor Development Coach
Kelli Kenney has been helping producers grow their practices since 2003. She has personal experience as a producer in the field, making her an invaluable resource to the team’s producers. Kelli understands the day-to-day life of producers and what it takes to succeed in the business, and she offers a wide range of support to increase their business, brainstorm on difficult cases and assist in the implementation of marketing programs.
Behind the Scenes:
Outside of work, you can find me spending as much time as possible with my husband, JD, and our two kids, Parker and Madelyn – who are both involved in many activities and sports which keep us busy most evenings. I volunteer in our small community and enjoy spending time vacationing with our friends.
Get to Know Kelli:
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Two houses: One near the beach and one near my grandchildren – wherever that might be someday!
What music do you listen to?
I’m all over the place: Johnny Cash, Whitesnake, Eminem…
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher.
What famous celebrity have you met and where?
My second cousin was in Garth Brooks’ original band, so I got to sit on the tour bus in Omaha, NE at one of his concerts and visit with him and the band.
What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
When I was old enough to drive, my dad would sometimes leave cards in my car for me when he left for work – often being gone for up to two weeks. He passed away in 2010, and those are such precious memories for me.
Morgan Hansen Relationship Manager
Morgan Hansen has been serving advisors with Advisors Excel since 2014. She brings a wealth of knowledge to Team Excelerate producers from years of experience in various support divisions including Licensing and Contracting, Annuity Operations and Life Insurance.
Morgan Hansen Relationship Manager
Morgan Hansen has been serving advisors with Advisors Excel since 2014. She brings a wealth of knowledge to Team Excelerate producers from years of experience in various support divisions including Licensing and Contracting, Annuity Operations and Life Insurance. She serves in a vital utility role for Team Excelerate – helping onboard new advisors, coordinate relevant communications to the field and provide whatever is necessary for producers to enjoy the ultimate client experience.
Behind the Scenes:
When I’m not helping Team Excelerate and our incredible advisors, you can find me with my family! I am happily married to my best friend, Josh, and we were blessed with two amazing sons – Carter and Carson. Any given weekend you can find us at one of our sons’ sporting events, riding on our side by side, camping or doing something outdoors. We are also huge food connoisseurs. We love to travel around and try new restaurants with some of our favorite places being hole-in-the-wall Mom and Pop shops!
Get to Know Morgan:
What makes you laugh the most?
I love watching Kevin Hart and Madea movies. My family hates watching them with me because you can hardly hear the movie over my laughter!
What is your biggest fear?
The dark.
What is your favorite family vacation?
We LOVE to visit Buena Vista, Colorado! We try to go every year. We take our Honda Pioneer and ride trails throughout the mountains. It’s a wonderful week to disconnect, explore nature and make priceless memories as a family!
Who is your favorite author?
Harper Lee. While To Kill a Mockingbird is an absolute classic, her book Go Set a Watchman was even better. I could read either book over and over again.
What would you sing at karaoke night?
I think this is an obvious answer…Shania Twain’s “Man, I Feel Like a Woman!” If that song doesn’t get you going, I don’t know what will!
Tristan Jurgensmeier Team Support Specialist
Tristan has been supporting the nation’s top producers at Advisors Excel since 2017. She helps with AE events, DBR access, commission statements and questions, and production reporting.
Tristan Jurgensmeier Team Support Specialist
Tristan has been supporting the nation’s top producers at Advisors Excel since 2017. She helps with AE events, DBR access, commission statements and questions, and production reporting.
Cassie Johnson Relationship Manager
Cassie has enjoyed helping financial advisors with their marketing since joining Advisors Excel as a Creative account manager in 2019. In that role, she worked with Team Excelerate’s advisors, focusing on helping them build a brand they loved and that would resonate with those they were trying to connect with. Cassie has always loved being around people and understanding their core values and motivations.
Cassie Johnson Relationship Manager
Cassie has enjoyed helping financial advisors with their marketing since joining Advisors Excel as a Creative account manager in 2019. In that role, she worked with Team Excelerate’s advisors, focusing on helping them build a brand they loved and that would resonate with those they were trying to connect with. Cassie has always loved being around people and understanding their core values and motivations. She brings that same enthusiasm to her role as a relationship manager for Team Excelerate — helping advisors grow into phenomenal business people. Cassie is all about being a team player and finding the most efficient way to help everyone around her.
Behind the Scenes:
I have a wonderful extensive/extended family and a wide variety of friends in different groups, so when I’m not in the office, I love spending time with all of them. My boyfriend, Braden, and I also have three fur babies: Louis Vuitton, Bentley Carlton and Dually Jamal. I coach cheerleading to fantastic teenagers at Topeka High School, love to try out new Pinterest décor ideas, plan parties and exercise when I can fit it in. I’m incredibly passionate about building relationships with people. If I can make one person laugh a day, I count that as a win!
Get to Know Cassie:
If someone famous could play you in a movie about your life, who would it be?
Rebel Wilson. Honestly, she cracks me up in every movie, sometimes, to a point of almost tears because I am laughing so hard. Her personality, I think, would just embody me in lots of ways so, even though she is blonde, it would be perfect.
What was the least favorite gift you ever received?
Rather not say, cause it was that bad.
What could you talk about for 30 minutes with no preparation?
Probably geography or other cultures of people around the world. Most of the time, I will whip out an odd fact about a place or group of people, but I can’t do that completely on the spot.
What’s something you’re shamelessly proud of?
I like to pop pimples. I am not ashamed because it IS NORMAL that people like and find it relaxing. If I could go back to school and be a dermatologist without having to go to school, I SURE WOULD. So, judge me if you want, but I am not ashamed. (Please understand that I am laughing while saying this all, but I am serious that I am not ashamed of that.)
What is something you wish would come back in style?
The key chains or toys that would poop out candy.
What’s your favorite breakfast destination?
Unlike my dear friend Darian, I would prefer to eat lunch or more savory things. Breakfast is great and all but, honestly, I don’t eat it hardly ever; usually it is just coffee or some form of an egg if I do have something with more substance. All I am saying is give me a taco and a margarita at noon, and I will call that a breakfast for straight champions.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
You never know what someone is going through in their life. Be kind to everyone because popularity and beauty don’t matter if you are an ugly person on the inside.
If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
Oh my … Well, I am not a talented singer. Not by any means and although my imagination would love to tell me different, I think if I was able to sing on American Idol, I would probably belt out a song by Bruno Mars or Queen. Would hit them with the double whammy too with some cool moves and subpar vocals. The whole experience!
Do you believe in big foot?
Sure, but I would love to NOT meet him.
If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
Depending on the time of year, I would either make the following:
Summertime: Floutas, enchiladas and homemade salsa with spicy passion fruit margaritas.
Wintertime: Loaded cheesy bacon potato soup with a buttery French baguette cut up and baked. Drinks have always varied with that dish, but probably some good red wine.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
For the longest time as a child, I really wanted to be either a judge or an astronomer. Both of those careers seemed awesome in their own ways and would pull various talents and interests I had.
