Thomas Lankford

I started in the business over 19 years ago. After several years of working with large insurance agencies and companies I struck out on my own to found Lankford Financial. The primary reason I became independent was to better serve my clients. Since I'm not restricted to any specific carrier, my clients receive a broader range of offerings and options to better fit their needs.

Frankly, I never thought I'd be in the insurance business. I was under the impression you had to be a fast talking gregarious wordsmith that plowed into peoples homes and refused to leave until someone in the household took an insurance plan they didn't really want or need. And I didn't fit that mold at all.

Fortunately, I've been able to carve out my own niche that's based on absolutely zero sales pressure. It usually starts with a phone conversation where we establish whether or not a need exist. Then it's planted on informing people what their options are and letting them choose what's right for them. It might be better described as an educating and consulting approach. This way of doing business has served my clients, and me, very well for almost 20 years now.

A native of the Kansas City area - I've lived on both sides of the state line. My bride, of 17 years, is from Warsaw, Missouri, is an elementary school counselor. We are very blessed to have to boys, Trenton, age 15, and Trey, age 12. Our sons keep us very busy with their sports practices, games and school activities. Hopefully, they're "raising up good parents."

I make it a priority to get some exercise at least three days a week. In my spare time you'll find me doing all those things that dads do. Yes, that includes mowing the yard, cleaning the garage, and the never finished "around the house" honey do project list.