NICK KAVALAUSKAS - Primerica
How does this guy do so much good? Nick is a true believer in every way and has the results to back it up.
I’m consistently amazed by the amount of work Nick does.
He is a powerhouse.
He owns a business, serves as President/CEO of the Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce, and is active in the Coffee with Champions program.
If I was asked to describe Nick, I would call him a “true believer.”
He has conviction, knows what he wants, and is working hard to make it happen.
I recently asked Nick a few questions about life, work, and Coffee with Champions.
Where do you work?
“District Leader at Primerica; I also serve as the President/CEO of the Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce.”
Where do you attend Coffee with Champions?
Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce on Wednesdays at 8 am.
(Nick leads the weekly Coffee with Champions workshop)
What are some words you would use to describe the Champions program?
“Coffee with Champions is a motivating, educational, people-connector program that fires you up to go out in your World and simply do good and be a better person in almost every scenario.
This program has helped me look at life's gifts and challenges from so many different perspectives that I didn't know existed.
Coffee with Champions is something I look forward to every week. Even when I'm having a tough morning, 100% of the time, I come out of our discussions in an upbeat mood and ready to conquer the day.
It's simply incredible, and I wish I would have started sooner.”
What has been your most MEMORABLE workshop at CwC?
“Man, this is a tough one because I've LOVED 36 of the 38 we have had so far. For me, it’s not as much the topics, but it's the people and conversation. We have so many different personalities and backgrounds that attend regularly.
There's nothing like it with anything else going on in the Chamber. That's one of the reasons I wanted to start Coffee With Champions, to provide something more then just another business networking event.
Coffee with Champions has built and strengthened relationships amongst our Chamber members and guests. If I had to pick a moment, it would have to be a time back in December, I believe. We were still establishing the program and there were days I'd sit and stare out the window and wonder if I'd be having a discussion with myself, it would not be very entertaining that's for sure. But then the cars started pulling in, one after another...kind of like Field of Dreams... we were standing room only in the office and it was simply awesome.
Word was and continues to spread and now I get text messages from Champions apologizing when they can't make it for a weekly discussion or I'm bringing a guest…is that ok?
It sure is, all are welcome.”
Tell us a little more about your work?
“I own and operate a financial services business. My focus is helping people protect their income, get out of debt faster, and develop a plan for short- and long-term savings.
In addition to saving and getting out of debt faster, I also provide opportunities for people to make additional income if they qualify. I absolutely love what I do through Primerica. There is nothing more rewarding for me than seeing the life-changing impact our products have on people's lives.
I started as a client 10 years ago and saw the impact it had on my family's lives. It was a no-brainer for me to get involved and begin to offer and share these services with others.
I spent 20+ years in the corporate world of food service management prior to Primerica. Traveling the country was fun until I realized I was living an unhealthy lifestyle, stressed about working to make others rich, and I had no freedom of time to spend with my family or have a real impact in my own community. Primerica changed all of that and provides me and thousands of others the opportunity to be a force for good in their communities. There's nothing like Primerica.
I enjoy the fact that we are able to help people in every stage of their life, no matter how much money they have to invest. Everyone deserves the opportunity to receive a free financial education and learn to become financially free. I have the opportunity to provide this to every person I meet, that's exciting to me.
My mission is simple, to offer and share the products and knowledge I use in my daily life to as many people as I can.”
It's not about me, it's about who I can impact and what legacy I'm going to leave behind to my family.
“One person can only assist so many people, so it’s important for me as well to continue expanding my office and the team around me.
The majority of Primerica agents come from other professions and start out part-time, learn the ropes, get properly licensed, and have the freedom to execute a proven system with essentially no risk. Where else can you start a business for just $99?
Our team's goal is to help people understand and achieve financial independence in a way that's meaningful to them.
Point blank, we do what's right.”
What do you want people to know about you?
“I am always looking for ways to better myself, connect with people, and share best practices.
I believe that iron sharpens iron.”
If you could put something on a billboard, what would it say?
“If you are not moving forward, then you will always fall back.“
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received, and how has it impacted your life or career?
“Stop living the life that others want you to, and start living the life you want to. It's put me where I'm at today and leading me to where I'm going.”
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
“The ability to Teleport is more cost and time-efficient than driving or flying. I'd travel the World :)”
If you could recommend a book, resource, or podcast, what would it be?
Wild at Heart - Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul (John Eldredge)
Rich Dad Poor Dad (Robert Kiyosaki)
Smarter, Faster, Better - The Transformative Power of Real Productivity (Charles Duhigg)
Tell us about your family.
“My family and I have lived in Vandalia for the past 10 years. My wife Sarah and I have been happily married for 20 years coming up this October 16th. She is studying for her Doctorate and works for the VA in Healthcare Utilization Management.
We have two awesome kids.
Meadow (14) starts 9th grade this fall at Butler High School. She is active with several competitive dance teams, Butler High School Kickline, performs as a soloist, and works part-time at Fair Valley Swim and Tennis Club. Fun fact, she has started her road to retirement savings with a Minor Roth IRA, which pays to start early!
Our son Elijah (12) is active in swimming, fencing, basketball, gaming, and all things Godzilla. He will start 6th grade at Morton Middle School this fall.
We have two amazing pets with opposite personalities.
Hazel Grace is our pitbull princess and is well-known in the Vandalia-Butler community. Take a number if you want to dog-sit her; she has a waiting list.
Finally, we have a cranky cat named Marachi. She lays on the kitchen table, complains all day about not having endless catnip, and eagerly watches birds eat from the bird feeder all day. There is never a dull moment in our household.”
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
“A heartfelt thank you to Lance and Jessica. I think I speak for all Coffee with Champions hosts and participants. Your vision for this program, dedication to seeking feedback, and constantly looking for ways to improve are so inspirational and applicable in life's daily tasks.”
How can people get in touch with you?
Email - nkavalauskas@primerica.com
Social Media - I’m on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
Website www.primerica.com/nkavalauskas
Thank you, Nick, for all you do for the Vandalia-Butler community, your clients, and your family.
You truly are a Force for Good!
- Lance