We’re excited to continue our unique series where our real estate agents have the chance to spotlight their favorite local business owners. In this edition, we’re delighted to feature Kristina Ribali, FIC, Managing Partner at Modern Woodmen of America, nominated by Jenna Scharf, Broker Associate at Treeline Realty.
Meet Kristina Ribali: A Heart for Financial Empowerment and Community Service
Managing Partner, Modern Woodmen of America
📞 Office Phone: 239-294-8848
🌐 Website: reps.modernwoodmen.org/kribali
📧 Email: kristina.l.ribali@mwarep.org
🏆 NAIFA Quality Award Winner – National Associates
1. Introduction: Can you tell us about your journey into financial planning?
I was a registered representative at a very young age with US Bancorp Securities, and I achieved a fair amount of success in a short period of time. However, I stepped out of the industry to raise my children and support my husband in his business. It wasn’t until a dear friend of mine lost her husband unexpectedly and reached out to me for help that I considered returning to the financial services industry. So many people aren’t prepared for life’s financial challenges, and I knew I could help change that. I had known my now regional director at Modern Woodmen of America for a couple of years, and he had talked to me about the career—but it wasn’t until I saw how I could help people I cared about that I truly considered it. It took a few years for me to say yes, but I’m so grateful I did!
2. Early Influences: What experiences or influences shaped your decision to pursue a career in financial planning?
I’ve always loved learning, especially about money and financial tools. That passion likely came from my upbringing. My dad often talked about saving money and investing. My grandparents were successful in real estate, and they helped me understand the difference between assets and liabilities even as a child. They also taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. Nothing was ever handed to me—and I think that’s because they knew you have to earn it to truly appreciate it.
3. Challenges: What are some of the significant challenges you've faced in establishing and growing your financial planning practice?
I officially started with Modern Woodmen of America in March 2020. And yes—right when the global pandemic hit. Financial markets were in chaos, people were losing jobs, and we couldn’t meet in person. Not the ideal time to build a new financial services practice. But I focused on what I knew: reaching out, offering help, and being a resource. It was incredibly difficult. I failed to hit my daily goals—until one day, I didn’t. I just kept going, kept showing up. And after about six months, all the seeds I’d planted started to grow. By the end of 2020, I’d hit my financial and client goals, and I even qualified for our national sales conference trip to Switzerland! There were many days I felt like giving up—but more than five years later, I’m so thankful I didn’t.
4. Triumphs: What are the accomplishments you're most proud of in your financial planning career?
Helping my team and my clients realize what’s possible and watching them reach their goals. Awards and accolades fade—but the relationships last. When you help a family secure their future or help a new rep believe in themselves, that’s true success. You can’t have success without a successor, and I’m grateful to be in a career that allows me to pay it forward.
5. Insights: What advice would you offer to those interested in entering the financial planning industry?
Expect it to take grit and perseverance. Choose an organization that aligns with your values. There’s a lot of competition and noise in this business. You have to find your “why” and be willing to do the work. Anyone can sell a product, but building a successful practice takes faith, tenacity, and commitment. Modern Woodmen of America provides the tools—but only you can do the work.
6. Community Impact: How has your work in financial planning made a positive impact on the local community?
This is one of my favorite things about being part of Modern Woodmen of America. As a fraternal financial services organization, we make a real difference in our local communities. Through partnerships, matching fundraisers, and fraternal programs, we’ve given back over $2.6 million in recent years across Southwest Florida. We’ve partnered with organizations like the Salvation Army, Ave Maria Veterans, United Way of Collier County, Teen Challenge, and more. We don’t just say we give back—we live it.
7. Future Vision: What are your goals and aspirations for your business in the coming years?
Our regional goal is to bring on 12 new financial representatives in Southwest Florida by 2026. So many people are moving here and need access to trustworthy, personalized financial planning. We believe everyone should have a financial plan—regardless of income level. We’re also looking for professionals who want meaningful careers and top-tier benefits. The right people are out there—we’re just looking to find them.
8. Personal Reflections: What have you learned about yourself through your journey in financial planning?
So much—more than I could fit here! One of the biggest lessons has been that failure isn’t final. It humbles us and helps us grow. This career constantly pushes me to evolve, to be a better leader, and to serve others well. God has given me the opportunity to influence people’s lives for the better—and that’s something I never take for granted. I’ve learned to stay humble, always eager to learn, and ready to serve.
Photographer: Monica Alvarez of Naples Photo Studio