CEO Ron Wheeler Opens Leaders Convention 2026 With Major Company Announcements

First Financial Security, Inc. CEO Ron Wheeler opened Leaders Convention 2026 (LC26) with two groundbreaking announcements. First, FFS is targeting the first week of October to begin paying commissions daily, moving beyond its current twice-weekly payment schedule. Shortly thereafter, Wheeler announced that the company recently signed a letter of intent to acquire a life and health insurance brokerage.

Wheeler began by reflecting on the value proposition the company has built over the past 20 years before announcing the two developments intended to carry that commitment forward: “We continue to try to think of new ways to make business easier for the field.” Wheeler said after reviewing FFS’s history of reinvesting in its agents. “Today is no different,”

Daily Commission Payments Targeted for October

FFS currently pays commissions twice each week, on Tuesdays and Fridays. Wheeler announced that the company is working toward a daily payment schedule, with implementation targeted for the first week of October.

The timeline remains dependent on the successful completion of the technology required to support the new schedule. Once put in place, the move will add another significant benefit to the FFS agent experience.

“There’s nobody in our space that does that, so that’s another first for us,” Wheeler said.

Wheeler placed the announcement within FFS’s broader record of technological investment. Over the years, the company has been an early adopter of electronic applications, established an internal software development team, created its proprietary Agent Back Office, and developed resources including agent websites, FFS Edge, and the BOP Tracker.

Daily commission payments represent the next step in that continuing effort to create better systems and make it easier for agents to build their businesses.

Letter of Intent Signed for Proposed Acquisition

Wheeler followed the commission announcement with news that FFS has signed a letter of intent to acquire a life and health insurance brokerage.

The proposed acquisition has yet to be completed, and the company is not able to disclose the identity of the brokerage or further transaction details at this stage. Wheeler nevertheless emphasized the potential significance of the development for the entire FFS community.

“Everybody that touches FFS, whether you’re inside or outside, will benefit from this when we complete the process,” Wheeler said.

Signing the letter of intent represents an important step, but the transaction remains subject to completion. FFS will share further information when additional details can be announced.

Continued Investment in the Field

Wheeler framed both announcements as the latest examples of a commitment that has guided FFS throughout its history: continually reinvesting in the field.

He traced the company’s growth from a business with one annuity product, one life product and limited technology to a platform supported by top-rated carrier partners, expanded product solutions, proprietary technology, professional marketing resources, comprehensive training, leadership development, operational support, recognition programs and long-term ownership opportunities.

That progress, Wheeler said, is driven by an ongoing focus on identifying new ways to support agents. With daily commission payments targeted for October and the proposed acquisition process underway, FFS is continuing to build on its culture of innovation and strengthen the value it provides to everyone affiliated with the company.