Byron Udell

Byron Udell (born July 15, 1958) is an American business owner and part-time author. He is best known as the Founder, President and the CEO of Accuquote, an independent life insurance quoting and brokerage firm. Udell is acknowledged for promoting the value of life insurance and raising awareness AbOUT its importance. In addition to his law degree (JD) and a Series 7 General Securities license, Bryon has earned the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional designations.

Byron is also a contributing author of two popular financial and estate planning books, ‘Wealth Enhancement and Preservation’ (1996) and ‘Wealth 2000’ (2000).He appears regularly on and in The New York Times, WSJ, MSNBC, CNBC, Kiplinger’s, USA Todayand Forbes.

Biography

Byron Udell was born and raised in Lincolnwood, IL. As a child, he used to sell various products door-to-door including housewares, equipment, steaks, and jewelry.Udell always had the entrepreneurial itch.His father sold life insurance, but growing up, Byron never dreamed that he’d end up in the insurance business. From 1972 to 1976, he attended Niles West High School in Skokie, IL. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science (BS), Business Administration & Marketing, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - College of Business (1976–1980). He then acquired a law degree (JD) from Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology (1981–1984).

Career

Udell began working at the age of 13,when he started selling household products like potholders, dusters, and brooms. He also had jobs selling stereo equipment, jewelry, and meats. After graduating from law school, he ventured into real estate, buying, renovating and reselling properties. In 1986, he started in the insurance industry as an agent with New York Life Insurance Co.In 1994, he formed his own company, Byron Udell & Associates, Inc.,mainly helping clients with their permanent and term life insurance needs, as well as assisting them with estate planning. After gaining substantial experience in the industry, Udell established Accuquote in 1995. He also expanded to the online world with AccuQuote.com.

Udell often says, “Life insurance is the most important product mankind ever invented.” He not only feels a responsibility to convey to people just how important life insurance is, but also believes that he has an obligation to make sure each member of his staff does the same. Udell jumps at any opportunity to talk about life insurance, always making time for media, his sales agents, or anyone he encounters in his day-to-day life.

While Udell graduated from law school and had every intention of becoming an attorney, he soon discovered that his calling was to sell, and quickly realized that he was very good at it. He started with just his vision in a small office near his home. In 1994, he took a chance and hired his first employee. AccuQuote now has a staff of approximately 125 and has expanded its offerings to include long term care insurance, disability insurance, health insurance and annuities. Udell currently serves as the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AccuQuote, which is headquartered in Wheeling, IL. Since its inception, AccuQuote has gained about 200,000 clients across the country and has placed in force nearly $100 billion dollars in life insurance coverage.

Personal Life and Interests

Udell lives in Northbrook, IL, with his wife, Frani, who is a private investigator. They have 3 children—Jake, Sami and Alec. Byron’s hobbies include golfing, skiing, tennis, skeet and trap shooting, hiking, cycling, and reading. He also enjoys jazz and classic rock music. While the Udell family is close, they are geographically spread out. Jake and Sami reside in Los Angeles, while Alec is a student in Bloomington, IN. Udell’s parents live nearby.

Achievements & Recognitions

Udell was presented the 2012 Life Insurance Direct Marketing Association (LIDMA) Vision Award, which is LIDMA’s highest honor. The recognition acknowledges people and organizations that have made significant contributions to the field of life insurance. In 2014, he was elected to serve as President of LIDMA. Udell recently served a two-year term on the board of directors for VisaNow, which provides online legal services to aid the immigration process into the United States. He is also part of the Presidents Forum, an exclusive, invitation-only group, where high ranking members of companies share their insights and business philosophies.

Appearances in mainstream media

Byron is often called on by the media for his insights and commentary on various issues pertaining to insurance.He is the life insurance face and voice of eHow, a popular how-to site, has participated in Fast Company’s popular 30 Second MBA series, and was featured on the entrepreneurial business show, Business Rockstars. He has also been called on to air his views on the insurance industry. Udell recently appeared on CNBC’s On the Money (2013 TV series). The likes of Ric Edelman, in his nationally syndicated Truth About Moneyradio show, and Kiplinger's Personal Finance’s Kimberly Lankford, have used Udell’s insights on insurance and personal finance for their publications.