COLUSA, CA (MPG) – Colusa native Stan Goodin concluded New York Life’s fiscal year on June 30 as the company’s top agent in Nevada. This statewide distinction follows his recognition as the 2025 Agent of the Year for the company’s Reno office.
For Goodin, this achievement marks a significant milestone in a financial planning career spanning more than 40 years.
“All those years of working with clients have finally paid off,” Goodin said, noting that choosing a career with New York Life was the right decision for him.
“Over the years your friends become your clients, and your clients become your friends,” Goodin said.
Goodin grew up in Colusa and graduated from Colusa High School in 1962. He attended Yuba College for two years and later attended Foothill College for a semester before taking a job with Howard Foster as an assistant apiarist.
A few months later, Goodin would receive his military draft notice.
Goodin spent four years in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard a World War II-era destroyer. The ship was among the first three U.S. warships to enter the waters of North Vietnam in early 1967, where its mission included suppressing enemy gunfire.
“One of the best things for me was spending four years in the Navy,” Goodin said. “I learned responsibility and leadership during that time.”
After leaving the Navy in 1969, Goodin headed to Reno, where his brother, Greg, was attending the University of Nevada, Reno. He enrolled at the university on academic probation following earlier academic struggles, but he quickly turned his record around, graduating with honors and a degree in marketing.
Prior to entering financial planning, Goodin owned five Shell service stations and was recognized as one of the company’s top six dealers in the nation. He credited the experience of running those businesses with providing an education that went far beyond the classroom.
“I feel that I now have a Ph.D. in business,” Goodin said. “Those were great years, but I sure learned a lot about people after having over 1,000 employees and hundreds of customers. I was tested.”
Goodin later moved into financial planning, specializing in life insurance, investments and retirement planning. More than four decades later, he said the people he works with continue to bring him to the office.
The stability of his practice is reflected in his long-term team. His office manager, Sherry Ramey, has worked with him for 41 years. His partner, Rich Green, has been with the firm for over a decade, and a new associate joined the team two years ago.
“I really don’t call it work anymore,” Goodin said. “We all have fun or I wouldn’t be there.”
Goodin has also held leadership positions with several Reno-area business and civic organizations, including Reno South Rotary, Western Industrial Nevada and the Executives Association of Reno. He has also served as president of the Nevada Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and Nevada Gasoline Retailers.
In July 2024, Goodin was named Nevada’s Veteran of the Month.
Although his professional life is centered in Nevada, Goodin said his upbringing in Colusa profoundly influenced his approach to business and relationships.
“Growing up in the small town of Colusa was a big deal for me the rest of my life,” Goodin said. “You viewed things differently in Colusa, and if you think the internet is fast, just screw up in Colusa County.”
Goodin said growing up in a community where people knew one another taught him accountability.
“You learn to do the right thing because everyone is watching, unlike a big city,” he said.