Being in the industry for more than 40 years, National Investors provide the stability you’re looking for in a financial partner. One of the benefits of working with us is our ability to provide clear, easily understood explanations of financial products and services. We collaborate with you and from there create a personalized retirement roadmap to guide you toward a more successful and reliable financial future. We’re here to put our experience to work for you to help you pursue your financial goals.
Our approach? Friends for life. We’re proud to say after 40+ years in the business, we still retain our very first client! We believe this is possible because we maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in our relationships with our clients. The highest compliment they can give National Investors is the referral of their friends and family, and we feel great gratitude when this takes place.
We succeed in knowing and understanding your lifetime goals by providing you with quality information, services and a finalized plan tailored to you and your family.
Our approach? Friends for life. We’re proud to say after 40+ years in the business, we still retain our very first client! We believe this is possible because we maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in our relationships with our clients. The highest compliment they can give National Investors is the referral of their friends and family, and we feel great gratitude when this takes place.
We succeed in knowing and understanding your lifetime goals by providing you with quality information, services and a finalized plan tailored to you and your family.
Meet the Team

R. Joe Smith - President & CEO
E-mail: rjoe@nationalinvestors.com
R. Joe Smith is president & CEO of Iowa-based National Investors and a 38 year MDRT member. Founded in 1976, National Investors is a firm that builds long term relationships with clients by helping them create & preserve their net worth. Key to their approach is The Originator of the Estate Organizer, developed by R. Joe in 1978. This extensive record keeping system helps individuals track and update vital financial and legal data necessary for the transition of estates to loved ones***. In 2008, R. Joe made The Originator of the Estate Organizer system and training available to qualified insurance agents, financial professionals, attorneys, and CPAs wanting to assist their clients as part of a comprehensive wealth management team.
Prior to starting National Investors, R. Joe was a teacher and coach at Dexfield Commuinity School in Redfield, IA. Through his unique coaching techniques, R. Joe led the Dexfield football team to a #1 ranking and a Class A Football Championship in 1973.
R. Joe recieved his B.S. in Secondary Education from Northwest Missouri State University in 1967, and returned to his alma mater to earn his Masters Degree in Secondary Administration in 1971.
E-mail: rjoe@nationalinvestors.com
R. Joe Smith is president & CEO of Iowa-based National Investors and a 38 year MDRT member. Founded in 1976, National Investors is a firm that builds long term relationships with clients by helping them create & preserve their net worth. Key to their approach is The Originator of the Estate Organizer, developed by R. Joe in 1978. This extensive record keeping system helps individuals track and update vital financial and legal data necessary for the transition of estates to loved ones***. In 2008, R. Joe made The Originator of the Estate Organizer system and training available to qualified insurance agents, financial professionals, attorneys, and CPAs wanting to assist their clients as part of a comprehensive wealth management team.
Prior to starting National Investors, R. Joe was a teacher and coach at Dexfield Commuinity School in Redfield, IA. Through his unique coaching techniques, R. Joe led the Dexfield football team to a #1 ranking and a Class A Football Championship in 1973.
R. Joe recieved his B.S. in Secondary Education from Northwest Missouri State University in 1967, and returned to his alma mater to earn his Masters Degree in Secondary Administration in 1971.

Patrick Marks - Executive Vice President
E-mail: pat@nationalinvestors.com
Patrick E. Marks, a lifelong Iowa resident, has been involved in the financial and estate field since 1986. Pat implements the same high level of integrity, work ethic, and drive to help people succeed like his father did over 30 years ago.
Pat learned from his education and experience on what it took to became an entrepreneur with the belief that your word is your bond. His career began in the late 1980's where Pat founded a retail/catalog business and later involved himself in the hotel and land development business within central Iowa. Married for 17 years and 3 children, Pat belongs to many organizations and clubs to receive the satisfaction of helping and educating.
After earning a BSBA degree in insurance management from Drake University, it was then that Patrick began his career in the retail business. He quickly achieved success and decided to move into the financial industry. Patrick understands what it takes to make your family and loved ones financially secure. His clients find him personable and extremely dedicated to their needs.
His planning techniques include comprehensive individualized financial plans that reduce financial risk, reduce tax burdens, protect assets and long term care cost, and provide a lifetime of income. Pat is ideal for those seeking an advisor who provides an all-encompassing financial strategy. Pat works with many CPA and Attorney firms throughout central Iowa to add a financial sector to their practice. The success has helped many families reach financial independence and reach financial goals.
E-mail: pat@nationalinvestors.com
Patrick E. Marks, a lifelong Iowa resident, has been involved in the financial and estate field since 1986. Pat implements the same high level of integrity, work ethic, and drive to help people succeed like his father did over 30 years ago.
Pat learned from his education and experience on what it took to became an entrepreneur with the belief that your word is your bond. His career began in the late 1980's where Pat founded a retail/catalog business and later involved himself in the hotel and land development business within central Iowa. Married for 17 years and 3 children, Pat belongs to many organizations and clubs to receive the satisfaction of helping and educating.
After earning a BSBA degree in insurance management from Drake University, it was then that Patrick began his career in the retail business. He quickly achieved success and decided to move into the financial industry. Patrick understands what it takes to make your family and loved ones financially secure. His clients find him personable and extremely dedicated to their needs.
His planning techniques include comprehensive individualized financial plans that reduce financial risk, reduce tax burdens, protect assets and long term care cost, and provide a lifetime of income. Pat is ideal for those seeking an advisor who provides an all-encompassing financial strategy. Pat works with many CPA and Attorney firms throughout central Iowa to add a financial sector to their practice. The success has helped many families reach financial independence and reach financial goals.

Kurtis Thompson - Executive Vice President
E-mail: kurt@nationalinvestors.com
Kurt grew up his entire life in small town Iowa. He has been with National Investors since his career started back in 1998 while he was still in college. Kurt and Electra currently reside in Waukee with their three girls, Brielle, Cambry and Samara.
Kurtis’ business philosophy includes doing whatever it takes to help ensure clients are financially independent and confident in their retirement income plans. He is dedicated to not only finding products that meet his clients’ needs, but that provide them with a positive outlook on their future retirement income.
Honest and ethical, Kurtis works with preretirees and retirees to help make their goals and objectives a reality. He is committed to being a knowledgeable resource for them and makes it a priority to always treat them with respect and give them excellent service.
E-mail: kurt@nationalinvestors.com
Kurt grew up his entire life in small town Iowa. He has been with National Investors since his career started back in 1998 while he was still in college. Kurt and Electra currently reside in Waukee with their three girls, Brielle, Cambry and Samara.
Kurtis’ business philosophy includes doing whatever it takes to help ensure clients are financially independent and confident in their retirement income plans. He is dedicated to not only finding products that meet his clients’ needs, but that provide them with a positive outlook on their future retirement income.
Honest and ethical, Kurtis works with preretirees and retirees to help make their goals and objectives a reality. He is committed to being a knowledgeable resource for them and makes it a priority to always treat them with respect and give them excellent service.

Greg Wilson - Vice President - Omaha Office
E-mail: greg@nationalinvestors.com
Greg Wilson is currently Vice President of National Investors. He began his career in 1985, working out of the Redfield office after graduating from Northwest Missouri State University. He spends the majority of his time helping clients enhance their portfolios while focusing on preservation of assets and tax* efficiency, which are common objectives in the planning process.
Greg actively volunteers his time for many organizations. He is a past President of the Alumni Association Board of Directors at Northwest Missouri State University. He also has been very involved in coaching both of his children's sport teams. He is also active with his local National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Omaha chapter, where he most recently served on the Board of Directors and as President. He has qualified for the NAIFA sponsored National Sales Award and the National Quality Award for 14 years. He has also been a qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table for 10 years.
Greg and his wife, Cindy, also a Northwest graduate, has been married for 20 years. They along with their 2 children, Connor and Carleigh, make their home in Omaha, Nebraska. His philosophy is to develop long-term relationships with his clients and to be there in each facet of their lives. Many of his clients can attest to his valued service, and that he goes that extra mile that is needed to help them out.
E-mail: greg@nationalinvestors.com
Greg Wilson is currently Vice President of National Investors. He began his career in 1985, working out of the Redfield office after graduating from Northwest Missouri State University. He spends the majority of his time helping clients enhance their portfolios while focusing on preservation of assets and tax* efficiency, which are common objectives in the planning process.
Greg actively volunteers his time for many organizations. He is a past President of the Alumni Association Board of Directors at Northwest Missouri State University. He also has been very involved in coaching both of his children's sport teams. He is also active with his local National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Omaha chapter, where he most recently served on the Board of Directors and as President. He has qualified for the NAIFA sponsored National Sales Award and the National Quality Award for 14 years. He has also been a qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table for 10 years.
Greg and his wife, Cindy, also a Northwest graduate, has been married for 20 years. They along with their 2 children, Connor and Carleigh, make their home in Omaha, Nebraska. His philosophy is to develop long-term relationships with his clients and to be there in each facet of their lives. Many of his clients can attest to his valued service, and that he goes that extra mile that is needed to help them out.