
BY AMELIA MATTHEWS
ARTESIA, CA - Ajay Parikh launched his career with New York Life in 1984.Looking back over the last 30 years he is satisfied with all he has achieved. Reacting to this milestone, Parikh says, “I am honored to have the trust and friendship of my clients for these many years.“ Parikh has close to $1 billion dollars...
ARTESIA, CA - Ajay Parikh launched his career with New York Life in 1984.Looking back over the last 30 years he is satisfied with all he has achieved. Reacting to this milestone, Parikh says, “I am honored to have the trust and friendship of my clients for these many years.“ Parikh has close to $1 billion dollars...

in life insurance in force on his clients. He is proud to be able to touch so many lives in the community and to help ensure the future of the community. With over 2000 clients in many states across the US, he is glad to have the confidence of those he serves. Parikh has come a long way. Starting off as a pharmacist in India with a degree from LM College of Pharmacy he arrived in the US and landed a job as a pharmacy tech in New York. After moving from New York to California, he ran and owned a liquor store. When he was in need of health insurance and life insurance, he called Roy Hoffman, a New York Life agent. That’s how his career with New York Life kicked off. Beginning from scratch, he worked with many local friends and family. He then got a break working with local businesses. Over time, his efficient servicing of clients brought him many , referrals leading to further growth. Today Parikh works in over 20 states and has brought his wife Hemangi Parikh onboard as his office manager. He has also hired agents under him including his son, Nikesh Parikh. He is a district agent and likes to help new professionals who are interested in joining the insurance and investment industry. Today, most of his business comes from referrals from clients and other professionals. He has become a familiar name in the community having established himself as a reputed agent for many years.
The key factors to growth, Parikh opines, are staying in touch with clients and being educated about all the different ideas that can help clients. Today, after all these years, he still goes to learn about new products or changes in the laws. He is available to his clients at any time by forwarding his calls to his cell phone even on the weekends. His growth also derives from his clients growing in their lives and business. Parikh has expanded his business from life insurance to estate planning, business planning, retirement planning, investments, annuities, health insurance, disability insurance, long term care insurance, executive benefits, qualified plans, and financial planning as his son Nikesh has joined the practice. Nikesh has completed law school and is a Certified Financial Planner and Investment Advisor Representative. As to the reasons for his success over the last three decades, Parikh pins it down to “ selfless service and putting the client’s needs above anything else.” Service for him is paramount in his practice. He tries to return every phone call the same day, putting the needs of his client above everything else. He works according to the needs and affordability of each client. Since he works with many companies, he tries to find the best product for each situation.
His hard work has paid off. Ajay has been a Chairman’s council agent for 15 years which means he has been in New York Life’s top 1% of agents. He has qualified for Executive’s, President’s, and Chairman’s council every year of his career. He is a life Member of the Million Dollar Roundtable and has been Court of the Table. He has won the local New York Life Agent of the year many times. He is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. He donates to many local and community based charities.
With his years of experience, Parikh has some sound advice for entrepreneurs who want to start their insurance business.First off he says, “Insurance is hard. There is an over 80% turnover rate. To be successful, there is no magic formula, but working hard and becoming educating oneself as much as possible so as to recognize an opportunity for your clients. Also, caring about your clients and showing them you know their needs is very important.” Parikh is always helping newer agents in the business.
His future plans involve continuing to work for his clients. On a personal note, he enjoys playing tennis and music.
The key factors to growth, Parikh opines, are staying in touch with clients and being educated about all the different ideas that can help clients. Today, after all these years, he still goes to learn about new products or changes in the laws. He is available to his clients at any time by forwarding his calls to his cell phone even on the weekends. His growth also derives from his clients growing in their lives and business. Parikh has expanded his business from life insurance to estate planning, business planning, retirement planning, investments, annuities, health insurance, disability insurance, long term care insurance, executive benefits, qualified plans, and financial planning as his son Nikesh has joined the practice. Nikesh has completed law school and is a Certified Financial Planner and Investment Advisor Representative. As to the reasons for his success over the last three decades, Parikh pins it down to “ selfless service and putting the client’s needs above anything else.” Service for him is paramount in his practice. He tries to return every phone call the same day, putting the needs of his client above everything else. He works according to the needs and affordability of each client. Since he works with many companies, he tries to find the best product for each situation.
His hard work has paid off. Ajay has been a Chairman’s council agent for 15 years which means he has been in New York Life’s top 1% of agents. He has qualified for Executive’s, President’s, and Chairman’s council every year of his career. He is a life Member of the Million Dollar Roundtable and has been Court of the Table. He has won the local New York Life Agent of the year many times. He is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. He donates to many local and community based charities.
With his years of experience, Parikh has some sound advice for entrepreneurs who want to start their insurance business.First off he says, “Insurance is hard. There is an over 80% turnover rate. To be successful, there is no magic formula, but working hard and becoming educating oneself as much as possible so as to recognize an opportunity for your clients. Also, caring about your clients and showing them you know their needs is very important.” Parikh is always helping newer agents in the business.
His future plans involve continuing to work for his clients. On a personal note, he enjoys playing tennis and music.