About Insurance Training Specialists, INC.

Who We Are

Insurance Training Specialists, Inc. was started in 1996 to provide quality education for people who wish to enter into a career in the insurance field. We proudly offer online, zoom and in person classes to help applicants prepare to take their state licensing exams which are required by the state of Mississippi for an insurance producer’s license. Our qualified instructors bring nearly 100 years of combined experienced to the table. We take pride in helping applicants to become responsible and knowledgeable insurance producers as they fulfill their educational requirements and prepare to take the producer's state examination. Our goal is to ensure success. Come grow and learn with us!

"The students are the most important thing to me."

--Gary E. Waddell

Gary E. Waddell LUTCF - CEO
Insurance Training Specialists Inc.

Gary was born in N.Y. and grew up in Tampa, FL. Joining the Navy in 1965 at the age of 17, he was deployed to Vietnam 3 times. Gary spent 22 months overseas doing gunfire support for troops on the ground. After an honorable discharge in June of 1969, he met and married his wife, Audrey. They moved to West Point, MS and have been in the area since. Gary has been married to Audrey for over 50 years. They have 2 children, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He thanks God each day for where he has come and where he is today.

Helping people has been his whole life, whether in the service, sales, insurance business or at his Insurance Training Specialists Inc. office.

Gary has been in the insurance business since April 1978 in sales and management dealing with all insurance products, property & casualty, life accident & health, security products, mutual funds, variable & annuities. During his 43 years in the industry, he spent 16 years with Met Life until he retired at age 55 and opened Waddell Insurance and Investments.

He started Insurance Training Specialists Inc. in May 1997 to provide training for people to enter the insurance business with small classes taught throughout Mississippi.

In November 1999, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) was put into effect which allowed banks, security, and insurance companies to merge and sell insurance products. Insurance Training Specialist was called on by many companies such as Bank Plus, Bancorp South, and Regions to train their employees to prepare for the Mississippi Life, Accident & Health exam. His company was responsible for getting over 3,000 employees licensed. He continues his work as one of the top companies in Mississippi for pre-licensing training with a passing ratio much higher than the state average. He regularly updates class and study materials to ensure that each student has the most current information when studying for their exam. As Gary has said many times “I started this business to help people get their insurance licenses and get into an industry that is very rewarding, as I have been so blessed for more than 40 years in it.”

Gary and his staff will help with all questions at any time. They strive to exceed your expectations.