Chris Schlechta

About Chris Schlechta

As a Financial Services Professional with Bankers Life, I help individuals, families, and retirees protect what matters most and confidently plan for the road ahead. I specialize in turning the complex world of retirement planning into a clear and achievable strategy ensuring every piece of the puzzle fits together.My focus areas include:Medicare Planning – Helping clients understand their options and choose coverage that supports their long-term health and financial needsLong-Term Care Solutions – Protecting assets and independence with proactive planning for future care Life Insurance Strategies – Providing peace of mind and financial security for loved ones Retirement & Income Planning (Annuities) – Building guaranteed income streams and safeguarding retirement savings from market uncertaintyI take pride in educating and empowering my clients so they can make informed decisions with confidence. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, navigating Medicare for the first time, or simply looking to enhance your protective strategy, I’m here to help you build a more secure financial future.Let’s connect and explore how we can protect your tomorrow, today. Previously, I served 20 years as a Program Manager, Systems Engineer, and strategic leader driving complex programs across the Department of Defense and engineering sectors. With a track record of delivering $1B+ programs on time and under budget, I specialized in aligning mission-critical initiatives with strategic goals to enable operational growth, resource optimization, and stakeholder confidence.I’ve led high-impact teams, recovered millions in under-executed funds, and modernized infrastructure through lifecycle management and data-driven planning. Whether navigating $750M defense proposals, directing $100M+ budgets, or mentoring 40+ cross-functional personnel, I bring a hands-on leadership style grounded in engineering precision and financial discipline. Recognized as Supervisor of the Quarter and Project Manager of the Year Secret Clearance | MS in Systems Engineering | EIT Certified Passionate about transforming challenges into results that matter

Experience

1. Financial Services Professional

   Bankers Life

   Nov 2025 — Present · Sarasota, FL, US

   Educate and guide clients through retirement planning strategies tailored to their financial goals and lifestyle needs. Conduct personalized needs assessments to design comprehensive plans focused on Medicare, long-term care protection, life insurance, and retirement income solutions. Assist individuals transitioning into Medicare by simplifying coverage options and helping them confidently enroll in plans that protect their health and finances. Provide asset protection strategies to reduce future financial risk associated with long-term care and unexpected life events. Help clients create guaranteed income streams through annuity solutions to support long-term financial stability in retirement. Deliver ongoing support and policy reviews to ensure each client’s plan adapts to changing needs, market conditions, and regulatory updates. Build trust-based relationships through education-first conversations, clear communication, and dedicated client service. Maintain active Life & Health Insurance licensing and pursue continuous industry training to stay current on best practices and compliance standards.

Education

• University of Maryland Global Campus

  Master of Science - MS, Systems Engineering

• University of Central Florida

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Mechanical Engineering

Skills

• Simulations
• Fluid Dynamics
• System Requirements
• Bill of Material Creation
• Gd&T
• Microsoft Excel
• Space Systems
• Dod
• Labview
• Technical Writing
• Design for Assembly
• Project Management
• Solidworks
• Microsoft Project
• Problem Solving
• Six Sigma
• Modeling
• Design Engineering
• Mathcad
• Ptc Creo
• Earned Value Management
• Testing
• Fluid Mechanics
• U.s. Department of Defense
• Autocad
• Engineering Design
• Design for Manufacturing
• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing
• Mechanical Engineering
• Pro Engineer
• Project Estimation
• Prototype
• Matlab
• Microstation
• Machining
• Hydraulics
• Security Clearance
• System Design
• Ms Project
• Systems Engineering