Martin M. Shenkman, CPA, MBA, PFS, AEP (distinguished), JD, is an attorney in private practice in Fort Lee, New Jersey, and New York City, New York, with Shenkman Law. His practice focuses on estate and tax planning as well as planning for closely-held businesses and estate administration. Throughout his career, Mr. Shenkman received awards and acknowledgments from the New Jersey Bar Association, Worth Magazine, CPA Magazine, the American Cancer Society, and the AICPA. Mr. Shenkman holds a Bachelor of Science from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, an MBA from the University of Michigan, a law degree from Fordham University School of Law. He is admitted to the bar in New York, New Jersey, and Washington D.C.

Walter works in tax areas involving high net worth clients, estates, trusts, charitable planning and exempt organizations. As past deputy executive director of New York’s CPA Society, he led the Society’s programs for professional practice issues with members, and in Albany and Washington. Walt was instrumental in developing New York’s LLC/LLP laws. Both Connecticut and New Jersey used this work to enact their LLC statutes. 

Walt “grew up” in his family’s CPA firm, where he advised successful business owners and served the full range of middle income through ultra-high-net-worth clients. A frequent speaker and writer, Walt received the respective CPA Journal and The Tax Advisor “Max Block” and “Article of the Year” awards. Walt chairs several nonprofit audit committees and is Co-President of UJA/JCC Greenwich.

Larry J. Rybka joined Valmark in 1987 and became President and Chief Executive Officer twelve years later in 1999. In 2019, Larry became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Valmark. Under his leadership, the company has experienced revenue growth of 20X. Larry’s tenure at Valmark has been marked by working with advisors in creating innovative solutions to better serve clients and proactively anticipating regulatory challenges to improve client outcomes.

Larry’s industry leadership includes terms on the Boards of AALU, the MDRT Foundation, The University of Akron Foundation, and Arise Rwanda Ministries.

Larry is a noted speaker and author of over a dozen articles published in numerous industry journals. Two of his articles were recognized with industry awards: the Journal of the American Society of CLU and ChFC’s Author Award as well as the CFP Board’s Article Award. He has also co-authored two books, Tools & Techniques of Life Settlement Planning with Steve Leimberg and Life Insurance 10X. Other notable industry recognition includes induction into the NAEPC Estate Planning Hall of Fame®, recipient of the American Award from Lincoln Financial Group for lifetime contributions to the industry, and Finance Professional of the Year from The University of Akron.

Larry is credited locally with working alongside the University of Akron to create one of the first financial planning programs within the Finance Department at the University of Akron’s College of Business. Over the years, Larry and Valmark have worked closely with the University of Akron to improve and grow the program. Valmark has been rewarded for that effort with over 40 professionals joining Valmark’s internal team from the program.

Larry earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Akron, graduating with Honors, and a Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University.

Larry and his wife, Wendy, reside in the Akron area and have four adult children and one grandchild.