Gib Surles, CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®, AEP®, MSFS
Principal and Founder
Gib is principal and founder of The Forrest Group, L.L.C., which was formed in 1995. With over 30 years of experience, he is passionate about the life insurance industry and the value with which it can bring to families and business owners, ensuring that their legacies are passed on to future generations.
Gib graduated from Texas A&M University in 1985 with a B.B.A in Marketing and quickly started his lifelong career as an agent with the New York Life Insurance Company. With an intense focus on always increasing his skillset and bringing a higher value to his clients, Gib upholds his dedication to continuing education. He received his Masters of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) from The American College in 2001. He was awarded the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) in 1996, Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) in 1997, Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) in 1997, and AEP® in 1999.
Gib is honored to be a leader in the industry, holding positions on both a local and national level.
Finseca (formerly The Association for Advanced Life Underwriting); Past President 2011-2012
New York Life Insurance Company’s Agents Advisory Council (AAC); Past President 2017
Life Happens (formerly The Life Foundation); Former Board Member 2015-2016
The Nautilus Group®; Former Board Member
NYLARC Holding Company, Inc; Current Board Member
The Houston Business and Estate Planning Council; Past President 2023-2024
NAIFA Houston; Former Board Member 2019-2020
The Society of Financial Service Professionals - Houston Chapter; Past President 2002-2003
The Houston Estate and Financial Forum; Past President 2012-2013
As a life and qualifying member of The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)*, Gib has earned both Court of the Table and Top of the Table statuses. He is the 2011 recipient of the Benjamin “Woody” Woodson Award for outstanding service in the community and the industry, and is the 2013 recipient of the NAIFA Houston John N. Neighbors Award.
Gib and his wife, Lauri, are the proud parents of one son, Forrest, and two twin daughters, Amy and Autumn, who have all three carried on the family legacy of graduating from Texas A&M University. Gib is an active member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, having served on the Vestry. Being an avid hunter, he is a loyal supporter of the Hunters for the Hungry.
CA Insurance License #0F71305
*The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals, is recognized globally as the standard of excellence for life insurance sales performance in the insurance and financial services industry.
The Nautilus Group(R) is a service of New York Life Insurance Company.
Our Location
2121 Sage Road, Suite 355
Houston, TX 77056