Sean Shea

Founder and President

As the Founder and President of Griffin Distribution Partners, Sean brings over 30 years of insurance planning and risk management expertise to financial advisors and their clients. As an acclaimed “Top of the Table” producer, Sean has transformed how advisors integrate insurance strategies into their wealth management, business succession, and legacy planning.

Sean has helped countless advisors unlock new opportunities and deliver measurable value in their client experience. He leads with a future-focused lens, aligning the firm’s mission with the evolving needs of today’s advisor. Under his leadership, Griffin is more than an insurance resource; it is a team that partners with advisors to complete their planning.

Sean’s achievements are defined by his ability to build, grow, and elevate financial organizations. He began his career in Long Island, NY, as a Prudential agent and Sales Manager, ultimately becoming Managing Director of the Houston agency, which became Prudential’s leading fee-based financial planning operation. In 2003, Sean joined Jefferson Pilot as Regional Director of the Raleigh, NC branch, rebuilding the organization to top-performing status with 275 advisors across 23 states. Sean later served as Executive Vice President of The Pinnacle Group and a key member of their Advanced Markets team for complex insurance case design and presentation. He holds the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow® (LUTCF®) and Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC®) designations.

Sean previously served on the board of NAIFA and on multiple Field Advisory Councils. He regularly contributes his expertise to advisor training programs with a specific emphasis on family-owned business succession planning. Sean believes insurance is not just a product, but a catalyst for wealth creation, the continuation of legacies, and the long-term protection of families and businesses.

Sean lives in Wake Forest, NC, with his wife, Teresa, head of Griffin operations. They enjoy cooking, traveling, and spending time with their five children.

Learn more about Griffin’s relationship-first approach and the solutions we provide to advisors.