Perseverance Powers Growth

Category: "Inspire" Stories

Date: September 4, 2026

When David Burns, Co-Founder and President of Retirement Health Solutions, found himself feeling stuck despite years of business success, he decided to take on a challenge that would push him far beyond his comfort zone: an Ironman. What started as a personal goal became a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t happen when things are easy. It happens when you choose to keep moving forward.

Alongside his business partners, Mark Jensen and Chris Phelps, David built Retirement Health Solutions on a foundation of expertise, service and a passion for helping others succeed. After beginning his career as an insurance agent, he discovered that his greatest fulfillment came from mentoring agents, helping them build successful careers and empowering families to improve their quality of life through better coverage and care.

In 2021, looking to break through a feeling of stagnation, David signed up for his first Ironman event. After completing a half Ironman, he set his sights on the ultimate test. The following year, he completed the full Ironman in St. George, Utah, spending 13 hours and 28 minutes swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles and running 26.2 miles. The challenge reignited his drive and reinforced a lesson that applies to athletics, business and life alike: perseverance powers growth.

Today, that mindset shapes the way David leads. Whether he’s coaching agents, serving partners or training for his next endurance event, he believes success is built through consistent effort, service to others and the determination to keep going. Ask David what matters most, and the answer isn’t a finish line. It’s helping people realize what they’re capable of achieving. Learn more about David and the Retirement Health Solutions story in their announcement video: https://integrity.com/retirementhealthsolutions/

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