In 2008 the "American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance" named Don one of the Top 500 Long-Term Care insurance professionals in the country out of over 40,000 insurance and financial professionals.

Don was elected to the Minnesota State Senate where he served on committees dealing with Health Care and Family Services. He was named Legislator of the Year in his first year by Arc Minnesota. Don was the principal investigator for a National Institute of Health research project in previous employment. These experiences, and having had his mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, and brothers in home care, assisted living and long-term care facilities, has given him knowledge and skills he uses to help the people he serves.

Don is well respected by his clients for services provided. The Minnesota State Knights of Columbus Council recognized him with the Directors Award six years in a row.  In 2004 and 2006 they named him top insurance agent in the state and he also qualified for the Supreme Knights Club. He has qualified for incentive awards every year he has been an active field agent. With his background, he has a special perspective on the human needs and financial challenges of sound financial planning.