We are deeply saddened to share with the M Community the passing of Eli Morgan on Friday, October 29, 2021. Eli is survived by his wife, Jill; children, Lee Morgan and EC Morgan; daughter-in-law, Karen; and beloved grandchildren.
In partnership with Eli’s family, we are honoring our legendary co-founder with an online memorial site where we can share our memories, stories, photos, and videos of him. Please use the form below to write your memory of Eli or to upload a favorite photo or video.
Eli is a legendary figure in our history. After forming and serving as CEO for Management Compensation Group Northwest (MCG NW), he co-founded M Financial Group. With a mission to revolutionize life insurance distribution and change the dynamics between producers and product manufacturers – always putting the client first – he set out to build a network of the country’s best firms who together could better serve the needs of their clients.
From there, Eli led the formation of M’s reinsurance company, which became a cornerstone of M’s ability to develop proprietary products and execute an in-force management strategy which has returned hundreds of millions of dollars in value to existing policyholders. He became M’s first CEO in 1986, driving spectacular growth in the number of Member Firms and sales, and introducing M proprietary products (Majestic with John Hancock and MVP with Pacific Life), designed to provide clients with the best products available in the industry.
Eli was the embodiment of M’s core values – innovating, collaborating, and advocating to lead M to unmatched excellence. As his partner Mark Solomon would say, in a world full of farmers and miners, Eli was the consummate farmer, always planting seeds for the future harvest and generations to come.
Upon the completion of M’s reorganization in 1996, Eli turned his attention to philanthropic endeavors, as well as work in the investment industry through 2030 Investors. He also provided his expertise to multiple boards, including American Industries, Tyfone, Sirena Apparel Group, and Self-Enhancement, Inc.
Eli was the consummate entrepreneur and brought a unique personality to the organization that we all aspire to emulate. He worked hard, seeking out opportunities to disrupt the industry, and drove those around him to do the same. He enjoyed the camaraderie of our community of competitive, high-performing firms committed to our clients. Eli was also fun-loving and lived life to its fullest, as evidenced by his legendary parties where costumes were a common requirement.
As an M Founder, Eli created a path for growth and success that most within the M Community could only imagine. He believed in his vision of what was possible – even against formidable headwinds – and loved working with others to overcome obstacles to make the vision a reality. No challenge was too large for Eli.
We will share details regarding a Grand Celebration of Life once Eli’s family finalizes arrangements. We will also provide additional information about Eli’s significance to the M Community over the coming weeks. With this difficult loss, please join us in extending our heartfelt thoughts to Jill, the Morgan family, and Eli’s many friends and colleagues, all of whom will miss him dearly. Take a moment today to pause and recognize that Eli has touched all of us indelibly, and for the better.
