Candace graduated from Berkeley Business School for Fashion Marketing and Management. During that time she worked in a retail clothing store as a cashier/sales person, and upon graduation, was promoted to Store Manager. She relocated to Pennsylvania, where she assisted in the store’s opening, and maintain store operations for about a year. When I was looking for a change and a way to return to New Jersey, I went back to the school’s placement office, and was sent on an interview with an insurance company on a whim in June 1981. The rest is history. Candace started with a small firm where she was responsible for all areas of a Financial Professional’s business (new business, commissions, licensing, illustrations, customer service) and after few companies, joined the Penn Mutual team in July 2010. Candace has been working with Concord Wealth Management as their Office Manager since September 2020.

Candace’s main focus is the contracting and licensing for Penn Mutual and HTK of new financial professionals, and once contracted, assist them in the appointment and registration process for submitting business, keep them current on license renewals and compliance requirements, assist with commission questions, and available as a resource when not sure where to find information.

Besides being in the insurance industry, Candace has also completed her training and certification as a Certified Natural Health Profession (CNHP) and Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.). She enjoy educating and helping people invest in their health by utilizing energetic programs and quality products.

Candace resides in Hopatcong, New Jersey with her husband Martin Straka, and their two cats, Rascal and Einstein. Candace loves the summer and warm weather. She enjoys boating, vacationing (especially in Aruba), spending time with family and friends, and supporting our lake community.