 | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||
 | | |||||||||||||||
 | Eric Aslakson, CLU
Eric Aslakson was drawn to sales because of his ability to connect with people, which he employs in building trusting client relationships. “I like all my clients and all of my clients like me,” says Eric, whose list includes physicians, business owners, and corporate executives. “It’s fun because my job is to help my friends every day.” A generalist by nature, he sees himself as a personal financial professional: “I’m like a physician in general practice. If you need a heart surgeon I can get you one, but I’ll handle most of the everyday stuff.” Eric attributes his success to lots of help from lots of people. “The cool thing about Northwestern Mutual is that the successful people don’t hide their secrets,” he explains. “They’re willing to share and help you become successful.” In Eric’s first year as a Financial Representative, Managing Partner Michael Tews offered him the position of College Unit Director, which allowed him to experience both the management and sales sides of the business. “Mike told me early on to open as many doors as possible, and that if I did well, an opportunity would come.” Eric is enthused about his choice to pursue management. “Right now I’m having more fun in my career than I’ve ever had in my life. It’s a blast.” Although it’s early in his career, Eric doesn’t ever plan on retiring. “One of the benefits of being in this business long term is that you control how much time you want to work,” he explains, “so I don’t think I’ll ever retire -- I’ll just slow down.” Most of his free time is spent with his wife and fellow Wisconsin native, Jessica. While at University of Nebraska-Lincoln Eric bowled on scholarship, and he enjoys bowling in the winter. Eric’s advice to new Financial Representatives: “The first year is a ton of work. Trust the systems that Northwestern Mutual has in place and you will have more success then you ever imagined. Do as much joint work as you can, and learn what the best representatives do so that you can get a feel of what it takes to be successful. This is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. The people that are best rewarded are the people that have been doing it right for a long time.”Darrin Brumbaugh, CLU, ChFC
Darrin Brumbaugh studied in college to become a teacher and coach in secondary education, but after two years he chose a different path to become a Financial Representative. Although no longer in education, he still uses his teaching and coaching skills. “I help clients make educated decisions for their future,” he explains. Now a Field Director as well as a Financial Representative, Darrin has the authority to contract full-time, part-time, and college agents. He sees his success as a blessing from God, saying, “I know that I couldn’t do anything without His help.” Darrin also credits Managing Partner Michael Tews for his one-on-one coaching and their joint work: “In the beginning Mike was my Managing Director and my primary mentor, and I’m grateful for the investment he made in me.” Darrin further attributes his success to a strong work ethic and being blessed with the ability to gain the trust of others. At a young age he found a talent for connecting with and learning from his elders – a favor he now repays by helping clients, the majority of whom are established professionals. Darrin finds the most rewarding aspect of his career to be the positive impact that his work has on clients and their families, and that success provides, “the independence and freedom to step away from work and have a positive impact on family and friends.” In his free time Darrin enjoys spending time with his wife Terri and their family and friends. He also enjoys quiet time reading the Bible and praying, and has learned how to build client relationships while enjoying his number one hobby: bass fishing. Darrin stays active in professional and community pursuits including Physicians/Professionals Nationwide (member), National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (member), Home Builders adult group study (facilitator), and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (hometown sponsor). Darrin’s advice to new Financial Representatives: “Be willing to work hard, spend the time, learn from others, and work with others jointly. Don’t reinvent the wheel: Do it the Northwestern way. Also, maintain balance with your professional and personal life.” John T Clark John Clark began his career as an actuary but eventually realized there was something missing. He began to search for an organization with a network of specialists and a culture that would allow him to build his business based on integrity and a desire to cultivate enduring relationships. He found that one company matched his requirements – Northwestern Mutual. Since beginning with the Network, John has studied to earn professional distinctions that include Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU). He shares his passion for life-long learning with each of his clients by educating them about the financial products designed to help achieve their goals. David L Darlington, CLU, MBA, ChFC, CFP® David Darlington joined Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in 1996 after serving six years in the U.S. Army and three years in the U.S. Army Reserves. His educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Nebraska Wesleyan University and an MBA in Operations Management from Regis University. In 2003 David furthered his education by achieving the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation. He has been a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and the Million Dollar Round Table (2002-2003, 2006-2008), and has received the National Quality Award every year since 2000 (2000-2007). David’s community involvement includes serving as Chairman of the Board for Campus Life, sitting on the Board for People’s City Mission, and being an active member of the First Evangelical Free Church. Joe Dierks
When Joe Dierks was a college senior, a guest speaker in his marketing class gave a presentation about how to conduct an effective career search. That speaker was Eric Aslakson, who then was College Unit Director for the Lincoln District Network office of the Network, and Joe approached him about internship opportunities. After a successful internship, Joe elected to go full time and continue building his business. Joe specializes in helping young professionals and business owners -- two groups with which he is very familiar. “Business owners face a lot of the same issues that I do,” explains Joe, “so it’s easy to talk to them because I understand what they’re going through.” Joe cites three characteristics that drive him: integrity, which he honors by following through on promises; faith in his abilities, in the company, and in doing the right thing; and a sense of purpose. “I always try to do what is best for the client first,” says Joe. “That’s my purpose.” These characteristics align with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network values and are part of the reason he has enjoyed more success with this company than any other. “They’ve designed a career that fosters personal and professional growth,” he explains. “Instead of it being about how many products I sell, it’s geared around helping me develop and achieve, and through my success the company is successful.” Joe’s advice to new Financial Representatives: “Don’t be afraid to work hard, and remember that challenging people is a form of caring. So when you join the business, set your goals, work hard on them, and never look back.” Michael Headlee For more than 20 years Michael Headlee has been recognized throughout Northwestern Mutual Financial Network for the impact he has had on clients. Among his numerous company distinctions are Master Achievement Awards in 2002 and 2003. As a member of the financial services industry, Mike has achieved Million Dollar Round Table membership 19 times since 1986. He attributes his considerable success to hard work and dedication at the beginning of his career. Michael Hoelscher
Mike Hoelscher enjoyed his career as a commodities broker. He worked hard to establish a base of clients and managed to open his own branch in Gretna for Ag West Commodities. In the short future, being a commodities broker had more benefits than being a financial representative. But in the long term, Mike knew that joining the Network team would be more rewarding. Brian Vrana first approached Mike about becoming a financial representative. “I thought it was a better fit,” Mike explained. “I wasn’t sure if I wanted to trade futures for the rest of my life, so I seriously thought about it.” But it wasn’t easy convincing Mike to make the change. He worked hard as a commodities broker and established a large client base. Mike visited with Eric Aslakson and Mike Tews, who further convinced him that the long-term effects of being a financial representative would be more rewarding than being a commodities broker. “Mike (Tews) told me to think about 10 to 15 years down the road,” he said. “The market dictates your income as a commodities broker, and I didn’t want the stress of that for my entire life.” After thinking about the cons and pros of a career change, six weeks later Mike decided to become a financial representative. All of Mike’s work as a commodities broker was not for nothing. Mike is able to use that same client base, and it seems to be working to his advantage. “I am basically doing the same thing, just in different markets,” Mike said. “I am having good success with old clients because of my relationships with them.” Mike’s advice to a representative in their first year is to “have confidence that you can do it, and just stick with it. You are going to struggle, but you need to keep on going. Do the little things, because they make a big difference.” Eric Johnson
Eric Johnson needed a summer internship, so posted his resume online, after which he was promptly called by Julie Brown. After his first interview here, Eric still wasn’t sure if this business was for him. It was more like fate chose this career for him. Two things happened during Eric’s interview process that finally landed him with the Network: he didn’t get accepted into his first choice internship that summer, and his uncle died. Eric’s uncle owned a large cattle ranch, but the because of his young age and lack of financial preparedness, the family had several problems resolving the estate – problems that Eric realized could have been easily avoided with some foresight. He saw becoming a Northwestern Mutual Financial Network intern as his opportunity to help people like this. And that he’s done. At age 23, Eric is in business for himself and in charge of his destiny, as he likes to put it. "The more I do this, the more I enjoy it. It has become a perfect fit." Eric also enjoys golf, wakeboarding and making trips back home to Western Nebraska. Eric’s advice to new reps: "Be proactive. Know what you want and just make it happen. Don’t be afraid of what you think is unattainable." Jonathan Leymaster
Jonathan Leymaster comes to the Network from the United States Doping Agency in Colorado, where he helped oversee drug testing of US Olympic athletes. When it came time for a change, he knew he wanted financial services and did his research on the best companies in the industry, which brought him to Northwestern Mutual. He picked up the phone and called the listed recruiter, Nicole. "From that first conversation, I knew this is what I wanted, but I was still nervous for the interview!" The move back to Nebraska brought him closer to home and family. And the career move allows him to help other families everyday. Jonathan said, "I love helping people. That’s what this career is – and there’s no other company I’d want to represent." Jonathan attributes his fast start and success to his fellow leadership team members Joe Dierks, Paul Ludacka and Mike Tews. "The guys we have here to work with are great inspirations who have led by example, gone out of their way for me – personally and professionally. I want to be able to do the same things for the people I work with." Jonathan has two "best" pieces of advice for new representatives: "Be a sponge and listen; find mentors and learn as much as you can." He also stresses the importance of joint work – "Fifty percent of something is better than 100 percent of nothing!" Personally, he’s had some recent success, as well. He and his fiancé Krissy exchanged nuptials in December 2007. Paul Ludacka, CLU, ChFC
Financial preparation is simple, but it’s not easy. Most people know they should spend less and save more, that now’s a good time to review life insurance needs and think about their estate. Paul Ludacka has found that most people know what needs to be done, but they don’t always know who to talk to or how to go about it. “My objective is to help you accomplish your most important financial goals and objectives,” says Paul. “Understanding their needs and proposing solutions is the first step -- execution is the key.” Byron McFarland, CLU, ChFC
For Byron McFarland, it was just another day tending bar in Corvallis, Oregon. While pouring one of his regular customers a drink, he fielded a question that would change his life: “Have you ever thought about an internship in sales?” Byron had no professional sales experience, but he was willing to try it out. Over the next 20-plus years, Byron built the type of career that shows the wealth of opportunity available through Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. He attributes much of his success to persistence, creativity, and effort. “People tend to give up very frequently in this business. Persistence is what made it happen for me,” says Byron. His creativity helps him continually find new ways to provide more value than the competition, which strengthens his appeal to clients. Finally, making every effort to be successful is essential. According to Byron, “The people that stick around are the people who do everything they are told plus a little extra.” To Byron, two of the more appealing aspects of his career are flexibility and control. His flexible schedule helps him spend more time with wife Terri and children Alex and Katie, while also allowing him to be active in the community. He was the fundraising chairman of the University of Nebraska-Omaha Maverick Classic Golf Tournament, which raised more than $250,000 for scholarships. Byron also enjoys fly fishing, golfing, and motorcycling across the upper Midwest. Byron’s advice to new financial representatives: “Talk to other people that started a small business from scratch, and be conscious of the physical and emotional demands that are required. Try to do a little more than is asked of you by your prospects, clients, and supervisor." Sam Nigro Sam Nigro joined the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in 1996 as a college intern, which provided the experience and knowledge necessary to become a Financial Representative after graduating with a Business degree from University of Nebraska-Omaha. Because of his expertise with disability income insurance products, Sam is the Disability Insurance Specialist for the Network of Nebraska. Rob A Randels, MBA, ChFC, CLU, CFP®
Rob Randels recognized in college that his calling was in the financial services industry, and after school gained experience in a variety of roles for a large Omaha-based company. During his graduate studies Rob worked for a company owned by the Network Financial Representative Frank Ryan, where he continued to build his technical skills. After learning more about Northwestern Mutual Financial Network he decided to join the company. Since Rob began managing the investment program in 1995, it has grown by more than 31 percent annually. As the Senior Investment Specialist he assists more than 50 licensed security professionals across the state. In his personal practice he works primarily with business owners, professionals, and retirees. Investments make up approximately 80 percent of his business, with the remaining portion devoted to insurance and risk management products. Part of Rob’s formula for success is discovering future objectives that clients may not have anticipated. By having an independent practice, Rob considers the control he has over his own schedule to be invaluable. “I put in more hours than you would in a typical corporate environment, but it’s a lot easier putting in hours for yourself rather than for somebody else,” he says. Rob and wife Mary Jo have a young daughter, Samantha Jo, and they enjoy playing and reading with her. They also love spending time outdoors and golfing. Rob is very active in the community, serving on the University of Nebraska-Omaha Advisory Committee and the Boards of the Metropolitan Community College Foundation and Keep Omaha Beautiful. Rob also is Past President of both the Omaha chapter of Business Network International and the Fremont Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Scott A Royal In 1987 Scott Royal met with a Financial Representative to complete a Personal Needs Analysis, but before long he was interviewing the Representative about his work. Although Scott’s first year building his business was difficult, he persevered and consequently qualified for the elite Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Forum in 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2004. Steven W Ryan, CLU, ChFC Steven Ryan has more than 21 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industries, working closely with individual clients and business owners. As such he has a great deal of insight into structuring solutions to meet client estate needs and the value of a long-term care insurance strategy as preparation for the future. Steve knows firsthand why long-term care insurance is so critical to a family. He prides himself on listening to clients, identifying their concerns, and designing solutions geared toward their objectives. Steve is a member of the Million Dollar Round Table (1992, 1994, 1999-2000, 2004), a Past President of the local National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors chapter, and is active in the local district of Boys Scouts of America. Seth Tracy, CLU Soon after graduating from the University of South Dakota in 1997 with a Marketing degree, Seth Tracy moved to Omaha and began searching for a career, which led him to Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. Initially he was paired with an experienced, successful Financial Representative to learn about the company and its products. Since then Seth’s thirst for knowledge has only increased: He has earned the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation and currently is studying for others. Dave Snyder
Dave Snyder was attracted to the business because of his desire to become an entrepreneur, which he got from his salesman father. "I don’t like being told what to do; the flexibility is my favorite part of this career." When approached by a former Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Representative about being a college intern in Fremont, he was nervous. Then Rob Randels and Byron McFarland started coming down for training and mentor visits, which were instrumental in Dave’s decision to go full-time. "Byron scared me into personal accountability, really. But that face-to-face contact was so important, and I try to keep that up with the students whom I mentor." Something else he passes on to the interns is his advice on being coachable and willing to learn. He also encourages new reps to make a commitment for at least three years – as a minimum, then look around to assess after you’ve given it a solid shot. When asked about any remaining goals for his career, Dave said his aspiration is to achieve Forum Representative status for the added flexibility. "I consider this a lifelong career for myself, and the harder I work, the luckier I’ll get." When he’s not working, Dave and his wife Sally like to spend time with their families and in the great outdoors. Brian C Wickstrom, CLU, ChFC Brian Wickstrom’s first contract with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network was as a Financial Representative Intern in 1993 while attending University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Upon graduating with a Business degree, he was certain that he wanted to continue building relationships with his clients and help them achieve their goals through Northwestern Mutual Financial Network products and partners. Once Brian became a Financial Representative, he began to recruit and mentor other interns as a College Unit Director. Soon after he became a Field Director, volunteering his time, knowledge, and experience to new Financial Representatives. Brian continues to develop and expand his business by providing financial solutions to help clients protect and provide for those they care about most. Brian M Vrana
For most of his life Brian Vrana had his sights set on becoming a farmer. He decided to get a good education, and midway through college he thought about going to law school, “just in case farming didn’t work out.” It was not until senior year, however, when he was required to search for an internship that he seriously considered changing career paths. “I thought if I was going to do an internship it should be with a good company,” says Brian. He found Northwestern Mutual Financial Network and realized during his internship that he’d also found his career. There are many aspects of Brian’s past that make him a successful financial representative. “I’ve always been surrounded by good people, and I have never wanted to let them down,” says Brian. Growing up on a farm taught him a few principles that help him run his business. “My dad was always in control of his schedule,” he explains, “but he knew that it would be bad if he left at certain times,” which helped Brian learn the importance of prioritizing. Working on the farm also taught him that when he did work, he needed to work hard. The element of his career that excites Brian the most is meeting new people every day. “My wife thinks I’m crazy because every Sunday night I can’t wait to go to work on Monday morning,” he admits. Another dynamic he enjoys is the control he has over his business. “I can take off when I want, and I can make as much money as I want,” he says. Despite this freedom, Brian’s goal is to be as busy as possible. “The days that I don’t have a lot going on are the days that I don’t feel like I’m really doing my job.” Brian’s advice to new financial representatives: “The best advice is from a golfer named Gary Player, who said, ‘The harder I work, the luckier I get,’ and that’s really what it boils down to in your first year. If you work hard and do the things you’re told to do, you will be successful. There’s no question about it.” Tim Harrison, CLU, ChFC, CFP®
Throughout his life Tim Harrison has used self-discipline to succeed. As a Financial Representative intern in college, he was consistently ranked in the nation’s top ten. During his senior year he passed the CPA exam, and he graduated Cum Laude. Tim credits much of his success to the work ethic passed down by his family. His father, Lou Harrison, has more than 36 years of experience in the investment and insurance business and was hired by Tim as an Associate Representative. Tim’s client base primarily includes senior decision-makers in large companies, members of foundation boards, and members of corporate boards of directors. A large part of his practice is pension plans for large corporations. In the midst of his career Tim spent three years wintering in Los Angeles and Miami. “My decision was based on a combination of a change in lifestyle and good client references,” he explains. “It is possible to work in any network office you want.” Now that Tim has built a successful business, he also has the freedom to choose when he works. His career is a shining example of the flexibility available through Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. Tim spends his time away from the office traveling with wife Traci and engaging in various water sports. He also contributes to the community via many associations and committees including the Board of Governors for the Omaha Symphony and the Kettle Club Cabinet for the Salvation Army. Tim’s advice to new financial representatives: “Really it all comes down to self-discipline and being able to work hard.” Dan Ferguson College Unit Director (402) 483-7871
It was fate that brought Dan Ferguson to Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. Long before Dan was ready to start his career, the Network found him. While Dan was attending college at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, he waited tables at Whiskey Creek. About two months after working for Whiskey Creek, a Northwestern Mutual Financial Network associate from California stopped in to eat. Dan waited on her table, and before she left, she gave Dan her card and told him that when he was getting ready to graduate from college, he should look into working for the Network. Dan didn’t consider it seriously at the time, since he was just a freshman in college, but he did tuck her card into his wallet. In the spring of 2004, financial representative Stephanie Richter visited with one of Dan’s college classes about an internship at Northwestern Mutual. Dan knew then that this was the same company that the California associate worked for three years earlier and Dan decided, too, that he wanted to start his career with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. After he started working, he called the Network associate in California to let her know that he had started working for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. Dan said she even remembered his name and told him that she knew one day he would be calling her to let her know that he was working for the Network. Dan contributes his success thus far to consistent activity. While interning for Northwestern Mutual, he was ranked the 17th intern in the nation for the summer contest. The biggest obstacle that Dan has overcome is the stereotyping in age. Dan said that some people think younger representatives are not as qualified as older financial representatives and that issue sometimes can lead to clients second-guessing his qualifications. Dan has learned to overcome that stereotyping by doing a lot of joint work with some of the veteran representatives. He said that representative David Darlington has been one of Dan’s many mentors who have really helped him by attending appointments with Dan. The biggest asset that David has taught Dan is how to be patient. In the financial industry, things take time and don’t always come in when the rep would like. Despite the slowness of the business sometimes, Dan’s goal for 2006 is to write 100 lives from January 2006 to January 2007. Dan’s advice for a financial representative in his first year is (1) Learn patience; 2) Always be the first to arrive at the office; 3) Learn to discipline yourself; 4) Have as many closes as opens; 5) Accomplish a consistent amount of phoning each day; and 6) Do a lot of joint work with veteran representatives. “I’d rather have 50 percent of something than 100 percent of nothing,” Dan said. Kyle Fuchtman
Kyle Fuchtman wanted to be his own boss and entrepreneur. He learned that from his father, who owns a construction company in Creighton. Kyle could have stayed in Creighton to take over the family business, but instead he listened to the advice of his parents, who said to go to college and get yourself a good career. And that is exactly what Kyle did. Kyle was introduced to Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in January of 2005. During a college fair at Midland Lutheran College, a friend of Kyle’s visited with Nicole Grimes about possibly being a financial representative. Nicole didn’t think Kyle’s friend was a fit for the business, but luckily he gave Kyle’s name to Nicole as a possible good fit with the Network. Kyle interviewed in January of 2005. Kyle remembers clearly his first time walking through the local office's doors, because his last name was spelled incorrectly. Despite his last name being misspelled, Kyle knew that he wanted to be a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network after he interviewed with Nicole and Mike Tews. Kyle said being a financial representative has been difficult in the short term, but he knows that it will pay off in the long term. “Sometimes it’s hard to get stuff going,” Kyle said. “And it’s difficult learning all the products and services the Network offers. There is always something to learn.” Kyle learned from his father that in order to be successful you have to work hard, especially if you want to be your own boss. So despite how difficult being a financial representative may be at times, Kyle continues to build his base. Kyle said that everyone has been helpful. “Doing joint work with many different representatives helps a lot,” he said. Kyle explained that he has learned the most through other representatives. Kyle’s future goal is to open up his own office in Norfolk. “I think there is a large field of opportunity in that area,” he said. “If you do the right thing for people, it will come back to reward you in the end.” Kyle is satisfied with working for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. “There are a lot of people who need help, and the Network has great representatives.” Kyle’s advice to a representative in his first year is to go on as many meetings as early as possible. “Experience equals knowledge in this business.”
|  |  | | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
 | | |||||||||||||||
 | | |||||||||||||||
 |  | | ||||||||||||||
 | | |||||||||||||||
 |  | | ||||||||||||||
 | | |||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||
){kind=small}
