Professional

February 1998:

National Boat Mart

I answered a classified ad stating if you like boats this is the job for you. It should have said if you like boats don't apply here because your entire summer will be consumed selling boats. However, I learned 3 important lessons. First, there were no benefits, (401(k), health insurance, disability insurance) I've always been on the paranoid side of money, meaning I was not out to get rich, but I always wanted to be able to pay bills etc., so I called a friend of mine working in the financial services field. He advised me on everything from health insurance to various ways to save and invest my income. By the time I was 24 I was saving approximately 25% of what I made. The second lesson learned was I could talk and listen to people. I could find out what they were looking for and make good recommendations on what they should consider buying. The third thing was, selling boats in Indiana is not a good way to make a living.

September 1998:

Omnipoint Communications

I spent 2 years selling mobile phones to business owners. I was the top salesman in the Midwest and had a lot of fun. Continued saving 25% of what I made.

March 2000

Gabriel Communications

Spent another 2 years in the telecommunications business. Again was the top sales person in Indiana. Continued to save 25% of my income. Felt unfulfilled and knew I needed a change. My father is a firefighter and my mom is a second grade teacher. I came from a back ground of helping people and I wanted to do the same. It's hard to feel that way when you are selling phone service and internet access. I decided my passion for being responsible with my own income may be a good thing for me to share with others. I spent a year interviewing financial services companies before deciding where to go.

June 2002

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

I joined the network after interviewing 7 other companies. My criteria was that the institution had been long established (This is the 150 year anniversary of Northwestern Mutual Life); I was my own boss (Northwestern provides training, guidance, education, and compliance/best practices but they don't tell you what to do; one's success or failure is derived from their own efforts) and I never wanted to interview again so if I was unhappy with the company I had chosen I could take my client's with me and go into private practice. Since I started I have routinely led my peer group in new client production. I have had my best year ever consistently for the last 3 years. Most importantly I feel good about the work I do for my clients. I truly can go home every day feeling that I have had a positive impact on the people I work with both professionally and personally.

Associations and Memberships

People's burn Foundation - Committee Member www.peoplesburnfoundation.org

Years of Experience

I have been a Financial Representative since 2002.

Education