Carol Knapp, CLU, ChFC
Financial Representative
Region: Southern

I became a Network representative after spending 17 years in the very first career I had out of college -- a career I did not really enjoy nor did I find rewarding.

 

The greatest reward of being a financial representative has been the ability to help people address their long-term needs and help them solve their problems. I love meeting new people and learning about their businesses, and I have acquired many new friends through my work.

 

After two decades of doing this, the only challenge at this point is staying healthy. There just aren't many surprises anymore.

 

The first few years were the most difficult because cash flow was an issue in my personal life, and also because I had to learn to be a business owner and not just an insurance sales agent.

 

I found out that I am much stronger than I thought -- in persistency, organization, determination and my own financial security.

 

My very first disability insurance claim occurred when a client applied for a life insurance policy and a disability insurance policy, wrote one month's premium check and then became totally disabled while the case was still in underwriting. The reward? They were covered!

 

I just passed my twenty year mark. Amazing!

 

Anyone thinking of making any career change should interview a large volume of people who are already in the business, as well as some who maybe tried that career and then subsequently decided it wasn't a good match.

 

The Network financial representatives talk to people and find out what their long-term needs and goals are, what they want to address and then the Network financial representative works with them to determine how to meet those needs and goals. It's not just about selling products.

 

I spend a great deal of time with Kiwanis, an international service organization. I have been an active Kiwanian since 1993.

 

Carol Knapp has been a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 1986. Visit her website for more information or give her a call at 561-630-7791 or toll-free at 877-785-6277.