Louis S Cannataro, CLU, ChFC
Financial Representative
Region: Eastern

I was a manager at ABC TV. I started there as a Page when I was a senior in high school and moved up the ranks over a 10 year period.

 

While I was working, ABC paid for my MBA in finance. I took a six-month leave after graduation. I knew I was not coming back but where I was going was up in the air.

 

My wife, Colette, worked then, and we had our first child. I took this opportunity to care for Louis and research my next career move. This was an intimidating (potentially stupid one would even say), but I knew the corporate world was not for me.

 

I wanted to run my own business, be financially successful, and did not want to follow a conventional corporate career path.

 

I found Northwestern Mutual Financial Network through one of their loyal clients. I was told if you want to build your business in this field, the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network is the place you want to be. After more research and the influence of my first managing partner, I was sold.

 

I find the greatest reward in this career is the unbelievable amount of freedom and control of your time. Time is our biggest asset. To be in complete control of when and how you work is rare.

 

The enormous challenge is always staying focused on building your business. In the beginning of the career you must have patience. When you first start, you want success right away. The business does not work in that fashion.

 

You must put in years of hard work and dedication. You must be active every day and ignore the naysayer, and sometimes your own self doubts. Accept the advice of those who have been successful in your field, work hard and never look back.

 

Along the way, I have learned that I can be very focused. I can absorb knowledge when I know it is going to help my clients and ultimately my practice. I also have a very strong work ethic that propelled me through the challenging early years and continues the growth of my practice now.

 

 

Clients have called to say thanks for helping them focus on creating wealth. I have been told, "as we look back, your focus on our finances has enabled us to form great financial habits and positioned us well for the future." There may be a few events that really strike at your heart during your career, but I am learning, the small off the cuff comments your clients give you on a daily basis really fuels your fire to help them. The more years you have been working with a client, you begin to realize the impact you have made in their lives.

 

I just keep looking forward. I keep trying to learn and become more resourceful. I look to bring more quality people into my practice who expect quality service and advice.

 

If you become a financial advisor, be prepared to work hard. Be scared, because it is not going to be easy. Be patient, because it will take time. Be diligent in helping your clients and ultimately, you can be successful.

 

The network is differentiated from the others in the financial service business because our focus is building and nurturing long-term relationships that greatly benefit our clients. We are good at what we do and take enormous pride in our work.

 

If I am not working, I am trying to help my wife, Colette, raise our five children. Without the support of Colette, I would have never been able to successfully build my practice. It was very hard in the beginning. The stories that she can tell of the early years!!! Even today, I think running my practice is nothing compared to what she has done with our children and our home.

 

Louis Cannataro is a Wealth Management Advisor, and has been with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 1991. Visit his web site to learn more about him or call Lou at 646-366-6571.