Michael Philip Mennella
Field Director
Region: Eastern

A Rewarding Career Choice
Before becoming a Financial Representative, I was a college student. I appreciate that I've been able to represent the best company and enrich lives of others all at the same time.

Although the career is rewarding, it can be challenging, too, like when you have to pick yourself up when you fall down. Getting back up and fighting is what separates the winners from the losers. That goes for anything in life if you really think about it.

Early in the career, the greatest challenge is finding new clients to meet with you. All of your friends aren't thinking about insurance, they're concerned about getting home from the bar!

What I've Learned About Myself
So far, I've learned I have the ability to be the best producer in the country. That's not because I'm necessarily the best sales person. Rather, I truly care about the people I'm in front of, and that separates me from my competitors.

I have numerous letters from clients who say that they sleep better at night knowing that I am helping them with their insurance and investments.

Notable Milestones
I am proud to say that I have achieved a lot in my five years with the Network. I was top ten in my respective category for my first three years and last year qualified as a member of the Million Dollar Round Table. I am also a member of the management team and may soon become a Managing Director.

Some Career Advice
I came here straight out of college against my parents wishes. They felt that I was wasting my two degrees that I had earned, and should take a salary job and work my way up the corporate ladder.

I decided one thing that I recommend any young person consider strongly: The salary job will always be there!! Nobody can take your degrees from you. If this career doesn't work out after six or eight months you can also go out and get that salary job. Right now is the time to take a chance.

Give it a chance. If not now then when? Do you want to be 60 years old and look back at your life and say, "I wonder if I could have made it? I wonder if I could have been great?"

I didn't, and that's why I do what I do.

The Northwestern Mutual Difference
For the client, we can offer world class insurance products that no one else can access. For ourselves, we can sleep easy at night knowing that there will never be a day that we have to apologize to a client for selling them a poor quality product.

Outside of Work
I enjoy playing golf as well as doing charity work for a few children's organizations. Giving back to the community makes me feel great inside

Michael Mennella has been a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 2000. Visit his website to learn more about him, or call Michael at 516-465-9500, extension 113.