Michael J Edwards, MSFS
Financial Representative
Region: Central

A Rewarding Career Choice
Before becoming a Financial Representative, I fulfilled my US Coast Guard service of five years and decided to get out of government and run my own business. I was tired of moving and liked the idea of being in control.

The greatest reward is and has been control of my destiny. In the course of over 30 years of interviewing clients and prospects, I'm always thankful for my choice.

I continue to appreciate the freedom to set my own appointments around family schedules (I have five children and I was always at their events).

I also enjoy the feeling that I get from helping a client through a financial problem or realizing their financial growth progress. I enjoy being paid a fair amount for my efforts.

Finally, I enjoy the clients I have met and work with.

Overcoming the Challenges
The career has its challenges, too, such as keeping on task and not getting distracted from what must be done each day. It's so easy to start doing something unimportant or "urgent" that ends up wasting good business time.

Early on, it was especially challenging to live within a tight budget, prioritize my day's duties, develop a support/mentoring group and use it, and recognize and believe how valuable we are when we don't abandon our clients.

What I've Learned
I've learned that I cannot work for someone else. I really appreciate honesty and have been grateful that Northwestern Mutual has not strayed from the mutuality concepts which so many businesses (not just insurance companies) have done through their mergers, acquisitions, down sizing, reinventing, etc.

A Time I Made a Difference
A client started a policy on their daughter at age 12. I learned that she was experiencing the first signs of MS at age 32, and by age 33, Northwestern Mutual had determined she was disabled by the contract definition. Her age 34 and her age 37 benefits were picked up with Northwestern Mutual covering the premiums as well as waiving the other plans in force before age 33. This has made a difference in her life.

Career Milestones
I'm looking forward to writing 4,000 lives. I'm happy to have over 3,700 lives written already. I've enjoyed Million Dollar Round Table status for 30 of my 32 years.

Some Career Advice
I learned how to be a good planner and improved my listening skills. I still have far to go on the listening but I keep at it.

If you're considering this as a career, I advise a few things:

* Get a good mentoring group in place.
* Establish a budget and accept it.
* Be sure you don't mind working because you can't hide behind anyone or any department. You only get paid if you show up and work.
* Find out if your spouse is rooting for you and knows that starting a business takes three years of start up.

The Northwestern Mutual Difference
Our company is differentiated by its continuity, longevity, and excellent  products and solutions available with continuous refining where possible.

Outside of Work
I enjoy spending time with family events. I'm also involved with Kiwanis in Columbus, St. Vincent Family Centers, St. Agatha Church, and Catholic Men's Luncheon Group. I enjoy Red Sox baseball and Maine vacations.

Michael Edwards has been a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 1973. Visit his website to learn more about him, or call Mike at 614-221-5287, extension 3229.