Michael Paul Torchia
Financal Representative/Recruiter
Region: Eastern

A Rewarding Choice
I joined the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network just out of college. It seemed to be, out of all the opportunities I had seen, the most unique and the most challenging.

On a daily basis, I appreciate the independence and self-direction offered by the career. The greatest reward is that I am able to design my own future instead of being pigeonholed into a rigid pattern of promotion corporate ladder-climbing.

The greatest challenge that I have experienced is learning how to organize a practice and build my business. There is an unbelievable amount of information out there to learn and to organize.

My initial greatest challenge was understanding my role as a Financial Representative and what that meant as far as my relationships with clients, with Northwestern Mutual, and with other parts of the network.

I have learned where my weaknesses are both personally and professionally. I have learned how to push myself and to get out of my comfort zone.

Making a Difference
I have had many prospects and clients say to me that their eyes have been opened to financial reality. It is very rewarding when someone looks at you and tells you that they are going to make serious changes in their life because of a conversation that you had with them.

Career Aspirations
I look forward to moving into new markets and expanding into group benefits and doing more work with business retirement plans. Getting through my first year was a huge milestone. It's great to be at a point where you finally see that you're not only going to make it in the business, but you could be extremely successful.

Career Advice
Spend as much time as possible around senior and veteran representatives. There is so much to learn that is unwritten and can only be studied through joint work and conversations with people who have a long track record of success in the business.

Our company is differentiated because Northwestern Mutual really cares. The number one factor in choosing a career for me was integrity of the company. I have heard countless stories of how Northwestern Mutual has done the right thing in situations where they could have easily taken the easy way out.

Their response to September 11, 2001 is a prime example. In addition, many of the everyday decisions made always seem to keep close watch on what is in the client's best interest. With Northwestern Mutual, it's not just about being compliant; it's about doing what's right.

Once you see what it's like to run your own business with the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, you will never want to go back to the 9 to 5 grind. Just keep focused and never look back.

Outside of Work
I study martial arts, play guitar, read and study music. I am starting to become more involved in church activities as well.

Paul Torchia has been a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 2004. Visit his website to learn more about him, or call Paul at 717-397-8284.