Robert T Billingsley, J.D.
Financial Representative
Region: Southern

A Career Choice That Pays Off 
Immediately after law school, I clerked for a Federal District Judge and then practiced law for 15 years in the corporate litigation sections of two large Richmond, VA, law firms. 

I became increasingly dissatisfied with this career path because I had very little control of my time, and I got very little sense of fulfillment.  

Eventually, I was attracted to the financial services profession because it offered a greater sense of fulfillment and it allowed me to have greater control of my time -- to spend with my family and in furtherance of community and church activities.

Worthy Rewards 
The greatest reward of being a Financial Representative is to know you are making a difference in the lives of those you serve. I can honestly say -- without hesitation -- that I had a much greater impact on the lives of others in my first year with Northwestern Mutual than I had in 15 years of practicing law.

Overcoming the Challenges
The greatest challenge of being a Financial Representative is to overcome one's own personal limitations -- real or imagined -- and to develop the knowledge, courage and self-confidence to approach others with what we have to offer.  
 
My biggest challenges have involved working as the sole Financial Representative in a detached office located one hour away from the network office.  
 
But I have learned that I am passionate and truly love what I do as a Financial Representative and that I am very fortunate to be representing one of the finest in the financial services industry at a time when the need for what we do is so great.

Notable Milestones
I obtained both the Pacesetter First 40 and Second 60 awards in my first year in the business and I finished Top 50 in Silver, Gold and Platinum awards in my second, third and fourth years, respectively. I look forward to reaching Forum.
 
Sound Career Advice
While this career is not for everyone, I can imagine no career that offers greater financial and emotional rewards for someone who is willing to work hard and who genuinely enjoys working with and helping others.
 
If one believes -- as we do -- that risk management provides the foundation for financial security, then what greater asset can one have than to represent and to be able to offer the products from one of the most admired company in the insurance industry? 

Outside of Work
I am active and recently served a year as president of my Rotary Club. For a number of years, my wife and I have led the confirmation program at our church and, together, we currently are serving as co-chairs of our church's capital funds campaign.

Robert Billingsley has been a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 2001. Visit his website to learn more about him, or call Rob at 540-370-1886.