Scott B Dow, CLU, ChFC
Financial Representative
Region: Eastern

A Rewarding Career Choice 
I started with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network right out of college after graduating from Colby College in May of 1983.  

After riding across the country on a bicycle to raise money for the National Leukemia Society, I decided to look for a career. I had decided to turn down an offer to attend law school but wanted a career, like law, in which I became more valuable to clients the longer I was in it.

The greatest reward for me is the ability to make a difference in the lives of my clients and the ability to make the career fit my life.  

In my daily routine, I see many people who are in careers that dictate the terms of their life. I like the ability to schedule my time with my children and the ability to be there for them.  
 
Overcoming the Challenges
The greatest challenge in this career is the first three years. Getting started and developing the market I wanted to work in is a lot of hard work. I began in Connecticut and then relocated to Maine, with a brief tour in the home office.  

In spite of knowing how hard it would be to start in a new area, I did it a second time. If I had not done it the first time, I don't know if I would have had the courage to do it a second time with a new daughter, a house in another state and a spouse who wanted to stay home with our new child.  

As it turns out, it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Self Reflection
Since I began my career with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, I've learned there is no place to hide. If you work and excel, you do well. If you do not, you will fail. I learned that I like the direct correlation of work to results.

A Time I Made a Difference 
One of the simple examples is that I have the opportunity to work with people and help them live a life by design, instead of by default.  

One of the things I focus on is the client's long-term goals. After the market correction of 1987, I had a client who called up and initially wanted to sell all of his positions.  

After reviewing his goals, the market and where he was in his life, he elected to continue on the course we had mapped out originally. 

Today, because he did not panic, he has a healthy portfolio that will let him retire.  Had he not focused on the end goal, he would have overreacted and not been able to retire.
 
Looking Forward
My next milestone will be when my oldest daughter goes to middle school. In two years, she will attend 9th grade.  At that time, I will be able to let her know that her college of choice is a possibility.
 
Solid Career Advice
If you're considering this as a career, explore it to see if the career will provide you the tools to live a life that is consistent with your dreams. If it is, map out a plan of action and don't let others stand in the way of your achieving it.

If it is right for you, don't wait.  Find a good mentor and get to work.

The Northwestern Mutual Difference
In my experience, the Network has been a very consistent company in that it focuses on the needs of its clients. Even when it has not always been in my personal best interests, I can count on Northwestern Mutual to do the right thing.  

I think people take that kind of commitment much too lightly. To have a company that will focus on treating the client right lets me sleep well at night.  

I have had clients who are not so fortunate. After seeing one who had to uproot his family, change employers and locations, I really appreciate the long-term focus the Network has.
  
Outside of Work
I spend most of my time with my family. The activities outside of the office reflect those values I wish to share with my family. We are active in our church and in a preservation group. In the past I have been on the local library board and the board for Big Brothers-Big Sisters.

Scott Dow has been a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 1984. Visit his website to learn more about him, or call Scott at 207-773-5661, extension 3403.