Freedom . . . Success . . . Financial Independence Since 1857, Northwestern Mutual has been helping people protect against financial risk and achieve financial security. The Effner Financial Group has been in existence since September of 2001, and is proud to serve the western suburbs of Chicago and the Chicagoland area.
The Effner Financial Group Network Office is one of the largest Northwestern Mutual offices in the country, and is proud to serve the Chicagoland area. With 106 representatives, The Effner Financial Group is a strong, growing business as evidenced by its most recent financial highlights.
James R. Effner, Jr., CLU, Managing Partner
The ambition of Managing Partner, Jim Effner is to make a positive impact on all associates and their clientele by creating an environment of desire, confidence, consistency, and positive results. Education, motivation, and empowerment are the tools by which this office enables its associates to envision and fulfill a successful future to better serve its clients.
The mission of Jim Effner and the Effner Financial Group is to provide its clients with expert guidance and innovative solutions that are right for each client. Whether focused on personal finances, business needs or both, they help clients understand their financial goals and ensure they are providing them with the right guidance and products to meet their needs.
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network brings together the skills of representatives, the expertise of advisors and the technical know-how of a number of financial specialists to provide solutions for clients' financial goals and help you gain access to the products and services of a wide variety of organizations—each of which has a comprehensive understanding of a specific aspect of financial services.
And through The Network and The Effner Financial Group, here are just a few of the products and services available to your clients:
Our Expertise
Just as your clients trust and rely on you to provide needs analysis and innovative solutions, you can trust and rely on Jim Effner, The Effner Financial Group and the Network to provide sound products and services for your clients.
You might conclude that no one person can be an expert in all financial matters. We agree. That's why we provide you and your clients with access to a nationwide network of representatives, advisors and specialists who will work with you to provide a full range of services.
At The Effner Financial Group, our expertise includes:
Personal Needs Analysis
Disability Income Insurance
Business Needs Analysis
Investment Services
Long-Term Care
Employee and Executive Benefits
Estate Analysis
Advanced Planning
Community Commitment
Sponsorship for the Easter Seals DuPage and the DuPage Children's Museum are just two of the community service activities Jim and his team support.
Diversity
At The Effner Financial Group, we are committed to reflecting our community and seek talented individuals who share our core values. As part of our overall growth strategy, we are committed to building and fostering a diverse organization of network representatives and specialists. We do so without regard to gender, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability or age.
We take pride in our unique strengths and the expertise we share with our clients. Our entire community can benefit from our expertise and can be rewarded with the advantages of the careers we offer. We will continue to be committed to reaching all segments of our community in which we live and conduct business.
Meet Managing Partner, James R. Effner, Jr., CLU
A finance graduate from Indiana's Valparaiso University, Effner signed his first Northwestern Mutual contract as a special agent straight out of college in 1989. He recalled, "I chose a career with Northwestern Mutual because it was the first opportunity I saw that put a direct link between where I was and where my dreams were. Every job prospect with other employers was a stepping stone to other jobs on the way to where I wanted to be. But the Northwestern Mutual career choice was one where I could achieve my goals within one family, and one culture, over the course of my whole career."
A family-type culture is something Effner emphasizes within his network office.
"Because it is too big a job for me to do it on my own," he explained, "my task as managing partner is to develop a leadership atmosphere that works so well that, when I'm not here, the management team can grow the business as well as I can. We lead together."
Those who work in Effner's network office don't have to look far for a role model when it comes to production. A Million Dollar Roundtable qualifier every year he's been in the business, Effner has also made Recognition Dinner/Forum three times, and he was the youngest person to make it the first two of those times. He was also awarded the New Agent Bronze (1990), Silver (1991) and Gold (1992)awards.
In addition, Effner has frequently qualified for the Star Club Diamond (1991 through 2000),Sapphire (1990) and Ruby (2001), as well as the 200 Lives Club (1998), 100 Lives Club (1992, 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1997) and 75 Lives Club (1991 and 1995). He was named a Pacemaker in eight out of the last 11 years, and he achieved his Best Year Ever in 1991, 1993, 1994 and 1995. He also received invitations to the Sales Leaders Lunch from 1990 through 2000 and he was in the Top 100 for both Volume and Lives in 1998.
Jim was appointed Managing Director in 1999 and appointed Managing Partner shortly thereafter in 2001.
Jim serves on the board of business administration at Valparaiso University as well as the board for Easter Seals DuPage. As an acknowledgement to Jim´s expertise as a Managing Partner, he was awarded the GAMA International 2004 Master Agency/Firm Award. He was also recognized by The Business Ledger as one of "Today´s Young Executives" in 2004.
Jim is also an active member of the Downers Grove Chamber of Commerce.
Jim resides in Aurora with his wife, Lynn, and three children, Brittany, Brianna and Bryce.
An Opportunity to Succeed
Successful financial representatives with The Effner Financial Group experience tremendous pride and satisfaction in building a practice from the ground up. Their success is not a factor of luck or chance; it's the result of a productive work ethic, strong relationship skills and a level of professionalism second to none. A mission of doing what's right for our clients is the thread that weaves together our organization.
The goal is not to simply sell products, but to discover clients' needs and help to meet them. That means taking the time to understand each person's financial situation, values and goals.
This career offers:
The ability to meet new people and positively impact families, businesses and communities as you help to achieve their goals and dreams
An entrepreneurial opportunity to own your own business
A high degree of support and training, plus ongoing curriculum for educational growth and personal development
The flexibility of a career that allows you to focus on things of importance to you
Earnings where you are directly rewarded for your efforts
A strong team culture and the opportunity to work with a variety of specialists and advisors
Exclusive access to a variety of world-class solutions and services, including life insurance from Northwestern Mutual
Leadership and development opportunities
Your Development
You'll have assistance in developing your business and marketing plans, extensive training and coaching from certified trainers.
New representatives receive initial industry and sales training as well as mentoring and joint work programs for hands-on experience. They have access to on-line education resources for polishing skills and keeping up to date on industry information as well as exposure to opportunities for ongoing career education and advanced professional designations to increase their knowledge and reputation.
Your Business
We know that building your own business is difficult without help. As a financial representative with The Effner Financial Group, you will be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. The Effner Financial Group will provide you with support in your training and development, so you don't have to do it alone.
We take pride in our unique strengths and the expertise we share with our clients. Our communities can benefit from our expertise and can be rewarded with the advantages of the careers offered through the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.
If you're ready to be your own boss, set your own hours and make a positive impact on people's lives everyday, then turn your dreams into reality and find out what a career as a Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Representative with The Effner Financial Group can do for you.
Discover your potential when you join our team. Recruiter, Shea Green looks forward to receiving your application.
The Benefits of Your Success
Your career as a financial representative is what you make of it. You have the freedom to balance your hard work and determination with your personal goals. In the beginning of your career, it takes a tremendous amount of time, energy and commitment to earn the flexibility and financial rewards you will enjoy later on. You can achieve financial independence and have a positive impact on your clients, your family and your own community.
Income
A financial representative's income potential is virtually unlimited. Earnings are directly related to sales results and client relationships. Financial representatives are compensated through commissions, renewals and bonuses.
Our top producer group, The Forum, had a median gross income of over $410,800 in 2004.
First-year, average gross income during 2002-2004 for financial representatives ranged from $38,900 to $83,900.
Benefit Package
Whether you are single or married with a family, Northwestern Mutual's benefit package will address the various stages of a full-time financial representative's life. These benefits include: Comprehensive Medical Coverage, Retirement, Flex Programs, Childcare/Eldercare, Maternity Leave, Group Life and Accidental Death Benefit, Disability Income Insurance. Your local network office can provide additional information.
Lifestyle
When you invest the time and hard work necessary to build a successful practice as a financial representative, you can enjoy the rare and envied reward of balancing work with your personal goals. You can arrange your schedule so you may have three or four appointments a day, and still have time to participate in your children's school programs, community involvement or leisure-time activities.
Build a business that allows you to schedule meetings to accommodate your clients' schedules and your own.
Impact
The goal of the Network is not to simply sell products, but to discover clients' needs and provide solutions to meet them. That means taking the time to understand each person's financial situation, values and goals. Every solution you implement may help secure the financial future of your clients, their families, their businesses and your community.
You can experience the rewards of a career in which you can have a daily, positive impact on people's lives, including your own.
Meet some of the members of our Team
Successful financial representatives with The Effner Financial Group experience tremendous pride and satisfaction in building a practice from the ground up. Their success is not a factor of luck or chance; it's the result of a productive work ethic, strong relationship skills and a level of professionalism second to none. A mission of doing what's right for our clients is the thread that weaves together our organization.
Career Opportunities
Through The Effner Financial Group, our financial representatives have advancement opportunities into management and specialist opportunities. Learn more about some of our team members:
Brian Petrando, Managing Director Brian Petrando serves as the Managing Director for one of the top 10 district network offices in the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network located in Aurora, Illinois. His team of 25 financial representatives works to build relationships and provide excellent service for their clients.
Michael E. Hodges, CSA, Long Term Care Specialist
A representative since 1996, Michael Hodges serves as the office's long term care specialist for the Effner Financial Group helping individual and corporate clients understand their long-term care needs and designs solutions tailored to their unique situation.
John Araujo, RHU, Employee Benefits Specialist John Araujo prepares a comprehensive analysis of a client's employee benefits program, and then designs a program to meet the unique needs of that company. Strategic Employee Benefit Services is a nationwide marketing program offered through Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Representatives.
David H. Johnson, III, CPA, CMA, Investment Specialist
As the Investment Specialist for The Effner Financial Group, David Johnson provides expertise in helping individual and business clients with their wealth accumulation and wealth preservation needs.
John Todd VanDerVoorn, Investment Specialist
As the Investment Specialist for The Effner Financial Group, Todd VanDerVoorn provides expertise in helping individual and business clients with their wealth accumulation and wealth preservation needs.
Career Insight Cadet Cottingham talks about his career as a financial representative:
A Worthy Career Shift
Before I became a Financial Representative, I was a high school math teacher and a tennis and basketball coach. I find the greatest reward in this career is helping people make sound financial decisions. The greatest challenge has to be the litigious society we live in.
What I’ve Learned
Along the way, I’ve learned that while the first few years are the hardest, I enjoy being self-employed. I’ve been with the Networ for 41 years.
Career Advice
Work hard, be honest, and live by the golden rule. It’s a good career for the right person. Our company is differentiated by offering the best life product. For example, the wife of a client with three kids died two days after we insured her, and Northwestern Mutual paid the claim.
Internships
Whether you know where your college education is taking you or you _ re still keeping your options open, you owe it to yourself to see if Northwestern Mutual Financial Network's Internship program with The Effner Financial Group is right for you.
As you learn by doing, you'll find that the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Internship Program is an intense and according to our alumni -- unparalleled learning experience. Expect the process to be rewarding, educational and an opportunity for you to narrow your career search.
Our internships provide a great chance for students to combine what they've learned in the classroom with a real-life look into what they could truly make of themselves. You'll have the chance to work in a real-world business environment and earn performance-based compensation.
The ambition of the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Internship program has been less to sell our financial products than to develop people. As a Financial Representative College Intern, you will enjoy the benefit of working with The Effner Financial Group where you'll receive outstanding guidance, superior support and quality expertise.
As full-time college students, interns generally work 15 to 20 hours per week developing business- and client-building skills. In most ways, our interns follow the same process for establishing their careers as our Financial Representatives.
Our internship offers you invaluable business experience that you will take with you far into your career. But that's just the start of the impact this can have on your future and your present.
Consider these benefits:
Practical guidance in your career selection process
The chance to develop your networking and business relationship skills
Flexible work schedule
Securities license, state licenses for life, health and accident insurance opportunities and a head start program for a career as a full-time Financial Representative
Compensation in the same manner as a full-time Financial Representative.
Actual business experience for your resume.
Test drive the Financial Representative career.
Regardless of what you do after graduation, you'll have a foundation of skills and knowledge to build your career upon. One out of three former interns becomes a full-time Financial Representative upon graduation. These graduates have built a solid foundation for immediate and future career success.
The two-thirds who choose other career paths benefit as well. They launch their career with stronger business-building skills and a clearer sense of where they want their career to take them.
After completing the internship, the knowledge you have gained, coupled with the opportunity to work for The Effner Financial Group as a full-time Financial Representative, can lead you to a profitable and fulfilling future.
The Northwestern Mutual Advantage
Northwestern Mutual exists to help policyowners and clients protect against financial risk and achieve financial security. The company, with its subsidiaries and affiliates, offers insurance products, investment products and advisory services that address client needs for financial security and protection, capital accumulation, asset distribution and estate preservation.
With more than 350 offices across the United States, 3 million policyowners and clients, $18 billion in annual revenues and $133 billion in assets, you can count on Northwestern Mutual to help you build strong financial futures for your clients.
The company's tradition of "doing the right thing" has been honored and nurtured by successive generations within Northwestern Mutual and recognized in the industry and media.
World's Most Admired--Northwestern Mutual is the "World's Most Admired" company in its industry, according to FORTUNE magazine's annual survey of industry executives and analysts. For Northwestern Mutual, it is the seventh year as the top life/health insurance company in the magazine's global survey.
First in Customer Satisfaction-- For the third year in a row, Northwestern Mutual has earned the highest customer satisfaction score among U.S. life insurers, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index's (ACSI) survey. Northwestern Mutual's industry leading score can be found in the ACSI's fourth quarter of 2005 consumer study, focusing on retail trade, e-commerce, banks and insurance.
America's Most Admired--According to the March 7, 2006, FORTUNE magazine survey, Northwestern Mutual has been named "America's Most Admired" life insurance company for 23 years.
One of America's Top Ten Internships for 2006--"Northwestern Mutual Financial Network has made our Top 10 list for ten consecutive years, proving its internship program to be consistently among the best." Internship Informants™, Vault, inc., 20006.
Selling Power's 50 Best Companies to Sell For--Northwestern Mutual was ranked as the 2nd best and 4th largest service company (November/December 2005).
Financial Ratings--The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (Northwestern Mutual), the nation's largest direct provider of individual life insurance, according to statistics compiled from A. M. Best data, has always received the best possible insurance financial strength ratings from the four major rating services: Standard & Poor's (AAA), Fitch Ratings (AAA), A. M. Best (A++) and Moody's (Aaa).
Top 100 Employers--Ranked 22nd in The Black Collegian's "Top 100 Employer and The Majors in Demand" for the Class of 2005.
Largest Direct Provider of Life Insurance--According to statistics compiled from A. M. Best data, Northwestern Mutual is the largest direct provider of life insurance.
Community Support--The Northwestern Mutual Foundation supports nearly 1,500 schools and nonprofit organizations each year. Last year, the Foundation contributed nearly $13 million ($12,534,005) in national and Milwaukee-area grants.
2006 Dividend--Northwestern Mutual's overall dividend payout to policyowners for 2006 is expected to be $4.27 billion, an increase of $360 million, the largest single increase in company history. This ongoing success, fostered by the company's tradition of "doing the right thing," has been honored and nurtured by successive generations within Northwestern Mutual.
Since 1857, Northwestern Mutual has been helping people protect against financial risk and achieve financial security. The Effner Financial Group has been in existence since September of 2001, and is proud to serve the western suburbs of Chicago and the Chicagoland area.
Meet Managing Partner, James R. Effner, Jr., CLU
