Financial Planner Seeking Former Educator/Coach

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Retirement
• Bonus based on performance
• Company parties
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Transition Your Teaching and Coaching Skills into Financial Services:

• Do Work That Matters: People are drawn to this career because it offers meaningful work—the kind that provides fulfillment through service to others. That’s why it resonates so deeply with the values teachers and coaches bring to the table.
• Leverage Your Communication Expertise: As a teacher or coach, you’ve mastered the art of communication—whether it's explaining complex concepts or motivating individuals. These skills are crucial in financial services, where you could help guide clients through important financial decisions that impact their lives.
• Build Lifelong Relationships: In teaching and coaching, you connect with individuals over time, watching them grow and succeed. In financial services, you could continue fostering these long-term relationships, helping clients at each stage of their financial journey, and offering support that lasts a lifetime.
• See the Impact of Your Work: Just as you’ve seen the difference you’ve made in the classroom or on the field, a career in financial services could allow you to witness firsthand how your advice and guidance can lead to meaningful, lasting changes in your clients’ lives.
• Achieve Greater Rewards: The transition from teaching or coaching to financial services could offer the potential for not only a more fulfilling career, but also the opportunity to grow personally and professionally—while building a future that reflects your values and goals.

Follow this link to hear more about Gina Cimineri’s Northwestern Mutual Experience: -PAcM41CRes& list=PLAFDBB5184E6F3603&index=7 

Our thriving office is located at: 5488 Sheridan Drive, Ste. 100, Williamsville, NY 14221

Meet Our Local Leaders:

Nii Sowah, Managing Director:

• Time with NM: Nearly 12 years, beginning as an Associate Financial Representative and advancing through multiple development roles, including Internship Development Officer for the 055.
• Prior Experience: Certified coach with a CLF designation, guiding internship vision and strategies, recruiting, development, and district growth within the Doolittle Network Office.
• Passionate About: Dedicated to developing others and creating a positive community impact through financial planning. Outside of work, Nii enjoys life in Buffalo, NY, with his wife and their two children. He is an avid supporter of Buffalo sports teams, loves exploring new places, and gives back through Unite by Night, the nonprofit he co-founded.

Ben Ross, Wealth Management Advisor/Growth Development Director:

• Time with NM: 13 years, beginning his career as an Advisor in 2012.
• Prior Experience: Retail sales and management with Verizon. Inspired by his blue-collar upbringing, Ben pursued a career that would provide both financial security and the opportunity to impact his community.
• Passionate About: Dedicated to giving back through initiatives such as The Ride for Roswell , which raises funds for cancer research, and an annual Women in STEM scholarship at his local high school. Ben and his wife are raising three daughters, and together they enjoy biking, traveling, and planning trips to Disney, the beach, and the Adirondacks.

John M. Bongiovanni, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®, Private Wealth Advisor:

• Time with NM: 38 years, beginning his career in 1987 and now advising more than 500 clients across 20 states. In 2021, John expanded his practice by welcoming Partners Lucas Slezak, CIMA®, CFP®, and Adam Jack, ChFC®, growing Generational Wealth Management into an ensemble firm.
• Prior Experience: Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Allegheny College and went on to achieve advanced designations including CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, and RICP®, as well as Series 6, 63, and 7 securities licenses. Recognized by Northwestern Mutual as a Top 50 Advisor in the Eastern region and Top 100 nationally, and honored by Forbes as a Best-In-State Wealth Advisor and Top Financial Security Professional.
• Passionate About: Giving back to the community through leadership roles with WQLN, expERIEnce Children’s Museum, and the United Way. Personally, John lives in Erie, PA, and enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, as well as skiing, golfing, and relaxing at the St. Lawrence River.

Ryan O’Connor, Wealth Management Advisor:

• Time with NM: Joined Northwestern Mutual in 2018. Early in his career, he was a multi-year Million Dollar Round Table recipient, Top 50 Advisor (years 1–4), and later founded his team-based firm, which now oversees $350 million in client assets.
• Prior Experience: Recognized nationally as a Top 10 fee-based planning advisor and Forbes Best-in-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisor (Top 50 in New York, 2024 & 2025). Holds multiple professional designations and continues advanced education through the American College of Financial Services and Exit Planning Institute.
• Passionate About: Actively engaged with community organizations such as the Financial Planning Association, Estate Planning Council, and Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, while also supporting local nonprofits focused on education, healthcare, and preservation. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys running, hiking, fishing, and time with his three children.

Ryan Preziosi, Wealth Management Advisor:

• Time with NM: Over 11 years, beginning as an intern and later earning Intern of the Year and Rookie of the Year.
• Prior Experience: Transitioned directly from the internship program into a successful full-time advisor career, consistently recognized for his performance and client relationships.
• Passionate About: Building lasting connections and helping clients achieve financial security. Ryan lives in Buffalo, where he enjoys golfing, spending time outdoors, and creating memories with family and friends. He is recently married to his wife and is a proud father to his daughter, who is currently in middle school.

About Us: The Buffalo District of Northwestern Mutual is dedicated to growing people and building futures. We foster a bold, modern, and energized culture where excellence is the standard and purpose drives our work. Committed to giving back, we support our community through service projects and causes such as Alex’s Lemonade Stand and Camp Good Days. By helping families achieve lasting financial security and investing in the success of our team, we create meaningful impact in the lives we touch.

Position Responsibilities for a Financial Planner:

• Educate clients on financial planning and insurance options.
• Provide excellent customer service and build lasting relationships.
• Collaborate with a local, supportive team.

Position Requirements:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Goal-oriented with a desire to succeed.
• Life insurance license and FINRA certifications (or willingness to obtain).

Our Unique Angle: Meticulous Training and Support:
We distinguish ourselves by prioritizing a meticulous focus on the process, ensuring sustainable business practices and a predictable high-activity approach, setting us apart from an industry often fixated on end results.

Position Perks:

• Significant bonus opportunity commensurate with outcomes
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
• Ongoing professional development
• Local culture of support and positive recognition

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) and its subsidiaries in Milwaukee, WI. Nii Sowah is a Managing Partner for NM and is not in legal partnership with NM, or its subsidiaries.