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Before becoming a Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Representative with The Carr Group, Tom White worked with collegiate and professional hockey players as an independent sports agent. Though Tom achieved success while serving as an advisor to athletes and their families, he found the travel requirements particularly grueling. In order to scout and represent talented athletes, Tom found himself on the road more than 21 days a month, and knew that he could not keep pace with this lifestyle long term. What Tom didn’t know was that he himself was being “scouted” by his friend and now fellow Representative with The Carr Group of Northwestern Mutual, Bret Hartung. While playing in a competitive men’s hockey league together in Chicago, Bret admired the way that Tom guided his athletes and their families. Bret broached the idea of a career change with Tom. After several discussions with Bret and others within The Carr Group, Tom was convinced that this was exactly the opportunity he was looking for; the ability to serve as a trusted financial professional to others while maintaining the independence and flexibility that he enjoyed. Tom was excited to still be able to run his own business, however this time it would be within a company with a strong reputation, a high quality set of products and a large network of knowledgeable experts. Tom was also able to make a smooth transition into a career as a Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Representative by sticking to the values that made him so successful as a sports agent, his concern for his clients. Tom explains, “A player looks for an agent who will represent their best interests, work hard for them, and above all is honest and trustworthy.” For most, the idea of changing careers can be frightening, especially for those who are established and successful in their current position. As for Tom, he made the decision and never looked back. “I have been a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual for just under 2 years and I can already see the impact that I have had on my clients and their families. It is rewarding to know that I am helping them to secure and protect their future.” Tom also adds “I get tremendous satisfaction from sitting across the table with a client, understanding where they are right now personally, professionally and financially and helping them find solutions to get them where they want to be in five years, ten years and into retirement.” Now that Tom no longer has to spend the bulk of his time traveling, he has had the opportunity to become more involved in the Chicagoland community. In particular, Tom sits on the board of the Emmett Steele Memorial Foundation and volunteers on behalf of the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer Foundation. “And yes,” says Tom with a smile, “I even find time to still play hockey!” |  |  |  | | ||||||||||
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