Client Advisor with Athletic Background

Benefits:

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

Join the Winning Team at Northwestern Mutual - Buffalo District! Are you an athlete at heart with a passion for teamwork and competition? Bring your sports background to a dynamic career as a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual - Buffalo District! Why Current and Former Athletes Could Thrive Here: We recognize the unique strengths and qualities that former and current athletes bring to the table. Athletes could excel in our environment because of their inherent drive, discipline, and competitive spirit, which are essential traits for success in the insurance and financial services industry. Here’s why athletes thrive with us:

1. Teamwork and Collaboration: Just like in sports, our success depends on teamwork and collaboration. Athletes naturally excel in a team setting, working together towards common goals and supporting each other to achieve the best results for our clients.
2. Resilience and Determination: Athletes are accustomed to facing challenges and persevering through difficult situations. This resilience translates well to the professional world, where overcoming obstacles and staying focused on long-term goals are key to building a successful career.
3. Goal-Oriented Mindset: The drive to set and achieve goals is second nature to athletes. This goal-oriented mindset helps our representatives stay motivated and committed to helping clients achieve their financial objectives.
4. Discipline and Time Management: Balancing training, competitions, and academics instills a strong sense of discipline and time management in athletes. These skills are invaluable in managing a client portfolio, meeting deadlines, and maintaining a high level of productivity.
5. Competitive Spirit: The competitive nature of athletes fuels their desire to excel and be the best in their field. This competitive spirit drives our representatives to continuously improve, exceed performance targets, and deliver exceptional service to clients.

Our thriving office is located at: 5488 Sheridan Drive, Ste. 100, Williamsville, NY 14221 Meet some of our local team:  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.

Key Responsibilities: As a Financial Advisor, your primary role will be to engage with clients to understand their comprehensive financial needs, providing personalized guidance to help them achieve their financial protection and planning goals. You will design and implement tailored strategies that safeguard clients' assets, income, and overall financial well-being, ensuring their long-term security. Regularly reviewing and updating clients' financial plans and insurance policies to reflect any changes in their circumstances or goals will be crucial to ensure continuous protection. Additionally, you will cultivate a robust network of clients through referrals, active community involvement, and professional associations. Qualifications: We prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in finance, business, or a related discipline. While prior experience in insurance, financial services, or business development is beneficial, it is not mandatory. Successful candidates will possess excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, strong analytical skills, and the capability to build lasting client relationships. We welcome individuals from business development-oriented organizations with uncapped earnings potential, including those from medical devices, education (teachers, administrators), logistics, solar, payroll services, tech business development, real estate, auto rental and others. You will be required to obtain state insurance licenses, with training provided and sponsorship considered. Benefits: You will have continuous access to training and development programs, with sponsorship for advanced certifications to enhance your expertise. We offer a lucrative compensation structure including performance-based incentives and unlimited earning potential. You will receive extensive support from a dedicated planning team, marketing resources, and experienced mentors. Enjoy the flexibility to design a work schedule that aligns with your personal and professional goals. In addition to robust health and wellness benefits, you’ll receive a company-funded pension and contributions to PFGF—our unique profit-sharing retirement plan—designed to support your long-term financial security. Most importantly, you will play a pivotal role in helping individuals and families secure their financial future, making a lasting difference in the community. 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.

Flexible work from home options available.

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