Grow your Career, your Life
Since 1857, Northwestern Mutual has been helping people protect against financial risk and achieve financial security. Managing Partner, John W. Wright and the members of the Wright Financial Group, Inc. network office are proud to be part of that tradition.
John W. Wright, CLU, Managing Partner
The ambition of Managing Partner, John Wright 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.
With 85 representatives, Wright Financial Group, Inc. is a strong, growing business as evidenced by its most recent financial highlights.
The mission of John Wright and the Wright Financial Group, Inc.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 Wright Financial Group, Inc., 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 John Wright, Wright Financial Group, Inc. 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 Wright Financial Group, Inc., our expertise includes:
Personal Needs Analysis
Business Needs Analysis
Investment Services
Estate Analysis
Employee and Executive Benefits
Advanced Planning
Disability Income Insurance
Long-Term Care
Diversity
At Wright Financial Group, Inc., 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, John Wright
John and his wife Deanna have been married for 36 years. His son John II was a member of the Wright Financial Group, Inc. He currently works for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network at the Corporate Office in Milwaukee, WI. His daughter, Ashley is married and resides in Bloomfield Hills, MI. John and his wife have eight grandchildren, and they live on an 80-acre estate in St. Joseph, Illinois.
John Wright graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He was a second-round draft pick by the Atlanta Falcons, and he was traded to the Detroit Lions midway through his rookie season. He became a starter in his second year with the Lions, and beginning his third season; he severed his Achilles tendon ending his dream of a longtime career in the NFL. John then refocused his energies on the financial services business, where he has been for the last thirty years.
He is the CEO of the Wright Financial Group, Inc., and leads a team of 100 plus financial representatives that manage over a billion dollars of assets and have $8.2 billion of insurance in force.
During John's career as a financial representative, he qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table in his first 6 months in the business and the Company´s Recognition dinner -- today Forum -- 8 out of his first 10 years.
In 1981, he was appointed Managing Partner and has grown his Network Office´s in-force business from $533,000,000 (Million) to $8,200,000,000 (Billion). He has grown his office´s premium at a compound rate of 8.72% every year he has been the Managing Partner. Along the way he has contributed seven outstanding Managing Partners to the NMFN system.
Wright Financial Group, Inc. has offices in Champaign, Kankakee, Normal, Peoria, Springfield, and branch offices throughout Central Illinois. These offices house full-time financial representative, college representatives and specialists in areas of personal, retirement, estate and business analysis.
Besides running the Wright Financial Group, Inc., John speaks nationally on topics such as wealth accumulation, mental toughness, leadership and follow-through.
An Opportunity to Succeed
Successful financial representatives with Wright Financial Group, Inc.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 Wright Financial Group, Inc., you will be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. Wright Financial Group, Inc.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 Wright Financial Group, Inc. can do for you.
Discover your potential when you join our team. Recruiter, Jessica Egan 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
Wright Financial Group, Inc. has offices in Champaign, Kankakee, Normal, Peoria, Springfield, and branch offices throughout Central Illinois. These offices house managing directors, full-time financial representatives, college representatives and network specialists.
Brian McClure, Managing Director
Brian McClure is the Managing Director of the Kankakee local network office. He joined the Wright Financial Group in 1998. In five short years, he earned the position of Managing Director for the Kankakee office. When Brian took over the Kankakee District Office, there were only five Financial Representatives. In just over a year, that number has more than doubled. In addition to maintaining a strong personal practice, he plays a key role in the career development of other Financial Representatives .
Brent Shunk, CLU, CLTC, Managing Director
Brent Shunk is the Managing Director of the Springfield local network office. He joined the company in 1987 and became Managing Director in 2001. Since he came to Springfield, Brent’s recruiting and development efforts have more than doubled the number of representatives in the office. In addition to maintaining a strong personal practice, he plays a key role in the career development of other Financial Representatives.
Joshua T. Waite, CLU, ChFC, Managing Director
Joshua Waite is the Managing Director of the Peoria local network office. He started with the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in 2002 as a college intern. In 2003 he finished in the Top Ten out of all interns in the entire company. He went full-time in June of 2003 and later became the College Unit Director at Bradley University. January of 2005, Josh was appointed Managing Director in Peoria, IL. In addition to maintaining a strong personal practice, he plays a key role in the career development of other Financial Representatives.
Career Opportunities
Through Wright Financial Group, Inc., our financial representatives have advancement opportunities into management and specialist opportunities. Learn more about some of our team members:
Donald G. Armstrong, MS, Field Director
As the Field Director, Donald Armstrong assists in the recruitment and selection process of candidates in order to build a cohesive unit of productive full-time Financial Representatives. Don was the first financial representative to represent the Wright Financial Group, Inc. Don has a Master's degree in Financial Services (MSFS) and works with both individuals and businesses.
Mark E. Boyes, Employee Benefit Specialist
As the Employee Benefit Specialist, Mark Boyes prepares a comprehensive analysis of a client´s employee benefits program, and then offers solutions to meet the unique needs of that company.
John Dill, CLU, ChFC, CFP, Sr. Investment Specialist
As an Investment Specialist, John Dill provides expertise in helping individual and business clients with their wealth accumulation and wealth preservation needs. John graduated from Bradley University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing. During his senior year, he joined the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network as a College Agent and started his full-time contract with the company upon graduation.
Justin Kirby, CLU, Sr. Investment Specialist
As an Investment Specialist, Justin Kirby provides expertise in helping individual and business clients with their wealth accumulation and wealth preservation needs. Justin Kirby started with WFG as an intern in 1995. After graduation from Illinois State University with a double major in Marketing and Business Administration, Justin started his fulltime career in May of 1996.
Elsie Eisenmann, CSA, Long-Term Care Specialist
As the Long Term Care Specialist, Elsie Eisenmann helps individual and corporate clients understand their long-term care insurance needs. In 2004, Elsie completed a comprehensive course on priority senior issues. The course is conducted by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors, a national organization that has trained over 14,000 professionals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
James A. Smith, CLU, ChFC, CLTC, Disability Income Specialist
As the Disability Income Specialist, James Smith assists individuals and businesses design a disability income insurance program for both individual and group needs. James Smith graduated in 1979 from Illinois State University with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Economics. He joined Northwestern Mutual Financial Network in 1985.
Career Insight Read what James R. Brown has to say about his career as a financial representative with Wright Financial Group, Inc.
I was a college student at Illinois Wesleyan University, and became a college intern during my senior year. That experience helped me determine this was the career for me.
I find it rewarding to be able to make such a difference in the lives of my clients and those depending on them. I really enjoy the relationships I maintain with so many of my clients. The career has its challenges, too. Other so-called expert advisors that are competing for the client’s business make it difficult sometimes for the client to know who to trust. It’s also challenging to seek out and develop all of our clients one at a time. This involves a lot of rejection. But along the way, I’ve learned I have the courage and follow-through skills to provide a lifetime of service to my clients.
Some Career Advice
It can be difficult but no more so than any other worthwhile career. It provides you with the opportunity to develop into the type of professional your clients really respect and count on. I had no idea it would be so rewarding when I chose it. Many changes have occurred in my 28 years in the business, and now we can be of help to clients with all their needs related to living too long, dying too soon, and becoming disabled. More recently our entrance into the investment business and long-term care insurance has really increased the range of what we can help our clients accomplish.
We never have to apologize for the quality of Northwestern Mutual products. We also have the tools that continue to improve to provide great service for our clients. Northwestern Mutual is committed to us as their exclusive distribution system.
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 Wright Financial Group, Inc. 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 Wright Financial Group, Inc. 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 Wright Financial Group, Inc.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.
John W. Wright, CLU, Managing Partner
Brian McClure, Managing Director 
Brent Shunk, CLU, CLTC, Managing Director 
Joshua T. Waite, CLU, ChFC, Managing Director 
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