Job Role: Personal Investment and Retirement Consulting Team Planner
Department: Insurance and Financial Services
Tell us a bit about yourself. How would your friends and family describe you? What are you passionate about?
I work as a Personal Investment and Retirement Planning team planner remotely from Portland, Oregon. My role as a planner is to help our members succeed in accomplishing their financial goals. My friends and family would probably describe me as the most patient person they know. I am passionate about making people feel like I made a difference. My goal is to have every interaction (in person, via phone or through a seminar) be positive and meaningful. I have always tried to live by the Golden Rule, treat others the way that you would like to be treated.
Describe your career at NRECA. What is the core function of your current role, and how does it support the mission of the organization?
As a part of NRECA’s PIRC team, I provide investment and retirement education to NRECA 401(k) Pension and Retirement Security Plan participants (active and retired) in the form of individual meetings and standardized group seminars.
What drives you professionally, and what do you feel are the keys to professional success?
Honestly, money. But it is fun to do something you like! For a big part of my previous career I was in a sales role where everything you earned was based on sales. A sales job has a lot of pressure (no sales, no money). It is different at NRECA, where I am a salaried employee and my role is to educate and help people make appropriate decisions for their financial future. One of the keys to my success was committing to earning my CFP® designation. Making a commitment to my profession put me on a trajectory for success.
What inspires you?
Growing up I was a sports junkie. Football, hockey, golf, you name it. I was naturally drawn to sports movies like “Rudy” and “Remember the Titans.” I have always been inspired by the underdog as I’ve gone through life, I continue to be inspired by all kinds of underdog stories. Hearing and reading stories on the news about people overcoming all different types of obstacles in life helps me see that anything can be accomplished if it means enough to you.
What brought you to NRECA?
For several years I worked for a large bank helping businesses establish 401(k) plans for their employees, and one of the businesses I worked with happened to be a co-op. After doing meetings and seminars for the co-op for several years, I had become very familiar with NRECA and knew if there was ever an opportunity to join them, I would jump at the chance.
A few years ago, NRECA made the decision to add a West Coast PIRC planner and after going through the interview process, I was fortunate to be offered the role.
What keeps you at NRECA? What is your favorite thing about your job and NRECA as an organization?
It’s just a cool place that I am proud to be part of. When I explain to people where I work and what I do for our members, they are always amazed. I also like the variety of traveling to different co-ops around the country to meet and help all their employees.
If you had a piece of advice for someone who was just entering into the job market, or starting a job search, what would it be?
Good luck. I think it is rare that someone finds their dream job on the first try. Follow your heart, do what makes you feel right, and stay positive!