Northwestern Mutual - Buffalo District
Financial Advisor with Management Experience
Full Time • Hybrid - US
Benefits:
- Retirement
- Bonus based on performance
- Company parties
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Opportunity for advancement
- Training & development
- Vision insurance
Transition Your Management Experience into a Career in Financial Services with Buffalo District - Northwestern Mutual!
Your ability to lead teams, drive results, and build strong relationships could make you an ideal fit for a rewarding career in financial services. We are seeking management professionals from diverse industries, including retail, restaurant, hospitality, operations, logistics, manufacturing, education, or healthcare who are ready to take their leadership skills to the next level.
- Leverage Your Leadership Expertise: Your management experience has equipped you with communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills. In financial services, you could apply those same strengths to educate clients, develop strategies, and guide them toward long-term financial success.
- Build Meaningful Relationships: Just as you’ve inspired and led teams in your previous roles, this career could allow you to build lifelong connections while helping clients navigate important financial decisions.
- See the Impact of Your Work: In management, you’ve driven performance and helped others achieve their goals. In this role, you could see the tangible results of your efforts as clients and families gain lasting financial confidence and security.
- Unlock Unlimited Growth Potential: Unlike traditional management roles, your growth here isn’t capped. Your ambition and work ethic determine how far you go with opportunities for leadership, ownership, and unlimited earning potential.
Our thriving office is located at: 5488 Sheridan Drive, Ste. 100, Williamsville, NY 14221
Meet Our 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 and management background 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:
- Client Consultation: Engage with clients to understand their financial goals, aspirations, and concerns.
- Financial Planning: Develop comprehensive financial plans that include investments, insurance, and retirement.
- Insurance Solutions: Recommend and implement insurance strategies to protect clients' assets and income.
- Ongoing Support: Monitor clients' financial plans and provide regular updates, adjusting strategies as needed to meet changing circumstances.
- Networking: Build and maintain a network of clients through referrals, community involvement, and professional associations.
Qualifications:
- Education: A bachelor's degree is highly preferred, but not required.
- Experience: Previous experience in financial services, insurance or business development is beneficial but not required.
- Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to build trust and rapport with clients.
- Licenses: Obtain necessary licenses, such as Series 6, 63, and state insurance licenses (training and sponsorship available).
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 General Agent of NM and not in legal partnership with NM, or its subsidiaries.
Flexible work from home options available.
Compensation: $64,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
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Industry Leading Compensation
Mentorship Program offering new agents the necessary fundamentals
Ongoing Specialized Training
Dedicated In-House Administrative Support
Career Advancement Opportunities
Company Full of Successful Leaders
Collaboration with highly productive peers