When Darcy Johansen first entered the financial services industry in August 2006, he wasn't merely stepping into a new career but fulfilling a deeply personal mission. Recruited into the business by his brother Jeff, Darcy was drawn to the industry by more than just the promise of a fulfilling lifestyle. The passion to help others, born from a childhood experience, shaped his understanding of the importance of insurance. "My father didn’t have insurance on my mother," Darcy recalls, "and that experience instilled in me a passion for ensuring others never face the same situation."

A Career Built on Diverse Experience
Various roles have marked Darcy’s journey in financial services, each contributing to his growth and success in the industry. He began as a financial professional nd spent three years gaining invaluable field experience. “Being an agent was awesome,” Darcy reflects. “It allowed me to understand the process of finding and acquiring clients, which was instrumental when I transitioned into a sales management role.”

After three years in sales management, Darcy moved into operations—a role that allowed him to support financial professionals in their daily struggles and help them transition smoothly through client acquisition. This breadth of experience, combined with the insights gained from working closely with his brother Jeff, who serves as Managing Partner, has made Darcy the go-to person in any circumstance within his firm.

A Decade at Penn Mutual: Creating a Culture of Success
Since joining Penn Mutual in 2010, Darcy has played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s culture and operational success. According to Darcy, what sets Penn Mutual apart is their "white glove initiative"—a commitment to going above and beyond for financial professionals. “We want our financial professionals to know they can come to us with any questions. We’re here to support them, whether it’s through joint work, contracting, or application submission,” Darcy explains. “You’re not on an island here.”

The firm’s culture is what drives everything home for Darcy. “We’ve created a place where people want to be part of a big, happy family,” he says with pride. It’s this emphasis on family values and consistent support that makes 1847Financial a standout in the industry and a place where financial professionals can truly thrive.

Helping Financial Professionals Grow
One of Darcy’s greatest passions is helping financial professionals grow their businesses. Through the white glove initiative, Darcy and his team work closely with agents to understand their motivations and help them create a vision for their future. He takes pride in assisting financial professionals to think beyond their individual practices, exploring opportunities to build and expand their teams.

Darcy cites the example of a financial professional who successfully built a succession plan with Darcy’s guidance. “We helped this gentleman capture not just one or two pieces of business, but something much bigger—a scalable team that could carry on his legacy,” Darcy shares. This dedication to personal development and mentorship is what sets Darcy apart as a leader.

A Leadership Style Rooted in Hard Work
Darcy’s leadership style is grounded in a simple yet powerful philosophy: “The laziest man does the most work.” Growing up on a farm, Darcy learned the value of doing things right the first time—a lesson he applies to his work every day. “It’s better to do the harder thing in the beginning; it saves a lot of time in the end,” he advises.

This mindset has shaped Darcy’s approach to leadership and has been key to his success in the financial services industry. From managing a large-scale farm operation to guiding financial professionals through the complexities of the industry, Darcy has always embraced the challenge of doing the hard work necessary to achieve long-term success.

Life Beyond the Office: Family, Golf, and the Great Outdoors
When he’s not busy supporting financial professionals, Darcy enjoys spending time with his family. With three kids, family vacations—especially trips to Canada—are a priority. “Family comes first,” Darcy says. He also enjoys golfing and skiing, activities that allow him to unwind and recharge.

The firm’s culture of camaraderie extends beyond the office, with events like the annual ski trip, summer party, and golf day bringing everyone together. For Darcy, these events are a testament to the strong, family-like bonds that define Penn 1847Financial’s culture.

Advice for Financial Professionals: Focus on Independence, Quality, and Culture
For those considering a change in firms, Darcy has three key pieces of advice: seek independence, offer quality products, and find a culture that aligns with your values. “You want to be able to build your own book of business and not have to brand under someone else’s name,” Darcy advises. “Make sure the products you offer are top-notch so you never have to apologize for them later. And most importantly, work with people you enjoy being around.”

Darcy’s journey in financial services is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and a strong commitment to helping others. Whether he’s guiding a new agent through the challenges of client acquisition or supporting a seasoned professional in expanding their team, Darcy’s dedication to his work and his firm shines through in everything he does.

Connect with Darcy on LinkedIn.

^{7078342RG_Oct26}