We sat down with Steve Grant, CLU, Business Development Director, a seasoned professional with over four decades of experience. Steve shares how his career has evolved, from starting in the insurance business almost by chance to becoming a leader in financial services. He also opens up about the support and community he's found at his firm (1847Financial - Charlotte, NC, Greenville, SC and Atlanta, GA) and his deep commitment to making a difference through the Chris and Kelly’s HOPE Foundation.

How has your experience been different at 1847Financial compared to previous firms?
If every financial professional could experience 30 days working at 1847Financial – I believe they would immediately notice the difference compared to their current firm. The support here is tremendous, something I'd never experienced in 40 years at my previous firms.

Especially at 1847Financial - Charlotte, NC, Greenville, SC and Atlanta, GA, led by Tom Parks. I'm supported in so many ways I’ve never experienced – marketing, practice development, advanced sales, hands-on product wholesaler teams and more.

But beyond those tangible benefits, the most significant difference is the genuine sense of community. Firms often say that they are a family, but rarely does it feel like they are a family, with that sentiment translating into everyday actions.

At the Parks Firm, the family atmosphere is evident every day. From Tom Parks' leadership example to the supportive care and culture, I genuinely feel like an integral part of the Parks Firm Family.

Sure, no organization is perfect—like any family, there are challenges—but the improvements I've experienced here, compared to my 40 years in the industry, make me realize I’ve found exactly where I need to be.

How did you get started with 1847Financial?
I met Tom Parks when he was in the process of making weekly trips from his Charlotte, North Carolina office to his office in Atlanta, passing through Greenville on the way. We've known each other now for about two years and have developed a great respect for one another. Tom had long wanted someone based in Greenville, and it turned out that I was looking for something new, too. It was a perfect match.

I've been entrenched in the financial industry for over four decades. My career began almost serendipitously right out of school. Initially, I had ambitions of becoming a lawyer, but after undergraduate school, I found myself working with my father for about six months, and I could sense that it was starting to strain our relationship. I didn't want that, and I was preparing to get married soon, so I knew I needed to make money.

Around that same time, I purchased some basic life insurance from a very successful individual in the industry, though I wasn't fully aware of his level of success back then. During our conversations, we touched on my living situation, my financial struggles and my upcoming marriage. Interestingly, I had known this man’s son, having played college baseball together and he had suggested to his father that I would probably do very well in the insurance business.

That's how I started my career with Northwestern Mutual, and I spent almost 40 years with them. While working there, I eventually wanted to build my own business and recruit a team, but Northwestern Mutual wasn't aligned with that vision.

Fortunately, Mass Mutual was looking to open an office in Greenville, which would give me the opportunity to build that team and help young professionals develop thriving careers in this industry. I spent three years there building a strong team, but differing views on key issues made it clear that it wasn’t the right fit for my future.

Q: How do you offer support to the financial professionals you recruit?
I emphasize the importance of holistic planning to the new recruits and work hard to perpetuate the feeling of family I’ve experienced. I encourage newer teammates to begin with protection planning but advise them to aim for securities licensing and pursue credentials like CFP and others. This comprehensive approach is crucial for long-term success.

Q: What do you like to do for fun?
I have a deep passion for travel to any coast and enjoy working in our yard with my wife Cathy, tending to flowers and helping things grow. Additionally, I'm dedicated to a Foundation I started, Chris and Kelly’s HOPE, after losing both of my children to accidental drug overdoses. Our Foundation supports other 501C3s who support treatment for adolescents and young adults who struggle with substance abuse, addiction and mental health concerns. We even built a fitness park in Greenville on the “Swamp Rabbit Trail” to support this mission. Hundreds of people pass the park each day.  I’ve also authored a book titled, Don’t Forget Me, A Lifeline of HOPE for Those Touched by Substance Abuse and Addiction, detailing these endeavors and the importance of this cause.

Interested in finding out more? Connect with Steve on LinkedIn.

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