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  • Wednesday, 2 October 2024

Building Success with a Family Atmosphere: How 1847Financial Creates a Unique Culture for Growth

With 19 years of experience recruiting in the financial services industry, Gina Whitaker brings invaluable insight when working with financial professionals. Let’s explore how she leverages this expertise to help 1847Financial Dallas-Fort Worth cultivate a unique, growth-oriented culture.  

How long have you been in financial services?
19 years 

What made you decide to join the financial services industry?
Honestly, I fell into it. Northwestern Mutual recruited me back in 2005. It seemed like a great opportunity to learn a new industry and build a long-term career … and I was right!
What roles have you had along the way? My background is in recruiting. I started as a Recruiter for Northwestern Mutual and later moved to similar roles at MassMutual and Farmers Insurance. Last year, I joined 1847Financial as Field Office Manager for the Dallas/Fort Worth headquarters.

What does your firm offer that others don’t? What makes you stand out?
It’s our people and culture that really make us stand out. Our leader, Aaron Peck, has created a warm, family-style culture that makes you feel part of something special. In addition to company trips, we have numerous office events throughout the year - kick-off meetings, award banquets, company retreats, and holiday parties – that foster a strong sense of camaraderie. 
 
Why would someone join your firm?
We offer top-notch resources both locally and from our home office. We have a Practice Development Specialist who helps our financial professionals get started quickly and provides ongoing training and support. Our New Business support team and advanced systems help process cases quickly, so financial professionals can get paid faster. We encourage joint work and teaming opportunities to help everyone succeed, as we truly care about each other’s success. 

Give me an example of how you’ve helped a financial professional grow their business.
Over the years, I’ve helped many financial professionals find their career home. It’s incredibly rewarding to know I had a role in helping them find the right fit for their business. Watching them grow, succeed, and reach their full potential is even more fulfilling.

Tell me about how you support financial professionals.
I support financial professionals with various tasks once they join our firm, including initial set-up, compliance approvals, and handling compensation questions or agent of record changes. I’m here to ensure their transition and ongoing work is as smooth as possible.

Describe your ideal recruit.
My ideal recruit is someone who is already successful in his/her practice, but looking to take it to the next level…whether that’s through access to a more diverse product offering, better leadership, additional support, or a different payout structure.

How does your firm stay ahead of the curve?
I haven’t touched on marketing yet!  Our office is assigned a Regional Marketing Manager as a go-to resource, offering personalized guidance and support. Whether a financial professional wants to build a marketing plan or simply wants to strategize on reaching a target market, the RMM can help. The marketing team also provides coaches available by appointment on key topics like branding, social media, and executing marketing campaigns.

What mistakes do financial professionals make when joining a new firm?
Two main mistakes I see are: trying to learn everything before they get started and not taking advantage of joint work opportunities. My advice is to get out there, start conversations, build relationships, and help people plan for their futures and protect their loved ones. The learning piece will come with time.

What advice would you give a financial professional looking to change firms?
Do your due diligence. Firms may look similar from the outside, but once you start diving deep into the contracts, there can be significant differences. Make sure you’re making the right choice for you and your practice.

What do you do for fun? In your free time?
My husband and I have a blended family with eight kids, ranging from 10 to 24 years old, so family time is a big part of my life. I always look forward to our large family holidays and vacations. I also enjoy gardening, shopping, eating Italian food, and watching Hallmark movies.

Gina Whitaker embodies the spirit of 1847Financial, helping create a family atmosphere that drives success and encourages growth for everyone in the organization. Want to learn more? Connect with Gina on LinkedIn.

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