With over three decades in financial services, Mike Sarver, Managing Principal for 1847Financial’s Akron, OH, and Pittsburgh, PA headquarters, has built a career centered on impact and independence. His journey from financial professional to firm leader has given him insights into what makes a firm stand out. In this interview, Mike shares his experiences, leadership philosophy, and why financial professionals looking for personalized support and growth should consider 1847Financial.

How long have you been in financial services?
I’ve been in the industry for 33 years, with 26 of those years at Penn Mutual and HTK.

What made you decide to join this industry?
It came down to two things: impact and independence. The ability to be as independent as you want while making a real difference in people’s lives was a huge draw for me.

What roles have you had along the way?
I started as a financial professional and later became a sales manager—what we now call a Business Development Director (BDD). From there, I moved into a Managing Director role, and for the last 20 years, I’ve served as Managing Principal.

What sets your firm apart from others?
First and foremost, financial professionals are our top priority. We take a servant leadership approach from the leadership team down to the staff, ensuring we provide the support they need to grow and thrive.

How do you partner with financial professionals?
Our philosophy is "Your Practice, Your Way" and "Your Support, Your Way." Whether a financial professional is a solopreneur, part of a team, or leading a larger practice, we tailor our support to fit their needs. That flexibility and personalization are what make us different.

Why would someone join your firm?
It all comes down to personalized support and the value proposition we offer. Whether someone wants to scale their business, maintain a successful practice, or plan for continuity and succession, we provide the resources and network to help them achieve their goals. We align with the Financial Professional Value Commitment (Nine Diamonds), ensuring financial professionals have everything they need to build a thriving practice.

Can you share an example of how you've helped a financial professional grow their business?
One area where we’ve really excelled is helping solo financial professionals transition into a team-based practice. Many top producers were operating independently and doing great work, but by bringing on team members, they were able to create a more holistic, protection-first practice. This not only strengthened their client relationships but also increased the value of their business.

What qualities do you look for in financial professionals who want to join your firm?
Ideally, we look for professionals with at least three years of experience, a protection-first mindset, and a balanced practice that includes life insurance, annuities, and investment planning. Culturally, we have a "no jerks" policy. We want people who value more than just compensation—they should appreciate the support and collaboration we offer.

How does your firm stay ahead in terms of technology and innovation?
We leverage every available resource through 1847Financial and HTK. From ACE and the new compensation system to annuity order entry platforms and CRM tools like Redtail and SmartOffice, we ensure financial professionals have access to the latest technology to enhance their practice.

What common mistakes do financial professionals make when joining a new firm?
A big mistake is joining purely for a compensation increase. Financial professionals should look beyond payout percentages and consider what kind of support, resources, and culture a firm provides. The right firm should fill gaps in their practice and help them grow in meaningful ways.

What has been your biggest success in your career?
Helping financial professionals realize their potential by shifting from a single-focus practice—whether it’s life insurance, annuities, or investments—to a well-balanced, protection-first model. Seeing them build a thriving, sustainable business that generates recurring revenue is incredibly rewarding.

Do you have a story that highlights how financial products have helped a client?
I once worked with a financial professional who had a client—a single father of three—who was initially focused on setting up a Roth IRA. During our conversation, we discussed life insurance, and he ultimately decided to purchase a permanent policy. Tragically, just a few months later, he passed away in an accident. That life insurance policy provided his retired parents with the financial security to raise his three boys. Stories like this reinforce why protection-first planning is so crucial.

Do you have a quote or saying that guides you?
"There’s never a right way to do the wrong thing." I also believe in servant leadership—our entire staff is committed to finding ways to better serve our financial professionals.

What advice would you give to a financial professional considering a firm change?
Do your due diligence. Talk to financial professionals at the firm—both those who have been there for years and those who recently joined—to ensure what’s being communicated matches the reality. At 1847Financial, we encourage this because we stand behind what we promise.

What do you do for fun?
I love spending time with my family, traveling with my wife, golfing, hunting, fishing, and reading.

If you’re a financial professional looking for a firm that offers personalized support, a strong culture, and the tools to help you grow, connect with Mike Sarver on LinkedIn to start the conversation.

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