In the financial services industry, the role of a mentor and leader is paramount. They shape the direction of the firm by nurturing talent and fostering growth. Today, we shine the spotlight on an experienced professional whose dedication and knowledge have been instrumental in the success of many financial professionals. With 32 years in the industry, RJ Greff, Business Development Director has spent the last two years at 1847Financial, New Jersey Headquarters, making a significant impact on the firm and its partners. His journey, insights, and contributions offer invaluable lessons for anyone in the financial services sector.

What made you decide to join the financial services industry?
When I joined this industry 32 years ago, what appealed to me was the opportunity to have an impact on the lives of others.

What roles have you had along the way?
I started off as a Financial Professional and transitioned to management in about two years. Throughout my career, I have helped firms and financial professionals grow by leveraging training and development and serving as a bridge between the firm and the home office.

How long have you been with your firm?
I have been with the firm a little over two years.

What does your firm offer that others don’t? What makes you stand out?
The people! I work with an incredibly talented group led by Ed Barrett, Managing Principal who is truly dedicated to the success of the financial professionals we have the privilege to partner with. The chemistry is amazing.

How do you partner with financial professionals?
I coordinate the firm’s training and development efforts and lead team creation and support. I participate in the underwriting process, facilitating and expediting cases, as well as serving as the firm’s HTK broker-dealer liaison. I also actively participate in the firm’s recruiting efforts.

Why would someone join your firm?
In my opinion, we offer an incredible opportunity to partner with one of the best firms affiliated with one of the best companies in the financial services industry. Between the products, the compensation, and the support, I believe that we have the best value proposition in the industry.

Give me an example of how you’ve helped a financial professional grow their business.
I think the most important thing we can do for financial professionals is to help them develop a business owner mindset. Once they start looking at their practice as a business, we can help them develop the right processes and procedures to grow.

Describe your ideal recruit.
The ideal recruit takes a holistic approach to the business, blending protection and accumulation products to offer comprehensive planning for their clients.

How does your firm stay ahead of the curve (creativity, technology, etc.)?
We meet weekly to keep our financial professionals informed of important changes that affect their business. We discuss new ideas, resources, and tools available to help them grow their practice.

What mistakes do financial professionals make when joining a new firm?
They need to take advantage of all the resources available to them. They can be easily overwhelmed by all the changes when they transition. This is the time to focus and create the business they always wanted, and we are here to support their success.

What has been your biggest success in your career?
Picture standing in front of a perfectly calm pond and dropping a pebble right in the middle. I view my career as the ripple effect in the pond. I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of financial professionals who, in turn, have worked with thousands of clients. I get great satisfaction knowing that this ripple effect has impacted so many lives.

What advice would you give a financial professional looking to change firms?
It is the start that stops most people. Most financial professionals know when it is time to make a change. They may have hit a plateau and aren’t growing. There are a lot of options, and that sometimes creates analysis paralysis, and they can’t move forward. Financial professionals need to decide what they want their business to look like in the future and then find the right firm with the right chemistry to get it done.

What do you do for fun? In your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

If you're looking to join a firm that values your growth and provides you with the support you need, consider connecting with RJ on LinkedIn or schedule a meeting with him via Calendly here.

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