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Benefits:

• Retirement
• Bonus based on performance
• Company parties
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

At the Buffalo District of Northwestern Mutual, we don’t just grow careers; we grow people. Together, we are building an environment where excellence is the standard, collaboration is encouraged, and purpose is woven into everything we do. Our culture is bold, modern, and energized, creating a space where ideas spark, careers accelerate, and futures are built. We believe in giving back and showing up for our community, from hands-on service projects to championing causes close to our hearts such as Alex’s Lemonade Stand and Camp Good Days. Just as we help families achieve financial security and peace of mind, we also invest in the growth and success of our team members. Here, we lead with purpose, driven by the belief that the work we do changes lives both in the communities we serve and for the clients who trust us with their dreams.


Our thriving office is located at: 5488 Sheridan Drive, Ste. 100, Williamsville, NY 14221


Watch this short video to experience A Day in the Life of a Northwestern Mutual Advisor: https://youtu.be/tar1BSa7Gaw


A Glance at Northwestern Mutual (NM):
Northwestern Mutual is a FORTUNE 500® company that provides a wide range of financial services to more than 5 million people. As a mutual company, we answer to our policyowners—not Wall Street. We began in Wisconsin in 1857, and today we’re one of America’s top companies - as was recognized by FORTUNE ® as one of the “World’s Most Admired” life insurance companies in 2024 - with a unique culture deeply dedicated to helping people achieve financial security.

Meet Some of Our Local Leaders, the Heartbeat of Our Business:

Nii Sowah, Managing Director:

• Time with NM: Nearly 12 years, beginning as an Associate Financial Representative and advancing through multiple development roles, including Internship Development Officer for the 055.
• Prior Experience: Certified coach with a CLF designation, guiding internship vision and strategies, recruiting, development, and district growth within the Doolittle Network Office.
• Passionate About: Dedicated to developing others and creating a positive community impact through financial planning. Outside of work, Nii enjoys life in Buffalo, NY, with his wife and their two children. He is an avid supporter of Buffalo sports teams, loves exploring new places, and gives back through Unite by Night, the nonprofit he co-founded.

Ben Ross, Wealth Management Advisor/Growth Development Director:

• Time with NM: 13 years, beginning his career as an Advisor in 2012.
• Prior Experience: Retail sales and management with Verizon. Inspired by his blue-collar upbringing, Ben pursued a career that would provide both financial security and the opportunity to impact his community.
• Passionate About: Dedicated to giving back through initiatives such as The Ride for Roswell, which raises funds for cancer research, and an annual Women in STEM scholarship at his local high school. Ben and his wife are raising three daughters, and together they enjoy biking, traveling, and planning trips to Disney, the beach, and the Adirondacks.

John M. Bongiovanni, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, RICP®, Private Wealth Advisor:

• Time with NM: 38 years, beginning his career in 1987 and now advising more than 500 clients across 20 states. In 2021, John expanded his practice by welcoming Partners Lucas Slezak, CIMA®, CFP®, and Adam Jack, ChFC®, growing Generational Wealth Management into an ensemble firm.
• Prior Experience: Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Allegheny College and went on to achieve advanced designations including CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, and RICP®, as well as Series 6, 63, and 7 securities licenses. Recognized by Northwestern Mutual as a Top 50 Advisor in the Eastern region and Top 100 nationally, and honored by Forbes as a Best-In-State Wealth Advisor and Top Financial Security Professional.
• Passionate About: Giving back to the community through leadership roles with WQLN, expERIEnce Children’s Museum, and the United Way. Personally, John lives in Erie, PA, and enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, as well as skiing, golfing, and relaxing at the St. Lawrence River.

Ryan O’Connor, Wealth Management Advisor:

• Time with NM: Joined Northwestern Mutual in 2018. Early in his career, he was a multi-year Million Dollar Round Table recipient, Top 50 Advisor (years 1–4), and later founded his team-based firm, which now oversees $350 million in client assets.
• Prior Experience: Recognized nationally as a Top 10 fee-based planning advisor and Forbes Best-in-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisor (Top 50 in New York, 2024 & 2025). Holds multiple professional designations and continues advanced education through the American College of Financial Services and Exit Planning Institute.
• Passionate About: Actively engaged with community organizations such as the Financial Planning Association, Estate Planning Council, and Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, while also supporting local nonprofits focused on education, healthcare, and preservation. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys running, hiking, fishing, and time with his three children.

Ryan Preziosi, Wealth Management Advisor:

• Time with NM: Over 11 years, beginning as an intern and later earning Intern of the Year and Rookie of the Year.
• Prior Experience: Transitioned directly from the internship program into a successful full-time advisor career, consistently recognized for his performance and client relationships.
• Passionate About: Building lasting connections and helping clients achieve financial security. Ryan lives in Buffalo, where he enjoys golfing, spending time outdoors, and creating memories with family and friends. He is recently married to his wife and is a proud father to his daughter, who is currently in middle school.

About the Financial Representative Role: As a Financial Representative at Northwestern Mutual, you will be part of a team that helps individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals through personalized insurance solutions and financial planning. Your role involves building long-term relationships with clients, understanding their unique needs, and providing tailored financial solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Client Consultation: Engage with clients to understand their financial goals, aspirations, and concerns.
• Financial Planning: Develop comprehensive financial plans that include investments, insurance, and retirement.
• Insurance Solutions: Recommend and implement insurance strategies to protect clients' assets and income.
• Ongoing Support: Monitor clients' financial plans and provide regular updates, adjusting strategies as needed to meet changing circumstances.
• Networking: Build and maintain a network of clients through referrals, community involvement, and professional associations.

Qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Experience: Previous experience in financial services, insurance, or business development is beneficial but not required.
• Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to build trust and rapport with clients.
• Licenses: Obtain necessary licenses, such as Series 6, 63, and state insurance licenses (training and sponsorship available).

Benefits:

• Professional Development: Access to ongoing training and development programs, including sponsorship for advanced certifications.
• Income Potential: Competitive compensation structure including performance incentives, with no ceiling.
• Support and Mentorship: Comprehensive support from a dedicated planning team, marketing resources, and experienced mentors.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexibility to create a schedule that fits your lifestyle and goals.
• Retirement Benefits: Company-funded pension and contributions to PFGF—our version of a profit-sharing retirement plan designed to support your long-term financial future.
• Impact: Make a lasting impact by guiding individuals and families in your community towards financial security and success.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) and its subsidiaries in Milwaukee, WI. Nii Sowah is a Managing Partner for NM and is not in legal partnership with NM, or its subsidiaries.

Flexible work from home options available.