Financial Advisor with Healthcare Background

Benefits:

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

Transition Your Healthcare Expertise into Financial Services with Northwestern Mutual - Buffalo District!


Leverage Your Healthcare Background for a Rewarding Career:

• Build Direct Client Relationships: Professionals from healthcarewhether it's pharma, medical sales, or clinical rolesare drawn to financial services because it allows them to work directly with clients, offering personalized advice rather than working through intermediaries.
• Make a Meaningful Impact: Use your knowledge and experience in healthcare to guide clients through critical life stages. Whether its helping individuals plan for medical expenses, retirement, or higher education, your insights can help clients secure their financial futures and improve their lives.
• Unlimited Growth Potential: As healthcare professionals understand the complexities of lifes important decisions, they know that each life stage brings new financial planning needs. Your ambition, dedication, and expertise will determine how far you can go in this fulfilling career.
• A Rewarding Career Path: Transition to a career where you can build long-term relationships, create meaningful outcomes for your clients, and make a lasting impact, all while using your healthcare expertise to navigate the financial landscape.

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

Meet Our Leaders:

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 Childrens 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 OConnor, 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 14), 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 Us: The Buffalo District of Northwestern Mutual is dedicated to growing people and building futures. We foster a bold, modern, and energized culture where excellence is the standard and purpose drives our work. Committed to giving back, we support our community through service projects and causes such as Alexs Lemonade Stand and Camp Good Days. By helping families achieve lasting financial security and investing in the success of our team, we create meaningful impact in the lives we touch.

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.

Position Perks:

• Significant bonus opportunity commensurate with outcomes
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance
• Ongoing professional development
• Local culture of support and positive recognition

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).

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

Flexible work from home options available.