Freedom. Success. Financial Independence.
Since 1857, Northwestern Mutual has been helping people protect against financial risk and achieve financial security. Northwestern Mutual established its first office in Memphis in 1965. Under the direction of Managing Partner Edward A. Burch since 1980, the network office now serves the entire Mid-South area. In addition to the network office in Memphis, The Burch Group has District Network Offices in Jackson, TN, Little Rock, AR, Jonesboro, AR and Tupelo, MS.
Edward Burch, CLU, ChFC, Managing Partner
The ambition of Managing Partner, Edward Burch is to make a positive impact on all associates and their clientele by creating an environment of desire, confidence, consistency, and positive results.
Education, motivation, and empowerment are the tools by which this office enables its associates to envision and fulfill a successful future to better serve its clients.
The mission of Edward A. Burch and The Burch Group is to provide superior service to our clients while empowering the professional development of all people associated with this agency. We aim to accomplish this mission through an ever increasing field force of dedicated men and women committed to the ideals and high standards of our company.
There are currently 61 Financial Representatives in The Burch Group. Professional education abounds in this group, with 75% of the veteran representatives holding the Chartered Life Underwriter designation, and 54% of that group also holding the Chartered Financial Consultant and/or Certified Financial Planner designation. Two are Registered Health Underwriters, three have a PhD and another a JD.
The entire Burch Group family (representatives, associate financial representatives, assistants and agency staff) includes over 130 people, and the number is growing each year.
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network brings together the skills of representatives, the expertise of advisors and the technical know-how of a number of financial specialists to provide solutions for clients' financial goals and help you gain access to the products and services of a wide variety of organizations—each of which has a comprehensive understanding of a specific aspect of financial services.
And through The Network and The Burch Group, here are just a few of the products and services available to your clients:
Our Expertise
Just as your clients trust and rely on you to provide needs analysis and innovative solutions, you can trust and rely on The Burch Group and the Network to provide sound products and services for your clients.
You might conclude that no one person can be an expert in all financial matters. We agree. That's why we provide you and your clients with access to a nationwide network of representatives, advisors and specialists who will work with you to provide a full range of services.
Diversity
At The Burch Group, we are committed to reflecting our community and seek talented individuals who share our core values. As part of our overall growth strategy, we are committed to building and fostering a diverse organization of network representatives and specialists. We do so without regard to gender, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability or age.
We take pride in our unique strengths and the expertise we share with our clients. Our entire community can benefit from our expertise and can be rewarded with the advantages of the careers we offer. We will continue to be committed to reaching all segments of our community in which we live and conduct business.
Meet Managing Partner, Edward Burch
Edward Burch has been Managing Partner for The Burch Group since 1980.
"Before I joined the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, I was in a management training program with a Fortune 500 company. I came to Northwestern Mutual for a new opportunity and a chance to make an impact. "
"For example, I was working with a local and beloved high school football coach and was able to impact his family upon his death with significant funds that enabled the children to attend private schools and college, and his wife to remain a full-time mom. "
"I find the greatest reward here is helping people firmly put their best intentions together for their family and gaining the peace of mind that goes with that."
What it Takes to Succeed
"I am approaching 34 years with the Network with nine as a full-time representative and 25 as Managing Partner. I was fortunate to achieve many milestones, such as the youngest person to qualify for the Million Dollar Round Table back in 1972 and the youngest person to be a general agent in 1980."
"I sincerely believe being in this industry is the best paid hard work in the U.S. But it is both an unlimited opportunity and requires discipline, diligence, high integrity, good communication skills and a real caring for others. You must have it all to achieve real complete success."
Edward Burch is involved with many professional organizations. He is the past president of both the General Agents and Managers Association and the Memphis Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals. Ed is currently an executive committee member with the Managing Partners Association of Northwestern Mutual and a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.
He is also associated with the Memphis Regional Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business.
Active in the community, Ed is a former trustee on the Board of St. Agnes Academy. Ed has served on the Executive Advisory council of the Dean of the School of Business of the University of Memphis.
An Opportunity to Succeed
Successful financial representatives with The Burch Group experience tremendous pride and satisfaction in building a practice from the ground up. Their success is not a factor of luck or chance; it's the result of a productive work ethic, strong relationship skills and a level of professionalism second to none. A mission of doing what's right for our clients is the thread that weaves together our organization.
The goal is not to simply sell products, but to discover clients' needs and help to meet them. That means taking the time to understand each person's financial situation, values and goals.
This career offers:
The ability to meet new people and positively impact families, businesses and communities as you help to achieve their goals and dreams
An entrepreneurial opportunity to own your own business
A high degree of support and training, plus ongoing curriculum for educational growth and personal development
The flexibility of a career that allows you to focus on things of importance to you
Earnings where you are directly rewarded for your efforts
A strong team culture and the opportunity to work with a variety of specialists and advisors
Exclusive access to a variety of world-class solutions and services, including life insurance from Northwestern Mutual
Leadership and development opportunities
Your Development
You'll have assistance in developing your business and marketing plans, extensive training and coaching from certified trainers.
New representatives receive initial industry and sales training as well as mentoring and joint work programs for hands-on experience. They have access to on-line education resources for polishing skills and keeping up to date on industry information as well as exposure to opportunities for ongoing career education and advanced professional designations to increase their knowledge and reputation.
Your Business
We know that building your own business is difficult without help. As a financial representative with The Burch Group, you will be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. The Burch Group will provide you with support in your training and development, so you don't have to do it alone.
We take pride in our unique strengths and the expertise we share with our clients. Our communities can benefit from our expertise and can be rewarded with the advantages of the careers offered through the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.
If you're ready to be your own boss, set your own hours and make a positive impact on people's lives everyday, then turn your dreams into reality and find out what a career as a Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Representative with The Burch Group can do for you.
The Benefits of Your Success
Your career as a financial representative is what you make of it. You have the freedom to balance your hard work and determination with your personal goals. In the beginning of your career, it takes a tremendous amount of time, energy and commitment to earn the flexibility and financial rewards you will enjoy later on. You can achieve financial independence and have a positive impact on your clients, your family and your own community.
Income
A financial representative's income potential is virtually unlimited. Earnings are directly related to sales results and client relationships. Financial representatives are compensated through commissions, renewals and bonuses.
Our top producer group, The Forum, had a median gross income of over $410,800 in 2004.
First-year, average gross income during 2002-2004 for financial representatives ranged from $38,900 to $83,900.
Benefit Package
Whether you are single or married with a family, Northwestern Mutual's benefit package will address the various stages of a full-time financial representative's life. These benefits include: Comprehensive Medical Coverage, Retirement, Flex Programs, Childcare/Eldercare, Maternity Leave, Group Life and Accidental Death Benefit, Disability Income Insurance. Your local network office can provide additional information.
Lifestyle
When you invest the time and hard work necessary to build a successful practice as a financial representative, you can enjoy the rare and envied reward of balancing work with your personal goals. You can arrange your schedule so you may have three or four appointments a day, and still have time to participate in your children's school programs, community involvement or leisure-time activities.
Build a business that allows you to schedule meetings to accommodate your clients' schedules and your own.
Impact
The goal of the Network is not to simply sell products, but to discover clients' needs and provide solutions to meet them. That means taking the time to understand each person's financial situation, values and goals. Every solution you implement may help secure the financial future of your clients, their families, their businesses and your community.
You can experience the rewards of a career in which you can have a daily, positive impact on people's lives, including your own.
Meet some of the members of our Team
Successful financial representatives with The Burch Group experience tremendous pride and satisfaction in building a practice from the ground up. Their success is not a factor of luck or chance; it's the result of a productive work ethic, strong relationship skills and a level of professionalism second to none.
A mission of doing what's right for our clients is the thread that weaves together our organization. Meet some of The Burch Group financial representatives that exemplify this mission.
Career Opportunities
Through The Burch Group, our financial representatives have advancement opportunities into management and specialist opportunities. Learn more about some of our team members:
Raymond L. Bertasi, CLU, ChFC, Managing Director Raymond Bertasi works as Managing Director of The Bertasi Financial Group. In addition to maintaining a strong personal practice, he plays a key role in the career development of other Financial Representatives
Chris Myers, Ph.D., Field Director
As the Field Director, Chris Myers assists in the recruitment and selection process of candidates in order to build a cohesive unit of productive full-time Financial Representatives.
Roderic Parker, CLU, ChFC, Managing Director Roderic Parker works as Managing Director of The Parker Financial Group. In addition to maintaining a strong personal practice, he plays a key role in the career development of other Financial Representatives
Mike Callahan, Long Term Care Specialist Mike Callahan serves as the office's long term care specialist helping individual and corporate clients understand their long-term care needs and designs solutions tailored to their unique situation.
Mark Steven Scott, Sr. Investment Specialistbr>
As the Investment Specialist, Mark Steven Scott provides expertise in helping individual and business clients with their wealth accumulation and wealth preservation needs.
Bart M. Berretta, RHU, Employee Benefits Specialist Bart Beretta prepares a comprehensive analysis of a client's employee benefits program, and then designs a program to meet the unique needs of that company. Strategic Employee Benefit Services is a nationwide marketing program offered through Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Representatives.
William Landers, Executive Benefits Specialist Bill Landers is the Executive Benefits Specialist of The Burch Group. He heads the Memphis office of the TODD Organization, which is housed in the Network Office.
Career Insights
Read what some of the members of The Burch Group have to say about their careers:
Cynthia Williams, Financial Representative
Cindy Williams has been a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 1984.
Before becoming a Financial Representative, I sold Lanier Business Products. I chose the Network because there is no limit on income or territory.
The greatest reward is being able to be a mom and not miss any programs, volunteer opportunity, church or school functions. I have the freedom to choose. When asked what the greatest challenge is, I don’t see any challenges – only opportunities. Early on in my career, I learned how to fully understand my work’s impact on people’s lives. Along the way, I also learned I can do anything!
Career Advice
I’ve got 21 years down, 20 to go! If you love serving people and making a difference, this is the career for you. If I had a ‘do overs’ I’d do it again! Our company is differentiated by the quality of products and ascertaining the clients’ personal needs.
Raymond Bertasi, Financial Representative Raymond Bertasi was raised in a family that strongly believed in service to others.
Bertasi, CLU, ChFC, CFP®, and managing director with The Burch Group's district network office in Little Rock, Ark., always knew he wanted a career that helped people. And after earning his business degree he knew he wanted to earn a substantial living to support his family. The two purposes intersected in 1973. Bertasi found Northwestern Mutual during a time when the national sentiment emphasized people helping one another. “Every day I appreciate that I am fortunate to have found a career that combined my ability to help people through long-term, lasting relationships with the means to support my family.”
Leadership role intensifies reach
Bertasi started thinking about becoming a managing director a few months after joining the organization. “I realized early that assuming the role of managing director would extend my reach. When you bring someone into the business and teach them what you know, and then they help many other people, what you're doing is multiplying your dream.”
Thoughtful approach
Bertasi labels himself a plotter, so moving from financial representative to managing director – and everything else he has done – is well-thought. He expects the same from financial representatives, and seeks people who have given considerable thought to the career before jumping in. “I don't encourage people whose top motivation is money. They make it for awhile, but real success comes to people who have a deep desire to help people, maintain long-term relationships, with the end-result of a strong income that supports the lifestyle of their choosing.”
The rewards, according to Bertasi, will follow when the motivation is right.
Internships
Whether you know where your college education is taking you or you're still keeping your options open, you owe it to yourself to see if Northwestern Mutual Financial Network's Internship program with The Burch Group is right for you.
As you learn by doing, you'll find that the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Internship Program is an intense and according to our alumni -- unparalleled learning experience. Expect the process to be rewarding, educational and an opportunity for you to narrow your career search.
Our internships provide a great chance for students to combine what they've learned in the classroom with a real-life look into what they could truly make of themselves. You'll have the chance to work in a real-world business environment and earn performance-based compensation.
The ambition of the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Internship program has been less to sell our financial products than to develop people. As a Financial Representative College Intern, you will enjoy the benefit of working with The Burch Group where you'll receive outstanding guidance, superior support and quality expertise.
As full-time college students, interns generally work 15 to 20 hours per week developing business- and client-building skills. In most ways, our interns follow the same process for establishing their careers as our Financial Representatives.
Our internship offers you invaluable business experience that you will take with you far into your career. But that's just the start of the impact this can have on your future and your present.
Consider these benefits:
Practical guidance in your career selection process
The chance to develop your networking and business relationship skills
Flexible work schedule
Securities license, state licenses for life, health and accident insurance opportunities and a head start program for a career as a full-time Financial Representative
Compensation in the same manner as a full-time Financial Representative.
Actual business experience for your resume.
Test drive the Financial Representative career.
Regardless of what you do after graduation, you'll have a foundation of skills and knowledge to build your career upon. One out of three former interns becomes a full-time Financial Representative upon graduation. These graduates have built a solid foundation for immediate and future career success.
The two-thirds who choose other career paths benefit as well. They launch their career with stronger business-building skills and a clearer sense of where they want their career to take them.
After completing the internship, the knowledge you have gained, coupled with the opportunity to work for The Burch Group as a full-time Financial Representative, can lead you to a profitable and fulfilling future.
The Northwestern Mutual Advantage
Northwestern Mutual exists to help policyowners and clients protect against financial risk and achieve financial security. The company, with its subsidiaries and affiliates, offers insurance products, investment products and advisory services that address client needs for financial security and protection, capital accumulation, asset distribution and estate preservation.
With more than 350 offices across the United States, 3 million policyowners and clients, $18 billion in annual revenues and $133 billion in assets, you can count on Northwestern Mutual to help you build strong financial futures for your clients.
The company's tradition of "doing the right thing" has been honored and nurtured by successive generations within Northwestern Mutual and recognized in the industry and media.
World's Most Admired--Northwestern Mutual is the "World's Most Admired" company in its industry, according to FORTUNE magazine's annual survey of industry executives and analysts. For Northwestern Mutual, it is the seventh year as the top life/health insurance company in the magazine's global survey.
First in Customer Satisfaction-- For the third year in a row, Northwestern Mutual has earned the highest customer satisfaction score among U.S. life insurers, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index's (ACSI) survey. Northwestern Mutual's industry leading score can be found in the ACSI's fourth quarter of 2005 consumer study, focusing on retail trade, e-commerce, banks and insurance.
America's Most Admired--According to the March 7, 2006, FORTUNE magazine survey, Northwestern Mutual has been named "America's Most Admired" life insurance company for 23 years.
One of America's Top Ten Internships for 2006--"Northwestern Mutual Financial Network has made our Top 10 list for ten consecutive years, proving its internship program to be consistently among the best." Internship Informants™, Vault, inc., 20006.
Selling Power's 50 Best Companies to Sell For--Northwestern Mutual was ranked as the 2nd best and 4th largest service company (November/December 2005).
Financial Ratings--The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (Northwestern Mutual), the nation's largest direct provider of individual life insurance, according to statistics compiled from A. M. Best data, has always received the best possible insurance financial strength ratings from the four major rating services: Standard & Poor's (AAA), Fitch Ratings (AAA), A. M. Best (A++) and Moody's (Aaa).
Top 100 Employers--Ranked 22nd in The Black Collegian's "Top 100 Employer and The Majors in Demand" for the Class of 2005.
Largest Direct Provider of Life Insurance--According to statistics compiled from A. M. Best data, Northwestern Mutual is the largest direct provider of life insurance.
Community Support--The Northwestern Mutual Foundation supports nearly 1,500 schools and nonprofit organizations each year. Last year, the Foundation contributed nearly $13 million ($12,534,005) in national and Milwaukee-area grants.
2006 Dividend--Northwestern Mutual's overall dividend payout to policyowners for 2006 is expected to be $4.27 billion, an increase of $360 million, the largest single increase in company history. This ongoing success, fostered by the company's tradition of "doing the right thing," has been honored and nurtured by successive generations within Northwestern Mutual.
Edward Burch, CLU, ChFC, Managing Partner
Meet Managing Partner, Edward Burch
Cynthia Williams, Financial Representative
Cindy Williams has been a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network since 1984.
Raymond Bertasi, Financial Representative