Client Advisor with Competitive Drive

Northwestern Mutual - Cedar Rapids; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement

Bonus based on performance

Company parties

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Training & development

Vision insurance

Job summary

Northwestern Mutual - Cedar Rapids is seeking a financially motivated Financial Advisor to help clients protect assets, plan for retirement, and build lasting wealth. You’ll tailor strategies for individuals and families, review plans regularly, and grow your practice through referrals and local networking.

The role emphasizes teamwork, ongoing training, and sponsorship for licenses (Series 6, 63, and state insurance).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred, but not required.
• Experience in financial services or business development beneficial but not required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to build trust with clients.
• Willingness to obtain required licenses, including Series 6, 63, and state insurance licenses — training and sponsorship available.

Responsibilities

• Meet with clients to assess their financial goals, aspirations, and concerns
• Develop comprehensive financial plans covering investments, insurance, and retirement
• Recommend and implement insurance strategies to protect clients' assets and income
• Monitor clients' financial plans and adjust strategies as circumstances change
• Build and maintain a client network through referrals, community involvement, and professional associations

Skills

Teamwork

Resilience

Goal orientation

Discipline and time management

Competitive drive

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Benefits

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

Do You Have a Competitive Drive?

Whether it came from sports, sales, the classroom, or somewhere else entirely — that drive to compete, set goals, and push yourself further is exactly what it takes to build a career in financial services. Northwestern Mutual's Cedar Rapids office is looking for competitive, driven people ready to channel that energy into building a career — and a practice — of their own.

Location

401 1st St SE, Suite 401, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

Why Competitors Thrive Here

The traits that make athletes successful on the field translate directly to this work:

• Teamwork: Success here depends on collaboration, just like in sports — supporting teammates and clients toward shared goals.
• Resilience: Athletes are used to facing setbacks and pushing through them, which matters when building a client base from the ground up.
• Goal orientation: Setting and chasing targets is second nature — and directly translates to managing a book of business.
• Discipline and time management: Balancing training, competition, and academics builds habits that carry over to managing a client portfolio and meeting deadlines.
• Competitive drive: The instinct to be the best fuels continuous improvement and strong client service.

About the Role

As a Financial Advisor, you'll work with clients to understand their financial needs and build personalized strategies to protect their assets, income, and long-term security. You'll regularly review and update client plans to reflect changing circumstances, and grow your practice through referrals, community involvement, and professional networking.

Responsibilities

• Meet with clients to assess their financial goals, aspirations, and concerns
• Develop comprehensive financial plans covering investments, insurance, and retirement
• Recommend and implement insurance strategies to protect clients' assets and income
• Monitor clients' financial plans and adjust strategies as circumstances change
• Build and maintain a client network through referrals, community involvement, and professional associations

What You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree preferred, but not required
• Previous experience in financial services or business development is beneficial but not required
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to build trust and rapport with clients
• Willingness to obtain required licenses, including Series 6, 63, and state insurance licenses — training and sponsorship available

What We Offer

• Ongoing training and development, including sponsorship for advanced certifications
• Performance-based compensation that grows with your production
• Comprehensive support from a dedicated planning team, marketing resources, and experienced mentors
• Flexibility to build a schedule around your lifestyle and goals
• Company-funded pension and PFGF profit-sharing contributions
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact guiding individuals and families toward financial security

Meet the Team

Kalvin Grabau Keele, ChFC, CLU, RICP — Managing Partner / Wealth Management Advisor 20 years with NM Started as a college intern and never left — two decades later, he leads the office through advanced planning and leadership roles. "Faith, family, and fun" sums up what drives him outside the office.

Ben Frazier — District Director 5 years with NM Before financial services, Ben served as a Medical Officer in the Army National Guard. That same commitment to service now shows up in his involvement with the community, alongside a love of music festivals, travel, and kickboxing.

Kate Berry — Financial Advisor 2 years with NM Once headed for law school, Kate found her path here instead. When she's not with clients, she's likely on the farm with her cattle and horses, or coaching kids through Upward Sports.

Kyle Reeve — Financial Advisor 3 years with NM A former teacher and school principal with 15 years in public education, Kyle brought that same patience and dedication into advising. Family, church, and the golf course fill his time outside work.

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