CORNERSTONE CONNECTION

Reflecting on 40 Years, and Staying Relevant

2010-11-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

Cornerstone Connect: Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me today, Bob, and congratulations on your 40 years with Northwestern Mutual! I am excited to learn more about you and your career, and also how you keep your future looking bright! But first, please give us a little background. What was life like before starting with Northwestern Mutual?

Bob: I guess you could say my life before NML was quite similar to what it is now. Busy. I was a college student working 2 different jobs, all while being a musician in a rock ‘n roll band. We were a popular 6-piece cover band, sometimes playing up to 6 nights a week. It wasn’t until after my fourth year in the business that I gave up the music gig.

Cornerstone Connect: Rocker to Rep, that’s awesome. How were you introduced to NML?

Bob: I was recruited right after I graduated from Dominican College by an outside recruiting firm who was working with NML. Although I didn’t score as high as they would have liked me to on the aptitude tests, managing partner at the time, Jack Formella, believed very strongly that I could overcome those results with a strong work ethic and more exposure to the insurance industry.

Cornerstone Connect: At what point did you realize that this was the career for you?

Bob: Once I started in the business, I kept setting 6 month goals for myself to see if it was something that I was really cut out for. At first, I don’t even think I ever realized the potential of the career I had begun, until looking back at what I accomplished in the first 4 years. That’s when I really started to see how rewarding of a career this could be if I continued to pay attention and work hard.

Cornerstone Connect: What is it that’s so rewarding about what you do, that keeps you going?

Bob: The most rewarding things in this career are the relationships you are able to build with people, and also having the flexibility to be able to plan and manage your own time. I am very motivated by the continued evolution of this business and the growing opportunities within the marketplace. It is also the respect I’ve earned and been shown from my clients and other business professionals that psychologically keeps me in the game.

Cornerstone Connect: What advice would you give to new reps?

Bob: Really look at your work schedule each week, and make sure you are working towards “high-life” activity. The bigger premiums will come as your clientele ages. As you more fully develop your skills through education and joint work you will gain confidence. Challenge yourself to larger prospects because it will help you learn and grow faster. Always listen to your prospects closely and make note of their feelings, not just the facts. Always deliver on your promises and service.

Hiking for Hunger & Feeding America!

2010-10-04T13:23:00.001-07:00

Check out Maria Roloff, Kate Napientek, Ashlei Peckels, & JoAnn Klandrud as they finish the 5K Hike for Hunger on Saturday, September 25th, benefitting the Feeding America Foundation. GREAT JOB, LADIES!!

Celebrating 45 Years in the Business!

2010-08-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

Cornerstone Connect: Bob, congratulations on 45 years with Northwestern Mutual! How did you join NML in the first place?

Bob: I was with Lincoln National Life right out of college and my prospective father-in-law back then asked me what I did for a living. I told him I sold insurance, and he said with whom. I said Lincoln National Life. He then asked me why I was not with Northwestern Mutual, the finest insurance company in America. And I had no good answer. He was a banker in Madison for 40 plus years and knew about these things. Shortly thereafter I called the only Northwestern rep I knew, Mike Holden. I set up an interview with his then district agent, Harold Pritchard, in Whitefish Bay (now the Formella Agency in Mequon). When I met the people in the office, I knew that's where I wanted to be. The rest is history.

Cornerstone Connect: What do you like most about the business?

Bob: What I like most about the business is making a significant impact on people's lives by the work that we do. I also like the freedom on the back-end of my career to continue to work and enjoy my freedom.

Cornerstone Connect: Any advice for new financial reps?

Bob: I spoke at the friendship lunch at the Chicago regional meeting several years ago, and the title of my talk was “Pay Me Now or Pay Me Later: Hang in there; it really does get easier.” That would be my advice. As I've said to a lot of new reps, it is “Top Gun” school. Everybody thinks they're pretty hot stuff coming in, but it takes a special person to survive in this business.

Congratulations on 20 Years!

2010-05-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

Jim started working for a property and casualty insurance company when he graduated from U.W.-Whitewater in 1977. After 12 years, he had been promoted several times and was a Regional Underwriting Manager. He didn’t find middle management in a large company rewarding and was looking to make a career change. In 1987, he received his CFP designation. In December of 1989, Jim's boss resigned from the company after philosophical differences with the President of the company. His boss had previously worked at Prudential for 10 years so Jim called him to get a referral to talk to someone at Prudential. He told Jim he should look at NML and not Prudential. Jim thought that to be rather odd as he had spoken very highly of Prudential. He asked him why, and he suggested to go to the library(no internet back then) and research the two companies. Jim took his advice and it was clear that NML was far better than Prudential and the best in the industry. Jim took Friday afternoon off and came down and knocked on the door of the Goris Group and asked to talk to someone regarding a career with NML. He met with Mark Gmach and shortly after that left corporate life to start in the insurance and investment industry in 2/1990.
Jim's advice to new representatives is to follow the activity plan that your management gives you. It’s a numbers game and it all starts with phoning and introducing yourself to prospects to help them identify their needs and helping them solve their problems. Don’t try to fight the system, just execute the activity goals. Also, work towards professional designations early in your career. It helps to build your confidence and make you more professional in the eyes of your clients.

Congratulations on 25 Years!

2010-05-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

Marge started her career as a buyer for Kirk, Meyer & Kahn in Evansville, Indiana. When she decided it was time to move from Indiana, she interviewed in Seattle Washington with Tom O'Brien who was the General Agent (Managing Partner) at the time. She was eventually connected with Tom Sr., contracted, and started her career in Milwaukee. Marge worked out of the Milwaukee office for 15 years then made a move west, so she could be closer to clientele. For all 25 years at NML, Marge has worked with her husband Cliff who Marge calls, "the brains" of the operation. Marge refers to herself as "the braun!" Marge is a life-qualifying MDRT member, has received the National Quality Award, and Sales Achievement Reward. She is the proud grandmother of Amelia and Ian. Marge's advice to new representatives is to service clients the best you can, because 20 years from now, they will be your good friends; and what you do now, will affect you in 25 years.

You Asked, We Delivered!

2010-05-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

Several of you requested to have access to Tom Jr. pages as well as his book list, and we have given you just that! Tom's blog can be found at http://www.tomjrscorner.blogspot.com/. You can also access it from this blog by going to the links list on the right hand side and clicking the image. The pages are listed chronilogically and you can access the actual page by clicking on the link below the image of the Tom Jr. page.

HuNgRy To HeLp?

2010-03-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

Please join us on Thursday, April 1st in the GA lobby for our annual bake sale. This year, all proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross. If you would like to donate desserts, please contact Jamie Joyal. Remember, donations of $25 or more are eligilble for Tom's match program. We hope to see you there!

Freezin' for a Reason!

2010-03-11T13:50:00.000-08:00

As many of you heard, Cassie Kadlec, our Technology Coach, recently participated in the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics. The Polar Plunge is a cool event where supporters raise pledges and jump into frozen bodies of water. Money raised in the Polar Plunge provides funding for nearly 10,000 athletes with cognitive disabilities to reach for the gold. This year, the event raised over $60,000!
Thanks to many of you, Cassie raised over $1,100 for Special Olympics of southeastern Wisconsin and was one of the top individual “plungers” for fundraising. She got to meet a few of the athletes that this program helps support and learned that jumping into chilly Lake Michigan on a sunny March afternoon is definitely worth it!

Congratulations to our January '10 Class!

2010-01-28T07:28:00.000-08:00

L to R: Steve Flack (Oak Creek), Dugan Hettich (Downtown), Steven Kast (Oak Creek), Jon Solum (Oak Creek)

I finally got my pics back from Central...

2009-11-10T11:15:00.000-08:00

...and now it's already time to register again! Don't forget to register for Central Regional Meetings. Go to LINKnet; News & Events; Regional Meetings; Central; Registration. See you there! (All first time attendees, please contact your office for further details.)

Halloween at Cornerstone

2009-10-30T13:16:00.001-07:00

Interns Visit Boys & Girls Club

2009-10-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

Recently, our College Intern program had the opportunity to spend time at the Boys and Girls Club. It was such a rewarding time meeting youth. We received such great feedback from Interns and the recruiting team that we would like to participate in this event every 2rd Friday from 3-5pm. We are extending this invitation to the entire agency to participate. If you would like to participate, please contact Kate Napientek for an application.

September Fastrack Class

2009-10-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

Matt Grube (Brookfield), Chris Taylor (Downtown), Jake Wasechek (Downtown), Barry Fies (Mequon), John Smith (Brookfield), Scott Melvin (Brookfield), Tom Something (?)

Congratulations to our September Class!!

Katie's Farewell Luncheon

2009-09-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Katie on her new opportunity. She will be working as an academic counselor at Marquette University. We will miss her so much at Cornerstone Financial Group!

Intern Event at Westmoor Country Club

2009-08-11T06:37:00.000-07:00

Our College Interns assisted at a golf event where all proceeds were donated to the Kidney Foundation. The interns were in charge of checking in the golfers.

Have you ever won a drawing at the Annual Meeting Exhibits?

2009-08-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

Katie has. She won this FABULOUS Northwestern Mutual collector's plate--something that will never go out of style!

Annual Meeting

2009-08-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

David & Molly Fritz

Jeff Weil

Mark Neumann--livin' la vida loca!

2009-06-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

Racine's Texas Hold 'Em Referral Event

2009-05-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

People received chips per FR referral, and Steven ended up winning the prize.

Meet Our April '09 Class

2009-04-30T16:59:00.001-07:00

(L to R) Heather Welch (Racine), Brad Schnell (Downtown), Grant Groves (Downtown), and some other guy (looks like he has a lot of enthusiasm--maybe he'll do alright)

A Special Visit from Kate and Eli

2009-04-24T06:40:00.000-07:00

NML - In Mexico

2009-03-25T06:14:00.000-07:00

In case you can't tell, Laura is the last leg of the "M", and Libby is the last leg of the "L".

Congratulations, Karen!!

2009-03-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Karen for obtaining her black belt!

This One Can't Wait Until Friday

2009-03-10T08:47:00.001-07:00

To enlarge photo, just click on it. For the answer, click on the comment section.

I went for a factfinder, and this is what I got...

2009-03-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

Beat Cancer Bake Sale

2009-03-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, February 5th, our agency held a "Beat Cancer Bake Sale." We earned over $2400, and all of the proceeds were donated to the American Cancer Society. Thanks for all who participated and contributed!

Central Regional Meetings 2009

2009-03-09T15:09:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our January '09 Class!

2009-01-28T06:36:00.000-08:00

Mike Gumina (Mequon), Amanda Buzdum (Downtown), Maria Nicholas-Groves (Downtown), Nancy Phillips (Racine), Maria Roloff (Downtown), Chris Bernard (Downtown)

Lake Geneva "Meetings"

2009-01-28T06:35:00.000-08:00

Cedarburg Junior Woman's Club Pink Makeover

2009-01-27T07:47:00.000-08:00

Cedarburg Junior Woman’s Club Presents…
The Ultimate Pink Makeover
The Lucky Winner Will Receive A Total Makeover Including:

Skin rejuvenation (erasing years from your face!),
Botox and/or Fillers, Laser Hair Removal & Collagen Building
By Aspen Medical Aesthetics and
Laser Clinic

Hair Cut, Color and Style, Makeup and Nails
By Impressions

Boot Camp Training By Fitness Together

LASIK Vision Correction by Dr. Martha Jay

Teeth Whitening/Cosmetic Enhancements
From Dr. Kurt Kwiatkowski
In addition, 3 lucky winners will receive a “mini-makeover” which includes photofacial rejuvenation, botox, hair, nails, makeup AND 5 sessions of "boot camp".
Tickets on Sale! 1~$10 or 3~$25
(Contact (262)375-4319 or (262)376-9978 for additional information and to purchase tickets)
Winner to be announced at the Wearable Art Show held at the Cedarburg Cultural Center
Proceeds benefit Breast Cancer education and prevention
in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Brookfield Office Christmas Donation

2008-12-30T08:38:00.000-08:00

These are gifts the Brookfield Office purchased and donated to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission for their annual gift collection drive.

Our Cornerstone Beauty Queens

2008-12-30T08:35:00.000-08:00

A Big Thank You from the GA Staff

2008-12-30T08:26:00.000-08:00

We just wanted to say thank you to the FRs who gave all of the GA Staff Christmas Gifts. We appreciate your generosity!

Steak and Dogs Party

2008-11-14T08:07:00.001-08:00

Trick or Treat at Cornerstone!

2008-11-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

Davis as Obama

Congratulations, Kate and Tim!

2008-11-12T10:09:00.000-08:00

Kate and Tim were married on Saturday, November 1. Of course, Kate looked absolutely beautiful. We all wish Kate and Tim the best of luck! Congratulations!

So this is what they do at their "meetings"...

2008-09-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

2009 Management Retreat--Elkhart Lake, WI

Congratulations, Stephen and Marilyn!

2008-08-22T18:48:00.000-07:00

Stephen and Marilyn were engaged on Friday, August 22. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Welcome to Cornerstone, David!!

2008-08-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

Joan's son, David, was in town visiting from California where he is finishing up his chiropractic schooling. He brought us lunch and stayed around to eat and visit. Thanks for stopping by, David. Come again! Joan also got some exciting news on Thursday. Her other son, Noah, and his wife are having a baby! Joan's going to be a grandma! Congratulations!

Go Brewers!

2008-08-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

On Monday, August 18, Mike, Libby, Mohi, Annette, Bob Heiderman, Bob Chmielewski, and Jim hosted the GA staff at the Brewer's Game. We had a great night that started with some fantastic tailgating and ended with the Brewers beating the Astros. These fellas know how to throw a party!Thanks for a fantastic evening!

Cheers to our great hosts!

Annual Meeting Pics

2008-08-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday!!

2008-07-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

Today is not only the birthday of our own Tom Goris but also of Niki Hillsman and Laura Mueller. We celebrated with blueberry pie, icecream, and brownies! Happy Birthday, Tom, Niki, and Laura!

The Next Print Ad for Cornerstone Financial!

2008-07-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

This is Nina watching and supporting her mom, Kirsten Hinz, as Kirsten competed in her first triathlon. We are so proud of Kirsten for all of her hard work. Kirsten finished in the top five for her age group and in the top 25 overall.

July Fast Track Training

2008-07-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

Cornerstone Financial welcomes Jeannie Fowle! Jeannie our long-time trainer graced us with her presence as we welcomed our July class. Thanks, Jeannie. See you again in September!

Kast's Annual Intern BBQ

2008-06-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

Back Row (L to R): Debbie (Steven's mom), Ryan Wilke, Missy, Stephen, Michelle, Ann (Michelle's roommate), Kristin (Jeremy's fiance'), Jeremy, Courtney; Middle Row: Tyler, Mindy, Amanda, Erin, Jane, Scott (Jane's boyfriend), Sam, Jairo (Luz's husband); Front Row: Luz, Monica, Steven

Tom's Staff Appreciation Party

2008-06-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

Cassie & Maria
Joan & Scott
Jennie & Kirsten
Kate & Aubri
Haley, Katie, Jamie, Kirsten, & Joan

On Thursday, June 19, Tom held his annual Staff Appreciation Party. The evening started off with drinks, food, and pleasant conversation on the patio. And then, the real party started...Rock Band!

Jamie & Kirsten
Tommy G
Aubri, Katie, & Haley
Scott
Haley

We had a great time at Tom's house. Who would have guessed we were all such rockers at heart?! Thanks for the party, Tom!

DI Power of 10 Brewer's Game

2008-06-22T14:54:00.001-07:00

MIssy, Hans, Gina, & Jeff

Darin & Mindy

Aubri, Tom, & Kate

Marilyn & Stephen

More Recognition Dinner Pics...

2008-06-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

Friday Flashback!

2008-06-09T11:18:00.001-07:00

The girl in the middle should look familiar to you all.

2008 Recognition Dinner

2008-06-07T18:16:00.001-07:00

David Fritz, Jerry David, Jeff Weil, Steven Kast, Stephen Mascitti

Cookie and Tom Goris, Sr.

Charlie and Katie Eggert

Bill and Michelle Casper

Sherman and Esther On

Thursday, June 5 was Cornerstone's annual Recognition Dinner. As always, everyone had a great time and looked fantastic!

This One's a Double Flashback!!

2008-05-29T10:12:00.001-07:00

You'll get two points if you can guess who both of these girls are!

Friday Flashback---Guess Who!

2008-05-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

Always on the phone...good thing she has a headset, now! Take a guess! Who is it?

Friday Flashback Returns!!!

2008-04-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

Note: These are NOT photo-shopped. An entreupeneur from the beginning...

Doesn't look like a Cadilac to me...

Perhaps wrestling would have been a more suitable sport?

It's Friday Flashback!!

2008-03-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

Love the car; love the hair; LOVE the shorts!!

Somebody Has a Crush...

2008-03-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

This is Davis Sheppard with a picture of Anna Maria Goris. Looks like he likes the older ladies! Warning from Tom: Warn Davis that she is gonna be expensive!

Cedarburg Jr. Woman's Club Wearable Art Show

2008-03-18T14:06:00.001-07:00

On April 4-5, 2008, the Cedarburg Junior Woman’s Club will host the 11th annual Wearable Art Show at the Cedarburg Cultural Center W62 N546 Washington Ave in downtown Cedarburg. This show benefits breast cancer education, prevention and treatment. Over 40 unique vendors will market their hand made clothing, jewelry and handbags. Saturday’s hours are 9:30-4:00, the entrance fee is $5.oo. The show is kicked off with The Pink Tie Affair, a preview event, on Friday evening from 7:00-9:00pm. This is a great opportunity to shop while enjoying appetizers, desserts, music and a cash bar. Tickets are $10.00 in advance $12.00 at the door. The weekend festivities also include a walk. The 3rd annual Bosom Buddy Walk starts Saturday morning at 9:00. This is a 1, 2 or 3 mile walk beginning on the corner of Washington and Mill, in downtown Cedarburg. The registration fee for the walk is $20.00.

To purchase tickets to the Pink Tie Affair or register for the walk, please contact Haley Hill at hill106@sbcglobal.net.

No Hints for This Friday's Flashback...

2008-03-14T06:17:00.001-07:00

Making a fashion statement way back in the day!

Hmmm, what do I want to be when I grow up?

Ahh, looks like a true Financial Representative...

Friday Flashback!!

2008-03-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

Can you guess which one became a Managing Partner? Clue: This person prefers his reps to be clean shaven. Any guesses?

Tyler is a celebrity!!

2008-03-06T14:10:00.000-08:00

A Moment of Silence Please...

2008-03-05T09:49:00.000-08:00

Ahhh...The Perfect Fit!

2008-02-29T14:43:00.000-08:00

Welcome back, Kate! We are so glad to have Kate back with us. We missed her so much!

Warm Weather Contest - Mexico

2008-02-29T14:11:00.000-08:00

Bryan & Elizabeth Beauchamp
Sy & Katie Maleki
Pat & Jill Marget
Hans & Lisa Myklebust

Our Financial Reps and their spouses just returned from the Warm Weather Contest Trip in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Here are a few pictures of the trip. As always, a good time was had by all. We are glad to have everyone back!

Rescue Me...

2008-02-19T13:57:00.000-08:00

Last Time Tom had the Interns Over...

2008-02-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

Intern Hot Tub Party

2008-02-18T10:31:00.000-08:00

On January 10, the interns and CUDs joined Tom at his home for a hot tub party. A good time was had by all as they enjoyed sandwiches, drinks, and sitting in the hot tub in the snow.

Congratulations, Michael and Melissa!

2008-02-12T09:15:00.000-08:00

Diana Therese Sheppard was born on Monday, February 11th at 1:37p.m. She weighed in at 8 pounds and 1 ounce and measured 20 inches. Congratulations to the Sheppard family!

We'll Miss You, Jenny!

2008-02-12T09:10:00.000-08:00

Jenny Merrick's last day was January 31st. We will miss Jenny and her "funny Thursdays". Jenny will be assisting her friend in opening a new Fleet Feet store in Brookfield. We better all get a good discount (this means from you Jenny). Good luck, Jenny!

"It's What We Do!"

2008-02-06T10:15:00.000-08:00

Through rain, snow, sleet, or hail...and the biggest storm of the season..."IT'S WHAT WE DO!" Yes, that's right, we drove to work. Afterall, we had the roads all to ourselves!

Another Failed Attempt...Kate, Hurry Back!

2008-01-31T13:09:00.000-08:00

Cornerstone Financial Group is proud to have the "National #1 Intern" among its award winning internship team!

2008-01-29T13:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations, Steven!! We are so proud of you!

Central Regional Pics

2008-01-28T15:49:00.001-08:00

First Picture: Brookfield fellas at one of the general sessions

Second Picture: Racine Peeps at Friday's Dinner/Dance

Third/Fourth Picture: Mequon and Brookfield Offices at Thursday morning's Leadership Meeting

What's wrong with this picture?

2008-01-28T15:39:00.001-08:00

Does this look like two people who know what they're doing? You're right. They don't. This is a typical non-Kate day. Kate, we miss you! Come back soon!

Cornerstone-Brookfield Christmas Party

2008-01-18T13:29:00.000-08:00

The Update on Kate

2008-01-18T10:45:00.001-08:00

On January 9, Kate Senkbeil underwent a procedure to help her trigeminal neuralgia. The procedure went well, and she is resting at home comfortably. Her vision is double/triple which is normal for this procedure. We look forward to her speedy recovery, and we REALLY look forward to her return to work!

If anyone is interested in sending Kate a card, please call the GA, and we will get you her address.

Cornerstone at Christmastime

2008-01-12T11:35:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, Christmastime at Cornerstone...a good time had by all. There's nothing like finishing Operation Issue and beginning the Holiday Party at Flannery's! The tradition of gathering as one big family to celebrate a great year is a favorite. You can't beat good company, good food, and beautiful holiday sweaters. (Lookin' good, Jerod and Scott--can't wait to see what next year will bring!)