When William (Billy) Granville, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Texans, decided to leave professional football and start a new career, he had a lot of attractive offers. But instead of pursuing the fast track to the executive suite in a Fortune 500 company, he became a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual's Texas Financial Group.
"I wanted to do something I would enjoy, and I needed to feel that I could make an impact in people's lives," Billy said. "I also liked the idea of being an entrepreneur and having the flexibility to control my own earnings and my work schedule."
Billy gained a taste of the financial services industry while he was a student at Duke University by working as a summer intern at a major New York investment firm. He planned to go back to New York after graduation because he didn't expect his successful football career at Duke, where he was captain of the team, to take him to the NFL.
But Billy did break into the NFL—the hard way. Coming in as an undrafted player, he worked hard to earn and keep his spot on the roster by applying a sound knowledge of the game, a strong work ethic and well-honed leadership skills to his advantage. He applies those same characteristics in his new career. "Both careers are performance based," he said. "There is a great income opportunity at Northwestern Mutual for people who build a solid knowledge of the products, work hard and produce.
"I chose to join Northwestern Mutual because I think of myself as a person of excellence," he said. "Northwestern Mutual and the Texas Financial Group reflect the excellence in values and products that I want for my clients. I also was impressed with the Managing Partner, Jeff Reeter, and his focus on balance in life, which is what I want for my family. He encourages us to keep the right perspective and not put work ahead of all of the other things that are important in life."
Billy joined Northwestern Mutual in 2004 and has worked tirelessly to build his knowledge, establish relationships and launch his business. He earned his CLU designation in just two years. "The highlight is seeing the fruits of your labor as you succeed in expanding your client base and enlarging your borders." |
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