Today we’d like to introduce you to S. Mark Haywood II.
S. Mark, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I graduated from Cornell University in 2004 with two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Economics and Africana Studies. I knew I wanted to go into the finance sector, but I knew I didn’t want to go to Wall Street. So, I returned to Houston and began my career in corporate finance and project management at the Boeing Company. I worked there for several years and acquired my Masters of Science in Finance at the University of Houston – Clear Lake.
After acquiring my Masters, I was ready for the next challenge but was unsure of what the next career move would be. While exploring my career options, in 2012, I decided to get my financial plan in order. My Dad suggested I call his advisor at Northwestern Mutual. I shared with his advisor my ideas for my prospective planning. He was so shocked at the depth of my knowledge that he asked: “So, why don’t you do this for yourself… as your own business?” To be honest, I never thought about it until he proposed that question.
Fast-forward nearly seven years later, now I run my own financial services practice. I am a Financial Advisor through the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company. I also help recruit, train, and mentor other prospective advisors as a Field Director with the Texas Financial Group of Northwestern Mutual.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There were a few challenges along the way. First, when I left my full-time job in May 2012, it took some time to complete my licensing requirements (including national testing) and to ramp up my business clientele. Second, while I made sure to have a good amount saved up, I didn’t see my first check until September! Third, I don’t care how much you mentally prepare yourself, nothing braces you for the first time you’re rejected, especially when it’s a close friend, family member, or family friend.
But, sticking through the rough start, the lean finances, and the many times I was told “no”… has led to the most fulfilling era of my personal and professional growth.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Mark Haywood of Northwestern Mutual – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
As a Financial Advisor, I provide my valued clients with a holistic planning and educational approach, with the mission to help clients become “better today than [they] were yesterday.” I accomplish this through a three-tiered platform to INSURE against things going wrong, INVEST for when things go right, and INSULATE assets everywhere in-between. During the planning process, I evaluate clients’ particular circumstances in three categories:
RISK MANAGEMENT – I make sure that my clients’ greatest asset (their recurring cash flow) is protected from any unforeseen set of circumstances. These circumstances range anywhere from job-loss to medical challenges.
WEALTH ACCUMULATION – I make sure my clients accumulate resources (short-term, medium-term, long-term) to address any of life’s events. These events can entail investing in a business, planning for a child’s college tuition, preparing for retirement, legacy gifting for a charity or family members, etc.
WEALTH PROTECTION – In particular, this is where my practice differentiates itself from others. A significant portion of advisors are really just money-managers who focus on contribution. My practice equally focuses on distribution. We want to make sure that, when our clients access their dollars, we’ve mitigated the impact of taxes, creditors, and legal liabilities.
But I think what truly sets me apart, is my heart to serve others. I pride myself on the fact that I am not captive to the type of client that I can work with. Whether a person makes $20,000/yr or $20,000,000/yr, I’m willing to help anyone.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I recently hired my second staff person and acquired a larger office as we expand our operations to serve our clients’ needs. I look forward to making more strategic partnerships through my practice with various professional organizations, particularly in the African-American community.
I also look forward to creating more “lifestyle experiences” with clients (concerts, vacations, sporting events, theater, etc.). I share with everyone that we don’t merely want to save money for life in the future, but we want to enjoy life in the present.
My ultimate goal is to sit on the board of a non-profit organization so that I can use my financial acumen to assist a charity as the charity assists others.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1 Riverway, Suite 900, Houston, TX 77056
- Website: www.Mark-Haywood.com
- Phone: 713-333-4686
- Email: Mark.Haywood@NM.com
- Facebook: @MarkHaywoodNM
- Twitter: @smarkhaywoodii
Image Credit:
Clay Bailey of Clay Keiser Photography
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