Benefits:

Stipend

Retirement

Bonus based on performance

Company parties

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Training & development

Vision insurance

Transition Your Teaching Skills into Financial Services:

Leverage Your Communication Expertise: Educators excel in financial services because they have the confidence and communication skills needed to guide clients through important decisions that can shape their financial futures.

Build Lifelong Relationships: While educators often lose touch with students as they move into new life stages, financial services allow you to maintain close, long-term relationships with clients, helping them at every stage of life.

See the Impact of Your Work: Just as you’ve witnessed the difference you made in the classroom, this career offers the chance to see how your guidance positively affects clients’ lives, both now and in the future.

Achieve Greater Rewards: Transitioning into financial services can offer not only a more rewarding career path but often greater financial opportunities as well.

Meet Our Team:

James Hefley - Managing Director:

How long with NM? 13 years with NM.

Prior experience? Worked in his family’s small business, a bowling pro shop, and spent college years traveling the U.S. as a competitive bowler.

Passionate about? Golf, supporting the Alzheimer’s Association, Bakersfield Angels (a foster care nonprofit), food, travel, and is a huge Dodgers fan.

Eric Shumate - Financial Advisor:

How long with NM? Starting his 5th year on 11/2/24.

Prior experience? 17 years as a commercial lender with various banks, managing large commercial and agricultural loans, as well as foreclosure and asset disposition during the financial crisis.

Passionate about? Live hard rock music, attending sporting events, daily exercise, and spending time with family.

Brooks Douglass - Financial Advisor:

How long with NM? 13 months with NM.

Prior experience? General manager at a local startup, worked at a historic restaurant, completed a master’s degree, and coached baseball at Bakersfield College. Played college baseball and graduated from Rogers State University.

Passionate about? Spending quality time with family, golfing, attending USC football games, and socializing with friends.

Carlos Lovera - Field Director:

How long with NM? With NM since November 2020.

Prior experience? Holds a BBA and master’s degree in Management, with 10 years of corporate experience in oil & gas, covering capital projects, operations, compliance, and more.

Passionate about? Playing golf, watching sports, flying, volunteering, continuous learning, helping others succeed, traveling, and spending time with family.

Maui Ramos - College Unit Director:

How long with NM? 3 years with NM.

Prior experience? Previously worked in property and casualty insurance and taught yoga part-time.

Passionate about? Educating clients on financial possibilities, spending time with family, playing with his son, exploring new places, and taking the road less traveled.

Jose Luis Gonzalez - Financial Advisor:

How long with NM? 11 months with NM.

Prior experience? 19 years in the banking industry, including management roles at Wells Fargo, Tri Counties Bank, and as Vice President of Sales and Membership at a credit union.

Passionate about? Spending time with family, enjoying the outdoors (Ventura beaches, San Simeon, Yosemite), hiking, cycling, camping, volunteering at local schools, and playing basketball with friends.

About Us: At Northwestern Mutual – Greater Bakersfield, our mission is to empower individuals and families to design a financially secure future while making a meaningful impact in our community. We have created an inclusive, high-support environment where team members are challenged, supported, and stretched to achieve their goals on their terms. We are proud to partner with and support local nonprofits like the Bakersfield Angels, which advocates for foster care, and the Alzheimer’s Association, as well as our own Fore the Memories Golf Tournament benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association—raising over $250,000 in our first three years. If you are driven, passionate about community impact, and seeking a fulfilling career path, we’d love to meet with you!

Position Responsibilities for a Financial Representative:

Educate clients on financial planning and insurance options.

Provide excellent customer service and build lasting relationships.

Collaborate with a local supportive team.

Position Requirements:

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Goal-oriented with a desire to succeed.

Life insurance license and FINRA certifications (or willingness to obtain).

Greater Bakersfield Mission/Vision/Values:

Mission: Financially empower communities to change the world.

Vision: Redefine financial planning as a sanctuary for diverse communities.

Core Values: Inclusivity, empowerment, safety, impact, and authenticity.

Our Unique Angle: Meticulous Training and Support

We distinguish ourselves by prioritizing a meticulous focus on the process, ensuring sustainable business practices and a predictable high-activity approach, setting us apart from an industry often fixated on end results.

Position Perks:

Significant bonus opportunity commensurate with outcomes

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Vision insurance

Ongoing professional development

Local culture of support and positive recognition

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) and its subsidiaries in Milwaukee, WI. James Hefley is a General Agent of NM and not in legal partnership with NM, or its subsidiaries.

Flexible work from home options available.