Alongside the 2020 NAPA 401(k) Cyber Summit, we sat down (virtually) with a number of leading advisors for some insights on how they got started, what keeps them going, and what they see for the future of retirement and their practice(s).
A conversation with Vanessa P. Watkins, CPFA, AIF®, Senior Vice President, NFP Retirement Services
As Senior Vice President, Vanessa manages the retirement services group in the southeast responsible for providing employee benefit consulting to NFP clients. She has been a financial professional for over 30 years. Her career encompasses operations, consulting, sales, corporate strategy, and management for large and small corporations.
NN: What led you to become an advisor?
VW: While I’ve been incredibility fortunate in my career working in many roles within the retirement industry, I had lost my ability to connect directly with the plan sponsor and build long lasting relationships. As an advisor, you are on the front lines and sitting alongside the employer advocating for their employees. It’s a great place to be!
NN: What/Who inspires you?
VW: I’m sure this sounds pretty cheesy, but my kids inspire me. I have 15- and 19-year-olds. Watching them both grow and change over the years gives me hope for our future. As most parent do, I want the best possible life for my kids. It drives me every day!
NN: What’s the hardest question you’ve been asked by a participant?
VW: It’s been a few years ago, but I still recall the feeling I had when we were meeting with employees at a lumber yard about participating in the retirement plan. An older gentlemen expressed his desire to enroll. He told me he couldn’t write and wanted to know what he should do about signing the enrollment form.
NN: How are you/your firm “giving back”?
VW: Our firm advises on several charitable organizations, which allows our staff to actively participate across a multitude of areas. From cancer research to family support, to veteran support and physical/mental health. I’m so proud to work for a firm that truly believes that what we do “is personal.”
NN: What’s the best day/experience you’ve had as a retirement plan advisor—and why?
VW: I had a client who was struggling with data from their former recordkeeper. They felt there was nowhere to go and didn’t know what to do next. I was able to leverage our national relationship with the recordkeeper to provide the necessary data and support the client so desperately needed. It was a great experience knowing I made a couple of calls and the client was able to move forward with their transition.
