TITLE: President and Founder

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY: Over 40

YEARS IN CURRENT LOCATION: Over 40

AREAS OF FOCUS: Retirement Income Planning, Tax-Free Income Planning and Wealth Transfer

EDUCATION: Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow; Fraternal Insurance Counselor: B.S. Mathematics; MBA with a concentration in Accounting & Finance; Past Adjunct Professor, Personal Finance and Business Finance, University of Phoenix; Stock & Options Trader; Crypto Trader & Enthusiast

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO BUSINESS?

In 1984, I was recruited by Equitable Financial Services, Inc. in Charlotte, North Carolina. I was one of Top Ten leading rookie agent in the Southeast Region of the Equitable. After the first two years, I was then promoted to Assistant District Manager in the Charlotte and surrounding markets to recruit, train and develop new agents in the financial services industry. Even as a recruiter and trainer, I achieve awards such National Sales Award (NSA), National Quality Award (NQA) and qualified for Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) through National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA). After 5 years at The Equitable, I was recruited by Combined Insurance Company of America as Charlotte Area Manager. After successful building the agency in sales and agents w Combined Insurance winning several awards, Modern Woodmen of America desired his talent and abilities as District Manager in Charlotte. After much success and pray, I founded Herring Consulting & Financial Group, Inc. to better strategically help our customer achieve their financial goals & objectives, whether for tax saving strategies, tax-free income planning and maximizing retirement income. I am one phone call after!

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT THE JOB?

I enjoy educating people about the alternatives that are available in the financial services world. We act as financial architects, making our clients aware of their options and helping them choose the ones that most effectively accomplish their financial goals. Counseling the clients through that process, which is completely different in retirement than it is in the accumulation phase, is a gratifying and challenging process. When we accomplish our goals, we send people home not only with products, but with confidence.

WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT BUSINESS LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED?

What works today may not work tomorrow. Therefore, an ongoing search for innovative processes, new strategies, techniques and products is essential. Planning for growth during a client’s working years is different from planning for preservation and distribution in retirement.

Our specialized way of planning for retirement has allowed us to help many retirees through their retirement with consistent income. Our clients were able to feel confident knowing that they had prepared for lifetime retirement income, which isn’t always the case for some pre-retirees. The good news is, it’s not too late (or too early) to prepare.

WHAT ARE SOME RECENT TRENDS YOU’VE SEEN IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

With persistently low interest rates and volatile markets, finding a consistent source of income for retirement has become increasingly difficult. For some people, the traditional assets for retirement may no longer provide enough income, which can lead to some taking on more risk or investing in new assets that are out of their comfort zone.

Unfortunately, most people only focus on one thing: the stated rate of return. There is a lot more to be considered when planning for retirement. Finding reliable and consistent income sources is very important.

Herring Consulting & Financial Group, Inc. does not deal with the hottest trends or latest fads. We stick with our disciplined approach and leverage our experience and knowledge to maintain our long-term track record of success. We focus on consistent income from investment and insurance products more than on unbelievable short-term returns. Sometimes that gets overlooked when the economy is doing well, but we shine bright when the markets are volatile.

HOW DO YOU EXPECT THE LOCAL ECONOMY TO GROW?

North Carolina, known for its southern charm, boasts a robust economy. From fertile fields to cutting edge research labs, the fosters diverse industries that fuel a thriving job market and empower its residents to build wealth. As North Carolina continues to grow new residents will push the value of our economy higher.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN RECRUITING ADVISORS?

The most important thing is to find what I call “fire in the belly” or the “eye of the tiger.” Any intelligent person can learn practically any business if they have the propensity and desire to do so. However, passion and a desire to succeed are not trainable. The financial services business is a unique segment of industry and requires people with a propensity for numbers, a passion for helping other people and a desire to put the clients’ needs before their own. Continuing education, which is evidenced by credentials, is an absolute essential element for success in this business. Many people go into a career and feel that is the end of their learning. In the financial services business and other professional fields, continued improvement, education and learning are a necessity.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

When I was 12, my first job was a paperboy, delivering the city daily newspaper to over 300 residents, every day for over 3 years. So, I have been an entrepreneur from a very early stage. I have earned one undergraduate degree in mathematics and two master degrees, one MBA with concentration in accounting & finance, and the other, Masters of Diversity. I have over two recognized designations in the financial services industry, and I read about 15+ books a year that foster additional skill sets. I was an Adjunct Professor at a major university for over 8 years, providing instructing to students working on their bachelor degree. The courses I love teaching were The Essential to Personal Finance, Business Finance and Organizational Development. I have passion for the business, industry and building the firm. Herring Consulting & Financial Group, Inc. is a true one-stop shop for people who want the most out of retirement.

HOW DO YOU TEACH PEOPLE ABOUT RETIREMENT INCOME PLANNING?

The easiest way to learn about retirement income planning options is to attend one of our seminars. In an intimate workshop setting, we explain the pros and cons of the available investment and insurance product options. Interested pre-retirees and retirees can simply register on our website.