GREG MANARA
Abingdon,Maryland
Summary
Dynamic Financial Consultant with a proven track record at Fidelity Investments, specializing in wealth management and retirement planning. Expert in client assessment and relationship cultivation, achieving significant improvements in client outcomes. Adept at coaching and mentoring, driving sales growth through tailored strategies and effective communication.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Financial Consultant
Fidelity Investments
01.2021 - 2026
- Developed and executed personalized wealth management strategies, enhancing client financial stability and long-term planning.
- Provided retirement analysis to assess probability of success and improve client outcomes.
- Facilitated comprehensive retirement planning, optimizing accumulation and distribution strategies for improved client readiness.
- Educated clients on financial concepts and best practices for informed decision-making.
- Oversaw new client onboarding processes and investment account setups.
- Led functional branch initiatives on Annuity and Insurance products to enhance advisor-client education.
- Cultivated relationships with key partners, expanding service offerings and increasing client engagement with financial products.
Regional Annuity Director
Charles Schwab & Co. Inc
08.2013 - 01.2021
- Worked directly with 400+ Advisors and their clients to provide solutions to meet retirement needs using annuities and insurance.
- Provided analysis of retirement scenarios for clients along with developing solutions to meet their objectives
- Facilitated orientation sessions and coordinated on-the-job training.
- Played a key role in shaping decisions by delivering impactful talks to clients and advisors. through speaking engagements for clients and advisors.
- Directed field training to enhance participants' skills.
- Evaluated success of training programs and recommended improvements to upper management to enhance effectiveness.
- Developed and implemented sales and marketing strategies to increase client engagement and deepen understanding of solutions.
- Managed employee coaching and training programs, fostering performance improvement and skill development.
- Created in-depth training manual for all employees.
- Trained staff during demonstrations, meetings, conferences, and workshops.
- Developed departmental systems and procedures to better align workflow processes.
Senior Financial Advisor
State Farm
03.2012 - 08.2013
- Educated clients on various financial matters and provided professional recommendations on investment opportunities, products, and services based on each clients' individual needs.
- Developed thorough understanding of each client's needs and financial situation by asking questions and conducting research.
- Managed client portfolios consistently, providing regular updates on investment performance and strategies.
- Facilitated presentations and tailored service recommendations to enhance client relationships and drive engagement.
- Cultivated and strengthened relationships with new clients and educated clients on account services and capabilities.
- Educated clients on various financial matters and provided professional recommendations on investment opportunities, products and services based on individual needs.
- Crafted suitable financial strategy for each client based upon his or her needs and future goals.
- Engaged prospective clients to identify needs and foster new business opportunities.
- Helped individuals and families build and execute wealth management strategies based on unique goals and objectives.
Financial Advisor
Merrill Lynch
02.2011 - 03.2012
- Advised clients on investments, retirement and estate planning.
- Guided individuals and families in developing and implementing tailored wealth management strategies aligned with personal goals.
- Monitored and updated financial plans to comply with client goals.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients to maximize satisfaction.
- Educated clients on various financial matters and provided professional recommendations on investment opportunities, products and services based on individual needs.
- Informed clients of strategies for reducing debt and maximizing savings.
- Developed financial models to assess and optimize investment strategies.
Investment Counselor
BB&T Bank
07.2010 - 02.2011
- Analyzed financial needs of clients and developed tailored strategies to meet goals.
- Partnered with clients to create tailored investment portfolios aligned with their financial objectives.
- Informed clients about risks and rewards of various investments to enhance decision-making.
- Created financial models to analyze and evaluate investment strategies.
- Helped clients make informed decisions about financial future.
- Assisted clients with budgeting and cash flow management.
- Reviewed and adjusted financial plans to ensure alignment with evolving client goals.
External Wholesaler - Vice President of Annuities
Transamerica Life Insurance Company
11.2007 - 06.2009
- Significantly increased sales year over year, from $2 million in 2007 to $22 million in 2008 with projections for $48 million in 2009
- Achieved top third in Variable Annuity sales during first year of employment, ranking 38 out of 128
- Increased number of producing Financial Advisors by over 300% in less than 2 years
- Collaborated with Financial Advisors from Merrill Lynch across 3-state territory (plus Washington, D.C.) to strategically position products, enhancing product penetration
- Conducted 15 individual appointments daily, 3-5 client meetings weekly, and 3 group meetings weekly to onboard 8-10 new producers monthly
- Delivered ongoing product education to Financial Advisors and clients, fostering high comfort levels and maintaining top-of-mind awareness
- Developed and maintained relationships with client at multiple levels
- Initiated new processes that enhanced internal operations, including a process to ensure monthly contact with 650 Financial Advisors.
Vice President of Annuities and Insurance
Ferris Baker Watts
11.2003 - 11.2007
- Regional broker dealer with 350 Financial Advisors
- Completed acquisition by RBC Dan Raucher in 2008
- Annuities, Insurance & LTC Sales and Marketing
- Led department operations, establishing sales and marketing strategies that drove significant sales growth.
- Designed website, sales collateral and marketing concepts based on usability
- Established commission plans and ensured licensing met regulatory requirements
- Led daily supervision of 8 internal personnel and visited 35 satellite offices to enhance sales and train Financial Advisors.
- Initiated new sales strategies that increased sales from $80 to $240 million in just 3 years
- Increased producers from 85 to more than 200 within 3 years
- Championed implementation of user-friendly website for Financial Advisors, delivering daily updates, fixed annuity rates, carrier links, and forms.
- Developed business case highlighting enhanced productivity, zero error rate, and increased revenue to secure funding.
Annuity and Insurance Sales Specialist
Legg Mason Wood Walker
12.2000 - 11.2003
- Money management and brokerage firm with more than 5,000 employees
- Main point of contact with the Key Accounts Departments at strategic insurance company partners, overseeing all aspects of client relationship management to consistently increase sales
- Raised Variable Annuity assets by 20% annually with the implementation of new marketing programs to better educate Financial Advisors
- Increased overall sales by enhancing relationships with 1,400 Financial Advisors
- Directed daily sales desk operations while managing a portfolio of accounts
- Consulted with Financial Advisors, performing portfolio reviews for existing and potential clients
- Quickly promoted to Head of the Sales Desk within just 18 months due to superior performance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA12.1998
Skills
- Customer interaction
- Verbal and written communication
- Client assessment
- Market research
- Coaching and mentoring
- Sales expertise
- High net worth marketing
- Retirement planning
- Wealth management
- Partnership management
- Needs analysis
- Business development
Additional Information
- San Diego State University San Diego, California Series 7 and 63,65 Life, Health and Long Term Care Licenses CFP Resume
Certification
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER
Timeline
Financial Consultant
Fidelity Investments
01.2021 - 2026
Regional Annuity Director
Charles Schwab & Co. Inc
08.2013 - 01.2021
Senior Financial Advisor
State Farm
03.2012 - 08.2013
Financial Advisor
Merrill Lynch
02.2011 - 03.2012
Investment Counselor
BB&T Bank
07.2010 - 02.2011
External Wholesaler - Vice President of Annuities
Transamerica Life Insurance Company
11.2007 - 06.2009
Vice President of Annuities and Insurance
Ferris Baker Watts
11.2003 - 11.2007
Annuity and Insurance Sales Specialist
Legg Mason Wood Walker
12.2000 - 11.2003
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
San Diego State University