Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Shawn Van Winkle

Elko New Market,MN
Shawn Van Winkle

Summary

Collaborative Financial professional with over two decades in financial services, specializing in simplifying complex retirement concepts, and providing clear, actionable guidance. Making retirement planning accessible and dedicated to empowering individuals, plan sponsors, advisors, and business owners to achieve their retirement goals. Adept at presenting and explaining to diverse audiences the opportunity to make informed decisions about their financial well-being. Known for building strong partnerships, retaining ongoing relationships, and providing practical guidance on various retirement plans to achieve financial goals.

Overview

21
years of professional experience
1
Certification

Work History

Principal Financial Group

Internal Consultant
04.2022 - Current

Job overview

  • Effectively market record keeping and consulting services to over 150 existing clients and new prospects.
  • Led cross-functional teams to identify process improvements and enhance operational efficiency.
  • Developed strategic frameworks for project execution, aligning with organizational objectives.
  • Develop sales strategies and solutions to address the needs of companies and individual clients through Total Retirement Solutions and uncovering additional investment opportunities for vertical initiatives.
  • Actively outreach to clients, promoting Long Term Incentive Plans, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and Employee Stock Ownership Plans.
  • Communicate high level and complex features of ESOP's, Employee Stock Purchase and Long-Term Incentive Plans showcasing capabilities and solutions of equity concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Manage relationships to identify and develop customized solutions to meet internal and external stakeholders.
  • Negotiate proposals, contract terms, and implementation timelines.
  • Deliver continuous product support and knowledge, training, pricing, availability, to partners and end users.
  • Integrate and execute referral initiatives for clients.
  • Manage onboarding processes, troubleshooting in real time to ensure smooth transition to third party platform (Astrella, EquiTrax; divisions of EQ).

Principal Financial Group

Retirement Education Specialist
06.2017 - 04.2022

Job overview

  • Subject matter expert for emerging market and large institutional plans to develop and implement education plans to help maximize participation while maintaining stringent ERISA requirements.
  • Developed retirement education programs tailored to diverse client needs.
  • Delivered engaging presentations on retirement planning strategies to large groups.
  • Collaborated with financial advisors to enhance client understanding of retirement products and presented capabilities to promote the benefits of empowering employees through education.
  • Conducted one-on-one consultations to address individual retirement concerns and goals.
  • Evaluated and improved educational materials for clarity and effectiveness.
  • Trained new team members on retirement education best practices and resources.
  • Managed and collaborated with internal relationship managers, Plan Sponsors, and Advisors on scheduled plan reviews.
  • Organized and led successful workshops, and seminars, focused on educating clients about various aspects of retirement planning that increased participant engagement.
  • Built a strong network of internal and external partners.
  • Cultivated a positive learning environment by addressing questions thoroughly and fostering an open dialogue during sessions.

Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Assoc.

Retirement Counselor
11.2005 - 04.2012

Job overview

  • Advised clients on retirement benefits and options, ensuring informed decision-making.
  • Developed solutions to meet the specific needs of constituents resulting in satisfied plan participants.
  • Optimized resource materials for client education, improving engagement and comprehension.
  • Educated clients on tax-efficient strategies for saving and withdrawing from their retirement accounts to maximize their nest egg during retirement years.

Ameriprise Financial Advisors

Senior Financial Advisor
01.2005 - 01.2005

Job overview

  • Developed comprehensive financial plans aligning with clients' goals and risk tolerance.
  • Mentored junior advisors, enhancing team performance and client service standards.
  • Fostered long-term client relationships through regular communication and personalized financial strategies.
  • Engaged prospective clients in effort to build and develop new business opportunities.

U.S. Bancorp Investments

Investment Financial Consultant
01.2004 - 01.2005

Job overview

  • Supervised and trained over 150 In-store Branches, 600 employees, on services offered to increase product knowledge of investments/retirement options and referral activity.
  • Provided investment counseling on 401(k) and retirement solutions to U.S Bancorp employees.
  • Developed comprehensive financial plans tailored to client needs and objectives.
  • Conducted risk assessments and identified opportunities for portfolio optimization.
  • Mentored junior consultants, fostering professional growth through knowledge sharing and guidance.

Education

Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN

Bachelor of Science from Criminal Science, Political Science

University Overview

  • Member of Alpha Phi Sigma: The National Criminal Justice Honor Society
  • Member of Pi Sigma Alpha: The National Political Science Honor Society

Skills

  • BrainShark
  • Teams/Zoom/Webex
  • Salesforce
  • Power BI proficiency
  • Microsoft Office
  • ZoomInfo
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Team collaboration
  • Knowledge of ERISA regulations
  • Public speaking
  • Adaptability
  • Relationship building

Accomplishments

  • Collaborated with team of 10+ in the development of Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) and Long Term Incentive Plan for the execution, and implementation, for Signature client.
  • Streamlined vetting process for over 40 plans, ensuring successful implementation, client satisfaction and plan sponsor retention.
  • Recognized as a top 3 Retirement Education Specialist nationally (3 consecutive years - pre-pandemic).
  • Mentor to junior colleagues 3 consecutive years to develop key skills.
  • Achieved asset rollover goal, exceeding benchmarks, of $9.29 million dollars in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Oversaw, developed and delivered highly successful "High 5" presentation nationally.
  • 87% success ratio of 1:1 meeting resulted in participant deferral average of 10%+.

Certification

  • Life/Health, Variable Annuities (active)
  • Series 6 (active), 63 (active), SIE (active)
  • 7 (expired)
  • 66 (expired)
  • Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) designation (active)

Work Type

Full Time

Work Location

HybridRemote

Timeline

Internal Consultant

Principal Financial Group
04.2022 - Current

Retirement Education Specialist

Principal Financial Group
06.2017 - 04.2022

Retirement Counselor

Minnesota Public Employees Retirement Assoc.
11.2005 - 04.2012

Senior Financial Advisor

Ameriprise Financial Advisors
01.2005 - 01.2005

Investment Financial Consultant

U.S. Bancorp Investments
01.2004 - 01.2005

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Bachelor of Science from Criminal Science, Political Science