2018 40 Under 40: Chuck Dow, 39

SBJ photo by Wes Hamilton

Statistics show only 17 percent of financial advisers survive their first four years. Chuck Dow has beat the odds.

The Northwestern Mutual financial adviser and field director marked his fourth year in 2017. On his way, Dow became new rep of the year in a six-office district and a Top 10 adviser among his peers in the southern region. One of four on the local leadership team, he’s led growth in the office to 22 full-time advisers from six. The bottom line: The Northwestern Mutual office ended 2017 with records in assets under management, investment revenues, client acquisition and insurance premiums. Dow previously worked a decade for resort and vacation rental companies. And he just launched The Borrow My Angel Foundation to increase awareness for mental illness and suicide prevention resources.

When did you realize you had grown up? July 2005 – I moved sight unseen to northeast Florida to accept a promotion with the company I was with at the time. The first six months were really difficult with no friends or family close by, but I eventually was able to build a new network of lifelong friends I still keep in touch with today.

What about your job would shock clients? It’s probably 90 percent listening and being a great friend and behavioral counselor, and maybe 10 percent financial strategies.

What is your proudest moment? Having the courage to step out of my comfort zone, leave behind the only career/industry I had ever known in my mid-30s to chase my dreams.