Jeff Nimmow is a financial advisor and the President of Legacy Financial Network, based in Sauk City, Wisconsin. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, Jeff’s career began with an internship at Northwestern Mutual, followed by a significant role at John Hancock after graduation. His profound knowledge and leadership skills in finance have been pivotal in his professional journey. Beyond his career, Jeff is an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying tennis, golf, volleyball, and various water sports. He is also actively involved in his community, contributing regularly to local initiatives such as the Sauk Prairie Hospital and Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Jeff’s commitment to both his clients and community defines his multifaceted approach to professional and personal life.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts early with a quick review of the financial markets and client portfolios. This sets the tone for a productive day. I also allocate specific times for meetings, client calls, and responding to emails, ensuring that each task gets full attention. Time management is crucial in my field, so staying organized and prioritizing tasks efficiently helps me remain productive.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life, especially in finance, involves a lot of research and collaboration. Once I have a concept, I discuss it with my team to get different perspectives and refine the idea. We then develop a plan and set milestones to implement it, ensuring that every step is actionable and measurable.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m really excited about the integration of technology in finance, especially automated investment platforms. They not only streamline operations but also provide clients with more personalized service. It’s thrilling to see how technology can enhance our ability to manage assets and improve client satisfaction.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that significantly boosts my productivity is starting my day very early. This gives me a head start and a few quiet hours to focus on complex tasks without interruptions.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to network more aggressively and take more risks. The finance sector is all about connections and opportunities, and being bolder in my early career could have accelerated my professional growth.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that traditional investment strategies are often too conservative for young investors. With a longer time horizon, they can afford to take on more risk for potentially greater returns, which is contrary to the typical risk-averse advice.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Continuously learn. Whether it’s new financial regulations, investment strategies, or understanding new technology, staying informed is key. I read extensively and encourage everyone to cultivate the habit of lifelong learning.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I take a moment to disconnect completely from work. This might involve a quick getaway to engage in a round of golf, depending on the season. It pulls me out of the daily grind and offers a mental reset.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
A crucial strategy for growth in my career has been continuously adapting to change, particularly technological advancements in the finance sector. Embracing new technologies and integrating them into our services at Legacy Financial Network has not only improved our efficiency but also enhanced the client experience, setting us apart in a competitive industry.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I missed out on a major client because I was too cautious and didn’t follow through aggressively. I learned the importance of assertiveness and follow-up, which has since helped me secure and maintain significant client relationships.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A dedicated financial wellness platform for high school and college students, teaching them basic to advanced financial concepts through interactive modules and real-world simulations. It would prepare the next generation for financial independence much earlier.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely heavily on CRM software. It helps manage client interactions, automates tasks like follow-ups and scheduling, and keeps all client information organized and accessible, which is critical in my line of work.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I highly recommend the book “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman. It’s about how we think and make decisions, which is incredibly useful in both personal and professional contexts.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed “Billions,” a series about the high-stakes world of finance and power. It’s not just the financial strategies but also the psychological play and complex characters that make it compelling viewing for someone in my field.