News To Know: He's empowering others to launch their own financial planning practice.

Brett Chestnut.

He is the Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual Goodwin, Wright Gwinnett. Brett launched his financial planning practice in 2015, experiencing tremendous success helping clients achieve financial security. As his firm expanded, his passion and natural aptitude for leadership became increasingly evident, underscoring his ability to influence and lead with vision. As the Firm’s first black Managing Director, Brett plays a pivotal role in attracting, equipping, and empowering others to launch their own financial planning practice. He is especially committed to drawing more diverse talent to the industry, engaging proven professionals who might not have previously considered the career. Through his unwavering efforts, Brett is driving a wave of financial empowerment in diverse markets. For the first time, many business owners and individuals are actively planning for their financial futures, fostering financial security and building generational wealth with their communities.

Company Description *
Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With over $627 billion of total assets1 being managed across the company's institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $36 billion in revenues, and $2.3 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 110 on the 2024 FORTUNE 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2024.

Talking Points/Questions *
Atlanta’s income inequality, the highest in the nation according to U.S. Census Bureau Data, continues to fuel a racial wealth gap where white households in Atlanta hold 46 times more wealth than Black households. This is a disparity driven by factors including income, home ownership, generational wealth transfers, debt, access to banking and capital, and business ownership.

Over the last decade, Northwestern Mutual’s Goodwin Wright office, a key financial services leader in Atlanta, has been intentionally focused on closing the wealth gap. The Goodwin Wright team, honored as Forbes Top Financial Security Professionals, has positioned itself at the intersection of financial empowerment, community and culture by:

Empowering first generation wealth builders with tools and strategies they need to build long-term financial success, including women-focused financial planning

Mentoring African American financial advisors, business owners, and entrepreneurs early in their careers

Investing in the local community through scholarships, a robust internship program, and financial contributions to support community initiatives

Questions for consideration:
In Atlanta, White households hold 46 times more wealth than Black households. Can you discuss the key factors that have contributed to this gap?

Northwestern Mutual’s Goodwin Wright office has been focusing on closing the wealth gap. Can you share more about the specific initiatives and programs you’ve implemented to address this issue?

How does the approach of empowering first-generation wealth builders, including women-focused financial planning, differ from traditional financial planning strategies?

Mentoring is a big part of your strategy, particularly for African American financial advisors, business owners, and entrepreneurs. How do you support these individuals, and why is mentorship such an important part of this effort?

Can you explain how Northwestern Mutual is working to invest in and empower diverse financial advisors and what this means for the future of financial services in Atlanta?

What advice would you give to someone starting their financial journey, particularly if they come from a background where wealth-building resources weren’t readily available?

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