Shaking hands at a meeting

Why I Joined Farm Bureau: A Q&A with Chris Benda, Wealth Management Advisor

Why Did You Join Farm Bureau?

I was a financial advisor at a bank. I came on board with Farm Bureau in October 2019 because of the opportunity to be part of something new and growing, something where I could help shape things from the ground up. We’re holistically integrating wealth management culture into the insurance company culture, and it’s super fun! In essence, we’re a startup firm inside of a mature company, and it’s exciting to be a part of that. 

What Do You Love Most About Your Job as a Wealth Management Advisor?

It’s a huge opportunity for me to leave an impact. I want to look back and ask, how did I shape somebody’s life? What kind of difference did I make?

I like helping people put all the pieces together. Life is like a jigsaw puzzle, and that puzzle is going to keep on evolving and changing. Pieces move in and out. Often people in my industry focus on one piece. But the client is still left with a bunch of pieces they don’t know how to put together, and I help them with that.

For example, we’ve got a client who has 1,800 acres of farmland who wants to retire and have a son come into the business. Those cases are more complicated since it’s not just a simple transaction. 

What Advice Can You Offer People Considering Becoming Wealth Management Advisors with Farm Bureau?

Hone your skills and be a master of something. You might think you have to know everything about everything, but you don’t. Understand who you are, and then be that to your clients instead of trying to be everything to everybody.

 

What’s a Typical Day Like for You?

My days aren’t all the same, and I like that. Some days my appointments can get long, and they can sometimes get emotional — I do a lot of counseling! And then there are some days where I’m just working at my computer, focused on client trading and making sure accounts are doing well. 

What Do You Like to Do in Your Spare Time?

I love to travel, and I love music. I like to go to music festivals and concerts. I ride my bicycle a lot with my friends, and I’m addicted to my Peloton. I have a 16-year-old son, so my weekends used to be tied up with basketball and baseball tournaments, but now I have more free time. 

Interested in Joining Farm Bureau?

If, like Chris, you’re ready to make a career change, consider a future as a Farm Bureau Wealth Management Advisor. Reach out to learn more today.