Practice on Purpose (Second Edition): Achieve the Financial Advice Practice You Desire and Your Clients Deserve

Gary H. Schwartz, CLU®, ChFC®, CRPC®

Author: Gary H. Schwartz, CLU®, ChFC®, CRPC®

Executive Vice President at North Star Resource Group

Gary joined North Star in 2013, bringing with him over 30 years of experience managing financial representatives’ growth at Minnesota Mutual, Securian Financial Services, and Ameriprise Financial Services. He worked for four years as senior vice president of advisor growth and development before being promoted to executive vice president in 2017.

He specializes in developing practice management analytics to improve the productivity and effectiveness of a financial practice.

Beyond his work in individual firms, Gary is also an active contributor to the financial services industry on topics of coaching financial professionals and building practices. Within industry organizations, Gary is past chair of LIMRA’s Career Agency Building Committee and Securian’s ambassador and diplomat to Finseca (formerly GAMA International). He worked as an adjunct professor emeritus for the University of St. Thomas Graduate School of Business and is a regular presenter for Finseca, speaking to financial professionals throughout the world.

Registered Representative of Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC and Investment Advisor Representative of Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC.

Finseca is a membership organization for which individuals must submit applications and payment. The organization is geared toward those in a recruiting, training, or supervision role in the financial services industry. Awards are based primarily on -commissions, premiums, or fees generated from investment and insurance products and other criteria relative to leadership, achievement, and recruiting selected by the applicant. Individuals must be current with membership dues and submit an application fee for consideration. Working with this individual is not a guarantee of future financial results. Investors should conduct their own evaluation.
Phillip C. Richards, CFP®, CLU®, RHU®

Author: Phillip C. Richards, CFP®, CLU®, RHU®

Executive Chairman and Founder of North Star Resource Group

With nearly 60 years in financial services, Phil is a member of the Finseca Hall of Fame, The American College of Financial Services Hall of Fame, the Insurance Business America Hall of Fame, and the Securian Financial Services Hall of Fame, as well as being the recipient of the 66th annual John Newton Russell Memorial Award by NAIFA. He is the only firm leader in the world to receive the International Management Award from Finseca (formerly GAMA International) every year since its inception.

Phil has been a featured speaker in 17 countries on topics including strategic planning, leadership, and alternate distribution systems. He is an adjunct professor emeritus for the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and former adjunct professor at Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing, China.

Currently, Phil serves as the founder and chair of the board for the Scott Richards North Star Foundation. He is also the chair of the Mayo Clinic of Arizona Leadership Council and a member of the Board of the National High School Coaches Association.

Registered Representative of Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC and Investment Advisor Representative of Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC.

Finseca is a membership organization for which individuals must submit applications and payment. The organization is geared toward those in a recruiting, training, or supervision role in the financial services industry. Awards are based primarily on -commissions, premiums, or fees generated from investment and insurance products and other criteria relative to leadership, achievement, and recruiting selected by the applicant. Individuals must be current with membership dues and submit an application fee for consideration. Working with this individual is not a guarantee of future financial results. Investors should conduct their own evaluation.
Edward Deutschlander, CLU®, CLF

Author: Edward Deutschlander, CLU®, CLF

Chief Executive Officer of North Star Resource Group

With Ed’s clear focus on values and ethical practices, North Star has received several prestigious awards, including the Top Workplaces USA (2021), Charitable Champions by InvestmentNews (2015, 2016, and 2019), and the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Awards for Ethics (2011, 2015, and 2019), among others.

Individually, Ed has been recognized for his excellence in leadership in the industry and community, including Minnesota Business Magazine’s Paragon of Leadership award, NAIFA’s Four under 40, and Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s 40 under 40.

Ed is a contributor in the financial services industry as the immediate past chair of the Finseca Foundation’s executive committee and member of the board of trustees for the American College.

Registered Representative of Cetera Advisor Networks, LLC and Investment Advisor Representative of Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC.

Finseca is a membership organization for which individuals must submit applications and payment. The organization is geared toward those in a recruiting, training, or supervision role in the financial services industry. Awards are based primarily on -commissions, premiums, or fees generated from investment and insurance products and other criteria relative to leadership, achievement, and recruiting selected by the applicant. Individuals must be current with membership dues and submit an application fee for consideration. Working with this individual is not a guarantee of future financial results. Investors should conduct their own evaluation.