KOP Insiders: Stephen Guinan, Managing Partner, Northwestern Mutual Eastern Pennsylvania

KOP Insiders delves into the stories of the people who make King of Prussia one of Pennsylvania’s most dynamic live-work-play-stay destinations.

In depth interviews provide insight into the companies that make up our diverse business community and put a face to the individuals behind the business. In this edition, we are joined by Stephen Guinan, Managing Partner for the Northwestern Mutual Eastern Pennsylvania.

Can you tell us a little about your background and how it led you to becoming Managing Partner for Northwestern Mutual?

I’ve been with Northwestern for 31 years — I was an Advisor for about 20 years — and I’m now the Managing Partner for what we refer to as Eastern Pennsylvania. The firm itself has been around since about 1877 — the actual company has been around since 1857. The firm was originally established in Lancaster, PA, and it moved here to the Philly Suburbs in the early 90s. We finally set up our network office here in KOP about 20 years ago.

Northwestern Mutual Eastern Pennsylvania recently went through a large office renovation. What motivated you to do that rather than looking elsewhere?

When we moved here, this building was new and state-of-the-art. Really from the get-go, we just loved this building, and the owners are great. The location is perfect. The interchange of 76, 276 and 202 makes it so convenient for our employees and clients alike. We’ve had considerable growth since I started here. We had 35 advisors and today there’s about 90.

We recently renovated and are absolutely thrilled with how it turned out. Formcraft, who designed the renovation, actually used this office as a model for their marketing materials. There’s so much natural light and the views of The Village at Valley Forge are extraordinary.

The Village at Valley Forge was a culmination of 25 years of effort by the Master Developer Realen, of which Northwestern Mutual Life was the financial partner. What factors have contributed to its success?

Northwestern Mutual has an outstanding reputation in that marketplace. The company really doesn’t get involved in anything unless it is absolutely top-notch. As far as our employees and advisors are concerned, we utilize that space constantly. Several of our employees live there. Overall, The Village at Valley Forge has really been a shot in the arm for our brand particularly.

Before that, there really wasn’t much there. It’s injected so much heart and a sense of community into the area. It has acted as a catalyst of sorts for change here and it’s so exciting to be here and to see how it evolves.

What makes KOP a good fit for your employees and company culture?

Like I said, the convenience-factor is everything. KOP so centrally located, regardless of where you might be coming from. And with infrastructure projects like KOP Rail, it’s only getting more convenient to experience everything that’s so great about KOP, whether for work or play.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about moving their company to KOP?

Whether it be shopping, dining or outdoor activities, the area just has so much to offer. All of these things play a huge part for businesses. You need these benefits to attract top talent and KOP has got them. We’re always looking for fun things to do to bring our employees together, and here, we feel like there’s so much variety and so many new and exciting things to do every day. Everything is right there for the taking.

What else can you tell me about Northwestern Mutual?

In terms of our mission to create financial security, we feel that the likelihood of people having good financial security outcomes is greatly enhanced with the involvement of a financial professional. That’s our purpose, to create relationships with individuals, families and small business owners in an effort to understand their goals and create financial plans to achieve them.

About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual’s version of financial planning helps you live your best life, your whole life. That means paying down your student loans and making a down payment on a home. Moving mom in and remodeling so she feels at home. Retiring and never slowing down.
With a financial plan, you won’t have to hope for the life you want, you can choose to live it. Northwestern Mutual’s dedicated team of advisors will create a personalized plan with the right insurance and investment strategies, so you can do all the things that matter most, with the people who matter most.

1000 Continental Dr # 695, King of Prussia, PA 19406| northwesternmutual.com