LOUIS GEBHARD
Orchard Park, NY ***/***-**** **********@*****.*** LinkedIn
SR. RELATIONSHIP MANAGER - RETIREMENT SOLUTIONS
Seasoned and service driven professional in 10+ years overseeing extensive retirement plans and assets, adept at steering complex client engagements across diverse financial landscapes. Expertise in cultivating and maintaining strategic partnerships with financial advisors, plan sponsors, and third-party administra- tors ensures optimal service delivery and robust client retention strategies. Proficient in navigating plan design, regulatory com- pliance, and legislative changes, providing informed, consultative support to meet evolving client needs. Skilled in leveraging data- driven insights to drive decision-making processes, enhance operational efficiencies, and foster proactive, long-term financial planning scenarios. Ability to plan transitions and conversions, enhancing client engagement through strategy and implementa- tion. Excel in dynamic communication, delivering compelling presentations and facilitating critical negotiations to secure and grow key business relationships. Certified Fiduciary Plan Advisor (CPFA) with readiness to renew Series 7, 6, and 63 certifications to further enhance financial advisory capabilities and compliance expertise. CORE PROFICIENCIES
Strategic Account Management Financial Planning and Analysis Regulatory Compliance Client Onboarding Asset Management Risk Assessment Retirement Solutions Data-Driven Decision Making Client Engagement Strategies ERISA Specialist ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Client Retention Excellence: Sustained 100% client retention and surpassed cross-sales targets by 118% at John Hancock.
Retirement Plan Overhaul: Overhauled 80+ retirement plans, integrating advanced features that boosted client engagement and compliance at The Hartford.
Operational Efficiency: Streamlined operations by implementing CRM and Salesforce, enhancing process efficiency and service delivery.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Northwest Bank, Remote, Orchard Park, NY 2020 to 2024 Trust Officer / Retirement Plan Consultant
Spearheaded client retention and business development initiatives, securing and expanding over 60 relationships in northwest Pennsylvania. Directed capital market and investment review discussions, enhancing financial strategies and client satisfaction. Organized plan reviews and led educational sessions for participants. Incorporated payroll efficiency enhancements, streamlining client financial operations. Mobilized internal bank resources and regional centers of influence to uncover new sales opportunities, significantly increasing market footprint.
Selected Accomplishments:
Fostered robust partnerships with Third Party Administrators, optimizing collaboration and service delivery.
Empowered teammates through targeted leadership and training, maximizing team capabilities and service excellence.
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John Hancock Retirement Plan Services, Orchard Park, NY 2015 to 2019 Vice President - Strategic Relationship Manager
Navigated strategic direction and provided support for 22 retirement accounts encompassing $800M+ in assets. Administered ongoing strategic client and consultant committee engagements, delivering crucial plan health updates, and supporting fiduciary responsibilities. Adopted financial wellness programs, aligning with client goals, and improving participant outcomes. Selected Accomplishments:
Maintained 100% client retention rate from 2015 to 2018, underscoring commitment to service excellence.
Exceeded cross-sales targets by 118% in 2018, demonstrating effective sales strategy and client engagement.
Delivered over 40 high-impact presentations to executive-level stakeholders in 2018, solidifying key client relationships.
Retained three mid-market accounts, representing $130M in assets and 1,100 participants, through strategic service team leadership.
MassMutual Retirement Services, Orchard Park, NY 2012 to 2015 Regional Sales Director
Drove market share growth and defined contribution (401k) sales across diverse distribution channels in Upstate NY. Managed sales activities including advisor engagements, proposal generation, and budget oversight. Conducted impactful client presentations, articulating value of MassMutual's retirement solutions and product features. Negotiated sponsor pricing strategies while maintaining corporate profitability benchmarks. Enhanced product knowledge and sales efficacy through proactive participation in training and professional development. Selected Accomplishments:
Cultivated deep product expertise and refined sales techniques, consistently surpassing advisor, and plan sponsor expecta- tions.
Additional Experience:
Senior Retirement Consultant The Hartford - Retirement Plan Services; Orchestrated relationship management for
$300M+ in retirement plan assets. Elevated client retention by implementing customized solutions like safe harbor and automatic enrollment.
Relationship Manager, Assistant Vice President Putnam Investments; Directed asset retention and satisfaction for 40 retirement plans by leveraging deep relationships with stakeholders and executing targeted financial strategies. Championed client-centric presentations, fostering loyalty and optimizing plan outcomes. EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
SUNY Oneonta, Oneonta, NY