New York Life - Chicago Northshore
New York Life - Chicago Northshore · 1650 Lake Cook Road Suite 500 Deerfield, Illinois 60015 and 500 W Madison Chicago, Illinois 60661
Join the team at New York Life - Chicago Northshore!
This is an exciting, ground-floor opportunity with our local growing practice. Our team operates with the perfect balance of fresh growth potential and the backing of New York Life’s established infrastructure. This is a chance to help build a scratch team with significant growth potential and long-term career possibilities.
New York Life, a Fortune 100 company, has been helping Americans protect their families and achieve financial goals for over 180 years. As a mutual company, we are accountable to policyholders, focusing on long-term client success. We are proud of our financial strength, holding top ratings from agencies like A.M. Best (A++), Fitch (AAA), Moody’s (Aaa), and Standard & Poor’s (AA+). This provides our team with stability and the resources to support your professional growth.
Follow this link to learn more about New York Life - Chicago Northshore: https://newyorklife-chicago.com/
Meet Our Leadership Team:
Christopher J. Viveiros, CLU® – Managing Partner: Chris began his career with New York Life in 2000 in the Boston General Office. After quickly earning Executive Council* Recognized as an agent, he joined management as a Partner, became Senior Partner in 2007, and has served as Managing Partner of the Chicago North Shore General Office since 2018, building a premier team of high-performing financial professionals. Following the death of his younger brother, Chris took time to reflect on his purpose. That experience inspired him to lead with greater intention, focusing on mentoring agents and helping them grow their careers while providing lasting financial security for families and communities. Education & Credentials: CLU®, B.S. Business Management (Finance & Psychology), Roger Williams University; FINRA Series 6, 7, 24, 63, 66 licensed. Follow this link to learn more about Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisviveiros/
Erica Berning, LUTCF, CLF, CLU® – Senior Partner: Erica joined New York Life in 2006 and quickly achieved Executive Council*. By 2009, at age 24, she was promoted to Partner in the Downtown Sales Office of New York Life – Chicago. She is the most tenured Partner in the office and is passionate about mentoring agents to build meaningful careers and achieve a high quality of life.
Education & Credentials: Business Administration (Marketing), Central Michigan University; LUTCF, CLF, CLU®
Personal: Erica and her husband, Matt, live in Elmhurst with their daughter Harper and sons Matthias Jr. and Gunnar. Follow this link to learn more about Erica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericatakach/
Celeste Garrett, Partner: Celeste joined New York Life in 2011, quickly achieving Executive Council* recognition twice and earning awards including Life Case Rate Leader and Annuity Champion Elite. She was promoted to Partner in 2014 and is dedicated to mentoring financial professionals while helping clients achieve lasting financial security. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Celeste earned her degree from the University of Missouri before a 20-year career in journalism, including roles at the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times.
Personal: Celeste and her husband, Bennie, live in Hyde Park with their two children. They are avid soccer fans and share their home with three cats and two dogs. Follow this link to learn more about Celeste: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celeste-garrett-222a20a/
John Kim, Senior Partner: John joined New York Life in 2010 after earning his Finance degree from the University of Illinois—Chicago. He quickly distinguished himself as the 2011 New Org Agent of the Year, qualified for Executive Council in 2012 and 2013, and earned Million Dollar Round Table recognition in 2013. Promoted to Partner in 2014, he received the View from the Top award and was later named a Top 50 Partner in 2016. In 2017, he developed a new Partner from his team and was promoted to Senior Partner of the Illinois General Office.
Personal: John moved to the U.S. at age 10 and grew up in New Jersey and Colorado. He is married with one son and enjoys golfing, traveling, and hosting team gatherings. He is also actively involved in community initiatives and mentoring professionals. Follow this link to learn more about John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-m-kim-47272799/
Why This Opportunity Stands Out:
Performance-based path to management (no waiting for openings or seniority)
Uncapped income potential* with multiple compensation streams
Early financial support and training allowances* during your initial development phase
Structured leadership training, mentorship, and executive-level coaching
Long-term income opportunities through renewals and team development
This opportunity is ideal for individuals who are:
Ambitious, competitive, and results-driven
Coachable and growth-minded
Natural leaders or aspiring leaders
Comfortable being accountable for outcomes
Motivated by building and leading others
Benefits and Compensation:
Benefits: Includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Long-Term Disability Insurance.*
401(k) Savings Plan: Help secure your future with a robust 401(k) offering.*
Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Monthly payments based on earnings and years of service.*
Competitive Compensation: In 2024, the average income for Financial Professionals was $120,555.**
Career Growth: Access to industry-leading training, certifications, and career development resources.
Professional Development: We provide world-class training, ongoing mentorship, and advanced certifications, helping you grow in your role and build your career.
Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling allows you to create a career that fits your lifestyle while making a lasting impact on clients.
Important Disclosures & Program Details:
Specific production, licensing, and performance requirements must be met before transitioning to field management. Advancement is not guaranteed and is based on individual results.
Income and compensation are not guaranteed and depend on individual performance, production, licensing, and applicable compensation plans. Compensation plans are subject to change at the Company’s discretion.
Securities products may only be offered by properly licensed Registered Representatives of NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA/SIPC), a Licensed Insurance Agency and a New York Life company.
Benefits, retirement plans, and training programs are subject to eligibility requirements and may change.
Join Us in Making an Impact!
New York Life is more than just a financial services company—we’re a team dedicated to helping people achieve long-term financial security. If you’re ready to make a difference and grow your career, then consider joining our local team today!
*This is necessarily brief and provides only general descriptions of the benefits available to eligible Agents under the applicable plans. Specific terms, such as eligibility and benefits, are determined only by the terms and conditions contained in the relevant plan documents. The Company reserves the right to terminate benefit plans at any time for any reason. In the event of a conflict between the information herein and the provisions of the plan documents, the plan documents will govern.
Responsibilities
What You’ll Do:
Learn the business by building your own client base and financial practice
Develop leadership, coaching, and team-building skills
Recruit, mentor, and develop future financial professionals
Drive performance, culture, and accountability within your team
Progress toward management roles by meeting clearly defined production, licensing, and performance milestones*
Requirements
You may be a strong fit if you:
Have 7+ years of sales or managerial experience in another industry
Have previously run your own business
Hold an MBA or other advanced degree plus 3 years of outside experience
Prior management or business development experience is helpful, but not required. We invest heavily in training and development.