We recently connected with Jhogerliz Martinez and have shared our conversation below.

Jhogerliz, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Early in your career, how did you think through the decision of whether to start your own firm or join an established firm?

When I was first starting out, I decided to join a firm — Northwestern Mutual — rather than starting on my own. After more than a decade in retail and operations management, I knew I wanted to build something meaningful that helped people on a deeper level, but I also understood the value of having a strong foundation behind me. Northwestern Mutual has been around for over 165 years, and I have been a client myself for almost ten of them. I personally experienced how their planning process can truly change lives, and that made me confident it was the right place to start my career in financial services.
In those early months, everything felt brand new. I went from managing teams and schedules to having full ownership of my business — building relationships, learning new concepts, and helping families protect what matters most. It wasn’t always easy, but having the support of a proven system, mentorship, and a firm that believes in both personal and professional growth made a huge difference.
Looking back, joining a firm instead of going completely solo was absolutely the right choice. It gave me structure, credibility, and a powerful team behind me while still allowing me to build my own independent practice and brand. I’ve learned resilience, patience, and the importance of leading with purpose — lessons that continue to guide how I serve clients today.

Jhogerliz, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Jhogerliz, but most people call me Jho (the “h” is silent), and I’m a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual. I graduated with a degree in Business Administration, which gave me a strong foundation in leadership, organization, and client relations — skills that continue to shape how I serve others today.
Family is everything to me, and they are my constant reminder of why I do what I do. I also love to travel — it gives me perspective, gratitude, and the chance to connect with people from all walks of life.
My journey into this career began after spending more than a decade in retail and operations management. I reached a point where I wanted to do something that created a deeper, lasting impact — helping people build security, stability, and growth for themselves and their families. Having been a Northwestern Mutual client myself for nearly ten years, I had already experienced firsthand the difference that thoughtful financial planning can make. That experience inspired me to join the firm and build a practice of my own.
Today, I work with individuals, families, and business owners across Florida, Texas, Ohio, and Michigan in the areas of life insurance, disability income protection, long-term care, and wealth-building strategies. My focus is on helping clients protect what matters most while creating lasting legacies for the next generation.
What sets my practice apart is the personal connection and education I provide. I take the time to truly understand each client’s story, goals, and values — not just their numbers. I believe that financial planning should feel personal, empowering, and attainable, and I make it a priority to simplify complex topics so clients can make confident decisions.
I’m proud to be part of a company with over 165 years of financial strength that also gives back through philanthropic partnerships — like our ongoing support for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in the fight against childhood cancer.
My brand is rooted in three pillars — Protection. Growth. Legacy. — and my mission is to help people achieve all three with clarity, confidence, and heart.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for me has been genuine relationship-building — both through community involvement and personal introductions. I’ve found that when people truly understand what I do and the heart behind it, they naturally want to connect others who could benefit from the same guidance.
Networking events have also played a huge role. I love connecting with local business owners, doctors, lawyers, Pilates and yoga studio owners, real estate professionals, and entrepreneurs throughout the mentioned states that I’m licensed in. These conversations often turn into meaningful relationships because they see that my goal isn’t just to sell insurance — it’s to help protect their income, families, and legacies.
Social media has been another strong connector. I share educational and philanthropic content, highlighting the impact of financial planning and the good that comes from our firm’s community efforts — like Northwestern Mutual’s donations to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
At the end of the day, my best “marketing” has come from simply being authentic, following up thoughtfully, and leading with value. When people feel seen and supported, they remember you — and they refer others who deserve that same care.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Resilience has been a central theme throughout my career journey. Before joining Northwestern Mutual, I spent over a decade in retail and operations management. I loved working with people, but over time I realized I wasn’t growing the way I wanted to. When my workplace environment changed and became toxic, I made the difficult decision to walk away from a role I had been in for 12 years. I had no guarantees of what was next — only faith that I was being guided toward something greater.
Transitioning into financial services was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I had to rebuild from the ground up and step completely outside my comfort zone. My faith kept me grounded through every challenge, and I was blessed with incredible mentors who saw potential in me long before I saw it in myself. Ksenia, my advisor, spent years encouraging me to take a leap and reminding me that I was meant for more than retail — and she was right. Stephen, who hired me, recognized that same spark and has been a consistent source of encouragement, guidance, and belief in my potential. And Jordan, our office lead, sets the standard for excellence and continues to inspire all of us to grow, lead, and succeed.
Through it all, my husband and my family have been my biggest supporters. Their love, patience, and belief in me gave me the strength to keep going on the hardest days. They’ve celebrated every milestone right alongside me, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their unwavering support.
Looking back, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back — it’s about having faith, surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, and growing through what you go through. Every time I help a client find peace of mind through financial security, I’m reminded that the leap of faith — and the mentors and family who believed in me — made all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/jhogerliz-martinez/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jhomartinez.nm?igsh=NWdjZmJveXJ3aThq&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhogerliz-martinez-88721536b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app