Forty Under 40: David Thompson

David Thompson’s interest in financial advising began at a golf course.

Thompson, 39, who played collegiately at Vanderbilt University, was giving lessons to supplement his career as a touring pro when he forged a friendship with an employee of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.

“He was at the course Friday afternoons and weekends,” Thompson said, “and sometimes Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday afternoon. I thought, ‘Well, that guy’s got a good gig.’”

Financial advising isn’t quite that easy, but fortunately for Thompson, the discipline he learned as a golfer translated into his new job. Spending hours on the putting green was similar to placing 40 phone calls a day.

“It all comes down to you sinking a 3-foot putt,” Thompson said, using a golf analogy to explain the key to success in the financial industry. “It has to do with your execution.”

While he earned an estimated $9,000 in 18 months playing golf, Thompson has won multiple national awards as an adviser, and is a Million Dollar Round Table member. He also became Northwestern Mutual’s first managing director in Northwest Arkansas in February 2008.The company has been writing business in the area since 1866.
“I see myself here,” Thompson said when asked about his future. “I didn’t make the transition to not be here the rest of my career.”