Our Team
Chad W. Franks, CLF® CLU® ChFC® LUTCF
Managing Partner
Creating a culture of success for our organization is my passion. Impacting the communities we serve is my purpose. Making a difference & building careers is my every day mission. At New York Life, we are meritocracy in action. The three core tenets of our culture are built around a belief that truth, trust, and impact are our mission objectives, while answering the call of educating our communities while aiming to build a professional and personal position of significance with those we serve.
I come from a long line of entrepreneurs and business professionals, which is what intrigued and attracted me to this Company and industry. I am passionate about mentoring, supporting our Advisors in building and growing their financial services practices and careers. I have seen the hard work it takes to build a business both within and outside of this industry.
My passion for this industry is with a genuine mindset of service and significance at my core. Playing a role in developing career-minded, character-driven people into something they could not have ever imagined for themselves truly drives me. With the backing of a Fortune 100 company, I have had the fortunate pleasure of growing exponentially upon graduation from Ole Miss. It is inspiring to see those you've trained thrive and excel in their career as Agents, Advisors, and Managers.
Designations
Chartered Leadership Fellow (CLF®) - Leadership Fellow program provides financial services managers with the skills needed to recruit and retaining top performers, setting performance, developing effective business plans, and improving managerial skills.
Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) / Char. Life Underwriter (CLU®) / Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF®) - Received in 2014, 2011, and 2007 respectively. These designations indicate advanced training in comprehensive financial planning, including the application of estate, retirement and financial planning knowledge to design individual client solutions
Related Affiliations & Achievements
Managing Partner — Mississippi General Office — November 2015 to Present
Corporate Vice President – West Central – September 2012 to Present
Managing Partner – Arkansas – November 2008 to August 2012
Senior Partner – Mississippi Office – September 2008 to October 2008
Partner – Mississippi Office – April 2005 to September 2008
Agent – Mississippi Office - July 2002 to March 2005
2004 Centurion*
2004 Executive Council* (8.5 months)
2003 Centurion*
2003 Executive Council* (9 months)
2004 – wrote 160 total cases on 96 clients
2003 – wrote 150 cases on 121 clients
Member of NAIFA since 2005
2011 Arkansas Business Journal “Top 40 Under 40” Recipient
2007 Mississippi Business Journal “Top 40 Under 40” Recipient
Home Office Awards
2013 & 2014 – Zone Award of Excellence led Company in 5 key areas (Recruiting, Manpower, Life/Total Commission, and Life Cases)
2011 Life Trophy – Highest % Growth in Life Commission amongst peers
2010 President’s Trophy – Highest % Growth in Total Commission amongst peer group
2009 View From The Top – Awarded to the top Agencies meeting 4 performance criteria
2007 Gathering of Eagles Award Winner (National Recruiting and Commission Award)
2006 Partner Career Commitment Award – one of 12 national recipients (pool of 420)
2005 Partner Career Commitment Award – one of 14 national recipients (pool of 400+)
General Office Awards
2004 New Organization Leader of the Year (most FYC among entire New Organization)
2003 New Associate of the Year (most FYC in first 12 months of career among all TAS agents)
2004-2002 Class Leader – most new commission among each peer class of new representatives
2004-2002 Consistently wrote 10 applications (Life, Annuity, Long-Term Care or Mutual Fund sales) in 26 of first 30 months (the industry average is between 4-6 applications/month).
Regional/Zone Awards
2009 – Reeves Cup – awarded to the #1 Recruiter amongst Peer Group in West Central Zone.
2008 - The #1 Promotable Partner in Company2007 Partner GPA Award – top Partner GPA in South Central Zone
Personal Background, Education, and Family Information
Wife: Missy - Married 29 years / Children: Conner (25), Grayson (20)
Father: Floyd Franks, 20 year Managing Partner, Birmingham and Nashville offices (retired)
Brother-In-Law: Jon Nickerson, Director of Operations, Greater Atlanta Office
TJ Barrett, FLMI, ACS, ALMI
Service Leader - Administrative Manager
Before joining the Mississippi team in 2017, I began my career with New York Life in 2012 in the Greater Atlanta General Office. I then trained in the Orlando and Tampa offices as an Associate Administrative Manager, before accepting the position as Administrative Manager in the Cincinnati General Office in 2013. My teams have been recognized with the "Best in Class" award, presented to office teams who finish at the top of their respective Zones in both customer service and operations excellence. Our contracting teams have also been presented with the Recruiting Recognition Award.
I currently manage the staff at the Mississippi General Office in Ridgeland, MS. I am a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Finance, and have earned several designations, including the FINRA Series 99 Operations Professional. I am married to Rebecca and have three wonderful boys, James, Jonathan and Luke. My hobbies include enjoying the outdoors, sports, and spending time with family.