A sophomore at Connersville High School, and working on the family farm and at Weldon’s restaurant as a dishwasher/busboy.
When you graduated from high school, what did you think you wanted to be as an adult?
A successful individual assisting other individuals, as well as being active in the community.
Was there an event in the last 20 years that had a great impact on your aspirations and/or career path?
In 2002 I went to a Tony Robbins “Unleash the Power Within” convention and subsequently went through his Master University program, which included walking over 15 feet of burning hot coals.
Have you been mentored by (or had any significant interactions with) previous Forty Under 40 honorees?
Dave Hoeft. I learned from him the importance of having balance in life, importance of reading literature, having a spiritual relationship and giving back, as well as the power of focus. I admire that he is a great husband and father, great attitude and sense of humor, and emulates leadership.
Where/what do you want to be 20 years from now?
I enjoy providing financial security planning to businesses and families, as well as helping people and mentoring other advisors. I want this organization to continue to give back to the community.
Owner/Wealth Management Adviser, Northwestern Mutual-Wise Financial
Age: 35
Mark Wise deals with extremes. As owner of Wise Financial, part of Northwestern Mutual, he provides financial services for people who are wealthy and trying to become wealthier. As chairman of the board of Timmy Global Health—and a member of the organization for nearly 10 years— he is deeply involved in bringing medical care to low-income communities.
“When there’s somebody who has no access to much of anything, how can you not help?” Wise said. “How can you not want to make their lives better? I feel called to help the underserved people who don’t have a voice.”
Wise came to this way of thinking at Ball State University, where he found himself befriending and helping take care of a fellow student with cerebral palsy while also working his way through school selling Cutco knives. By graduation, Wise had erased $38,000 of debt he’d racked up on the 13 credit cards he used to pay for his education.
He also read the motivational book “Unlimited Power” by Anthony Robbins (and participated in his Mastery University program) and listened to motivational speaker Brian Tracy’s CDs as he prepared to join Northwestern Mutual after graduation.
“I was determined I would maximize every day and try to go about it in a smart way,” he said.
Now Wise is in the top tier of Northwestern Mutual’s wealth-management advisers. His group, Wise Financial, directly or indirectly manages $200 million in assets. He plans to grow the financial services firm and bring on advisors as needed.
Wise also wants to increase the firm’s community involvement. He is active with United Way as a contributor and fundraiser for its Tocqueville Society.
“I feel like we have been fortunate,” Wise said, “and it’s our responsibility to give back and help those who haven’t been blessed or given the same opportunities.”•
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