Eddie Knezevich shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Eddie, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
Early on, I assumed that frequent outreach or sharing new ideas might feel intrusive or overly sales-driven. I was cautious, not wanting to bother people or come across as pushing something they didn’t ask for. What I discovered, however, was the exact opposite.
Many clients simply weren’t aware of the full range of strategies, tools, or solutions available to them. When we took the time to proactively educate, check in, and bring thoughtful ideas to the table, it wasn’t viewed as “selling”—it was viewed as providing value. Clients appreciated the additional guidance, the foresight, and the feeling that someone was actively looking out for their best interests rather than waiting for them to ask the right question.
That experience fundamentally changed how we serve our clients. Today, we lead with education, consistency, and intentional communication—because informed clients make better decisions, and strong relationships are built through clarity and trust.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a financial advisor and executive benefits specialist with a national focus on Bank-Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) and non-qualified benefit strategies. I work closely with bank executives, business owners, and high-income professionals to design customized solutions that strengthen balance sheets, retain top talent, minimize taxes, and improve long-term financial outcomes. I am known for my practical, education-first approach and for helping clients navigate complex planning decisions with clarity and confidence. My work is grounded in proactive education, relationship-driven advice, and a deep understanding of how thoughtful planning impacts both people and organizations.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful wasn’t about control or authority—it was about responsibility.
I remember realizing, at a young age, that my decisions mattered to other people. Whether it was stepping up in a leadership role, being trusted with something important, or seeing that my effort directly impacted an outcome, that moment stuck with me. It was the first time I understood that power isn’t about position—it’s about influence and follow-through.
That early realization shaped how I operate today. I’m motivated by the idea that when you take ownership, communicate clearly, and do what you say you’re going to do, people trust you—and that trust is where real power comes from.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of my defining wounds in life was my strained relationship with my father. For a long time, that distance shaped how I viewed myself, relationships, and even success. Unspoken expectations, missed time, and unresolved emotions have a way of lingering, and for years I carried that weight without fully addressing it.
Healing didn’t come from rewriting the past—it came from choosing to show up when it mattered most. In the final months of his life, we made the decision to reconnect and be intentional with the time we had left. Those months weren’t about fixing everything; they were about honesty, presence, and forgiveness. We talked, we listened, and we built something real in a short window of time.
That experience taught me that closure doesn’t always mean perfect resolution. Sometimes healing comes from effort, grace, and the willingness to meet someone where they are. It reshaped how I approach relationships today—with more patience, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for meaningful connection.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is my family. Everything I do—how I structure my time, make decisions, and define success—ultimately comes back to them. Family is my anchor and my why. It’s where I draw perspective, purpose, and motivation, especially in a world that constantly pushes for more achievement, more growth, and more noise.
My friends would also tell you that I’m intentional about being present—not just providing, but showing up. Whether it’s protecting time, creating memories, or modeling the values I want my kids to carry forward, family isn’t something I fit in around work; it’s the lens through which everything else is evaluated.
To me, success isn’t measured solely by numbers or titles—it’s measured by the relationships I’m nurturing and the legacy I’m building at home.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me is that I helped them build their own version of financial success. Not by telling them what success should look like, but by listening first—understanding their goals, values, and fears—and helping them make confident, informed decisions. I hope people remember that I simplified complex ideas, acted with integrity, and consistently put their long-term interests ahead of short-term wins.
More than strategies or numbers, I hope they remember that I empowered them. That they felt more confident, more educated, and more in control of their financial future because I was part of their journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nlfpartners.com
- Instagram: eddiek614
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddieknezevich/
