We had the good fortune of connecting with Desmond Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Desmond, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
I help provide families and businesses with a peace of mind regarding their financial future for themselves and those that they care about. The world revolves around finance but not many people know where to start when planning for themselves, so that’s where I come in and provide guidance as needed.

What should our readers know about your business?
This is the beginning of my fourth year in business. I provide families and businesses with a variety of solutions that can help them meet a number of insurance and financial needs, including, but not limited to college funding, retirement, managing costs for extended periods of care and lifetime income strategies. Additionally, offer securities products & services through NYLIFE Securities LLC, (Member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency and a New York Life Company.

What sets me apart from others is that I’m relatable, can meet a client where they are and guide them to their future goals no matter their current situation. A lot of our lifestyle is based on our decisions and level of knowledge. The financial field isn’t discussed or taught as much as it needs to be in general, especially minority communities. I tell my clients that fall in this background not to be ashamed of what they don’t know because it may have never been presented to them and the biggest step is making sure one takes action by educating themselves properly moving forward.

It has not been an easy path growing my business but it does get better with time and experience as I expand my reach. Originally, I started out selling life, disability and long-term care insurance. Unfortunately, many people in my age group (20’s) who were the bulk of my initial connections didn’t take much interest in those topics. That pushed me to become more educated by encouraging me to obtain my securities licenses, which allowed discussions for investment strategies. From there, I was able to increase the amount of people I interact with and review topics that are important to them. So far, I’ve learned that you have to be able to weather the storm, embrace new challenges and develop yourself as an entrepreneur while you expand your business organically. Also, don’t be afraid to seek help and definitely find a mentor who’s where you aspire to be because they’ll coach you while keeping you accountable.

Overall, helping create financial literacy and establishing generational wealth in my community is the most rewarding part of my business. I love meeting new people and giving them the opportunity to be successful in their own endeavors through my services. Finances play a role in our daily routines so it’s always a relief to help people make their life a little easier as they learn how to take control of their future in that space.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m not originally from Greenville but one of the first places I would take them is the downtown area. Fall’s Park on the Reedy is a place that many people love going to check out when it’s warm. Downtown Greenville has many bars and good food restaurants too. A few of my favorite food locations we’d visit are Jamaica Mi Irie, Chicora Alley, The Cazbah, Cantina 76, Nose Dive, Otto Izakaya Sushi, Smoke on the Water, Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen, and Gather GVL. For those that prefer vegan food, the Naked Vegan and the Herbal Farmercy are good options. If they’re looking to have a good time and stay active, I would probably take them to Group Therapy, Spare Time, Topgolf or Main Event. Modern Cigar is a good location for those that want to sit back and relax in a comfortable atmosphere while watching a live band depending on the night. Vine and Bond are locations we’d visit for a night out at the club and then we could also visit Vibez Bar & Lounge for hookah lovers.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe a lot of my success to those surrounding and supporting me from the beginning, primarily being my mother, grandmother, aunt, and mentor within the company who also hired me. Additionally, I’d like to recognize my family, fraternity brothers of Omega Psi Phi, my friend groups, and all my clients who allow me to serve them everyday. None of my success would be possible without all of these peoples support over the past few years.

Website: https://www.newyorklife.com/agent/ddallen

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desmondallen1219/

Image Credits
Kiyana Brice – K.DB Photography

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