Watson offers financial education
Aug. 12—LENOIR — On Wednesday, Aug. 17, the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Ben Watson, a financial representative for Western and Southern Financial Group.
Western & Southern Financial Group is a full financial services company that began as a small door-to-door business in the late 1800s. The company has since grown into a nationwide financial services organization dedicated to helping clients meet their complex financial needs.
Born and raised just up the mountain in Boone, Watson attended college at Wingate University where he earned a degree in Music Education. He taught for three years, two of those in Caldwell County, before he decided to change careers. He has now been with Western & Southern Financial Group for three months.
"I still get to help people and educate them on the financial world and how insurance works," Watson said. "I will meet with a client probably four or five times before I make a recommendation. I want to know what's best for you and your family. Our company doesn't charge for any of that. My big goal is to keep people on the track they want to be on ... the short time I've been in the industry, it's not typical."
Watson said that while he is new to this industry, he is excited to offer a full range of services to his clients.
"I love working with people who are new to the professional world, college graduates or people changing careers," he said. "They need that person in their corner to help them."
Western & Southern Financial Group's office is based out of Asheville, but Watson works mostly from home in Lenoir.
"My focus is to break into the community in Lenoir a little bit better," he said.
Along with offering personal financial services like retirement and investment planning, Watson has become heavily involved with the Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce.
"I'm fairly new to this industry, that's why I wanted to get involved with the Chamber of Commerce, to make connections and get my name out there," said Watson.
Because Watson works from home, the Chamber of Commerce will graciously host the ribbon-cutting ceremony in the lobby of the Chamber, located at 1909 Hickory Blvd in Lenoir.
"The Chamber is extremely pleased to have a ribbon cutting for Watson," said Bryan Moore, executive director and CEO of the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce. "He is a fantastic representative in our community. He jumped in with both feet, getting involved with different committees at the Chamber ... we rebranded our Young Professionals Group as the Foothills Young Professionals, and he wants to serve on the committee. It's nice to have a strong individual to help make things happen, not just for his own business interests but to help serve others, as well."
Wednesday's ribbon cutting is a unique opportunity for the Chamber of Commerce to network with not only Watson, but also other local businesses.
"We can do that for any type of business, whether brick and mortar, virtual, or work from home," Moore said.
The Chamber will offer light refreshments and snacks. Watson said there will also be a door prize drawing for individuals who attend.
Follow Watson — Western and Southern Life on Facebook to find more information about the financial services that Watson offers. The link to his representative page on the Western & Southern website can be found on his Facebook, as well.
"I strive to help educate people on their finances," said Watson.
