One year later...What happens after you graduate college??

Pictured: Dave Wagner (left), Emma Bradford (right)

​From the desk of our founder: 
This month I thought it would be a great opportunity to feature somebody so important to the AFP family. A year ago I had the opportunity to meet someone that instantly sparked my passion to reach the younger generation coming out of college. So many times young college kids come out of school looking for a job that tells them what they are worth. I believe we are all called to serve a purpose in life, each persons calling is unique. Not all college graduates need to end up in a corporate environment in order to fulfill that calling. Emma Bradford from the moment I met her was somebody that said she was going to take on the world and make her own path. It’s been very inspiring to watch her go from admin to marketing director to now handling all of our social media as well as running her own day-to-day schedule taking on new clients. I have loved watching her succeed. We are so thankful for her hard work and behind-the-scenes efforts with our website, social media, and representing Advocate at numerous networking events that she attends. Thanks for all you do Emma and keep telling your story! 

By:
Emma Bradford
Social Media Manager

April 2018

At Illinois State University I was a part of a few student run organizations where most of my peers were also graduating. They were all sharing stories of how many companies they applied for, and how they were going to be a part of an awesome company in an unbelievable building, with a pretty simple ladder of success to follow. I watched them get so excited about the possibility of getting the position, and then become so disappointed when it did not come though. This process repeated over and over again until they ended up getting a job they were okay with, where someone would tell them how much they were worth. ​

Pictured: Dave Wagner, Mike Rice, Emma Bradford,
​Matt Ruddick, Kurt Cheesbro

I never applied for any jobs. I never thought about climbing up the corporate ladder or allowing anyone else to put a price tag on me.  

I had NO idea what I was doing.

The alarming part was the fact that I didn’t feel worried, or stressed out at all. I had no clue where I would end up or what career I would choose, but there was one thing that I did know. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to make an impact in the lives I touched, in my community, and in the world. I knew that it would start off small, but continue like a ripple effect.

Pictured: Chris Yokley, Chris McMath, Emma Bradford 

I met Chris Yokley in the least likely place at the least likely time. I had no idea who he was, but my gut told me that something was different here. I needed to be a part of whatever he was doing, and I would figure the rest out later. That has always been my thought process. Focus on what is happening now, do my best with what I have in front of me, and GOOD THINGS WILL HAPPEN.
Chris took a chance on me, and believed in my passion, morals, values, and goals.

Pictured: Emma Bradford

August 2018

Pictured: Kurt Cheesbro, Dave Wagner, Emma Bradford, Samantha Katchen, Maggie Garcia, Matt Ruddick

After working at Advocate Financial Partners for three months, I had a choice to make. Should I stay in a place where I felt comfortable or take a chance to do something that would change the trajectory of my life.
I remember sitting in the office with Chris Yokely (CEO & Founder of AFP) and Matt Ruddick (Now Executive Partner at AFP). I remember looking at both of them and thinking, I have no idea what I should do.

Again, I went with my gut feeling. I decided to partner with Matt and move to the Elgin office. I didn’t know where the office would be, who my colleagues were, or really what I would be doing, but I knew that it felt right. ​

Pictured: Emma Bradford

Now

Pictured: Kristie Treff, Emma Bradford, Dave Wagner

I have been a licensed broker for nine months.
I have saved clients money.
I have made clients money.
I have given heartbreaking news to clients.
I have had successes.
I have had struggles.

The one thing that I do know, is that I am making an impact, one step at a time. I have started the ripple. I am surrounded by people that raise my standards in my personal and professional life. I do not know what tomorrow, next week, or next year holds. But, I do know that I have put myself in a position to succeed not only in business but in life. I am responsible for my success, and no one will ever put a price tag on me. Today I know that I can make an impact.
I did not get to this point in my life by planning every step of my future, or having unrealistic expectations. But by dreaming big, surrounding myself with the right people, and wanting more for not only myself but for each and every person I come into contact with.

Pictured: Emma Bradford at her networking event W.A.M. in Chicago, IL. 

Remember

Pictured: Emma Bradford after giving a presentation on Social Security. 

Follow your intuition.
Dream big.
Raise your standards.
Make an impact.