From Intern to Managing Partner - congratulations on your journey, Eric! Eric got involved with Modern Woodmen in 2019 when he joined our Internship Program. In 2022 he jumped into the Financial Representative role, and fast forward to 2025, he is now our new Managing Partner. Over the years I had a chance to watch Eric's talent grow and help him on every step of this journey. Watching him rise into this new role is a something that I am extremely proud of. Why did you choose leadership? "I got into leadership because of the people, Hector Romo and Chad Foster, who got me into this career. They made a huge impact on me, and I started thinking, “What if I could do that for someone else?” I also realized that stepping into leadership would give me a bigger opportunity not just to grow myself, but to help shape something that could impact a lot of people. It felt like the next right move, both for my own path and for the chance to build something bigger than just my own practice." What excites you about this new role? "Honestly, I’m excited to build. I get to develop my own district, find and coach the right people, and really leave my fingerprint on something. Modern Woodmen already has a solid foundation, and now I get to take that and grow it in my own way. It’s going to take time, effort, and learning as I go but that’s what makes it worth it." What tips do you have for other financial reps who want to get into leadership one day? "Be ready to work and be ready to grow. Many start off with the wrong reasons. Just make sure you eventually find the right ones, or they won’t stick. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about showing up, staying consistent, and being willing to bet on yourself and others. If you can do that, you’ll figure the rest out along the way."

#MotivationalMonday

We are excited to share our new Intern - Thisara Perera! Thisara is a Business Administration student at California State University, Dominguez Hills. "I’m currently involved with our campus Innovation Incubator, where I collaborate with a local loan company to help fund student startups and support entrepreneurial growth. Outside of that, I love baking and enjoy learning new languages in my free time." 1. Why did you choose Modern Woodmen internship? I chose this Modern Woodmen internship because the opportunity to sharpen my leadership skills, make an impact in the community, and gain real-world financial experience stood out to me as an incredible chance for both my personal and career growth. 2. What are you hoping to learn or experience during your internship? I’m eager to develop new skills in financial planning, client relationships, and more, all while gaining firsthand experience in the world of financial advising through assignments that will challenge me. I’m also excited to learn from experienced mentors and leaders who are making a lasting impact in their careers and communities. We hope that you enjoy your summer internship with us, Thisara! #ModernWoodmen #Internship #MWA

Want to see how well your team works together? Take them to an escape room! All of my 3 teams did a fantastic job, showing their teamwork and attention to detail to solve the puzzles and escape the room before time ran out. Great job, very proud of you!